The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Alumni Association has announced plans to construct a 1,800-bed hostel on the university’s campus to address the growing accommodation challenges faced by students.
The President of the Association, Ifeoluwa Oyedele, made this known during the association’s 55th Anniversary Commemoration, Awards, and Dinner, held on Friday in Lagos. The event honored distinguished Nigerians and outstanding alumni with lifetime achievement and service awards.
Oyedele said the initiative reflects the association’s continued commitment to improving the learning environment and supporting the welfare of students and staff.
“We must continue to intervene by helping to improve the learning environment in the university and make the experience of both staff and students worthwhile,” he said.
He commended the university management for maintaining a cooperative relationship with the alumni body, which he described as “seamless and symbiotic.”
According to Oyedele, the association has secured approval from the university to use a parcel of land within the campus for the hostel project.
“The planning of the project has reached an advanced stage, and we are optimistic that construction works will commence before the end of the year,” he added.
The alumni president also disclosed that the association would introduce character-based prizes at the next convocation to reward academic staff, non-academic staff, and graduating students who distinguish themselves in conduct and service. The awards, he said, would be named after some of the association’s distinguished honorees.
Oyedele further listed other planned projects, including the installation of two lifts in the administrative building of the College of Medicine, refurbishment of the alumni secretariat to international standards, restoration of water supply to some faculties, and provision of medical equipment at the university’s medical centre.
The association also conferred Platinum, Alumni, and Lifetime Achievement Awards on notable Nigerians who have contributed to national development and the growth of UNILAG.
Among the honourees were the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Chairman and CEO of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh; (Dr.) Folashade Noimat Okoya (MON); Wole Olanipekun (SAN, CFR, OFR); Tunde Fanimokun, Life Director of Folawiyo Group; Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Majority Leader; and Kessington Adebutu, Founder and CEO of Premier Lotto Limited.
Others included Olorogun Dr. Sonny Folorunsho Kuku (OFR, FAS, FAMEDS); Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack (OON, mni); Mr. Kayode Egbetokun; Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia (FCA, FCIB); Christopher Adebayo Ojo (SAN); Dr. Kola Adeshina (MFR, FNSE, DSc); and HRH Prof. Epiphany Ainge (SAN, OON).
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who represented the Lagos State Governor, and the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who represented Adebutu. His son, Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu, was also in attendance.
The anniversary dinner highlighted the alumni association’s continued commitment to supporting UNILAG through impactful projects and strengthening the bond between the university and its distinguished graduates.
