UNILAG Alumni Initiative celebrates corporate leaders aiding educational development, bridging resource gaps and supporting student learning experiences

The University of Lagos Alumni Association, Lagos State Branch, has announced the UNILAG Alumni Initiative to honour corporate leaders and organisations making outstanding contributions to educational development.

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The recognition will take place at the upcoming “Dinner with the Corporate World.”

The event will celebrate individuals and institutions whose support has strengthened the university system, with prospective awardees including Dr Akintoye Akindele, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Rt Hon. Mojisola Meranda, Dr Oyeyemi Ayoola, Dr Segun Oshundairo, Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, Comrade Yussuf Kelani, Dr Olufemi Ogunsanya, Dr Seinde Fadeni, Mr Folusho Phillips, Mrs Funmilayo Oduwole, Hon. Tubosun Aruwe, among others.

Speaking at a press briefing, Chairman Comrade Adedeji Owoeye said the initiative reflects the Association’s commitment to bridging resource gaps in Nigeria’s higher education system.

He stressed that government alone cannot meet the financial demands of public universities.

“When you engage the corporate world, you must establish a relationship that benefits both the town and the gown,” Owoeye explained. “Our goal is to ensure organisations help identify and support the fundamental needs that shape students’ daily learning experiences.”

He noted that the effort began during the last Annual Shofoluwe Lecture, when alumni were encouraged to contribute directly to priority areas within the university.

Departments submitted detailed infrastructure requirements, allowing the Association to target support more effectively.

“We discovered that the needs were vast, but so was the willingness of people to support. We realised we had to focus on those whose contributions directly addressed the university’s most pressing challenges,” Owoeye added.

Vice-Chairman Sade Balogun said the initiative demonstrates the transformative power of collaboration between alumni, institutions, and industry.

“When we work together with a shared purpose, we can transform education. This initiative has shown that such collaboration is both possible and powerful,” she remarked.

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The UNILAG Alumni Association is calling on alumni, corporate partners, and the wider public to join its efforts, describing the initiative as a new chapter in sustainable support for Nigeria’s higher education system.