The Governing Council of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has reiterated its commitment to repositioning the institution as a globally competitive and future-ready university.
This pledge was made during a three-day retreat held in Lagos over the weekend, themed “UNILAG Beyond Today: Unlocking Value, Optimising Assets & Location, and Shaping the Future.” The retreat was chaired by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), and attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, members of the council, top officials, deans, directors, and invited experts.
Delivering the keynote address, renowned education expert and traditional ruler, Prof. Akin Owosekun, emphasized the need for UNILAG to take bold steps toward innovation and sustainability.
In a communiqué issued by the university’s Registrar, Mrs. Victoria Abosede Wickliffe, and shared with Tribune Online by the institution’s spokesperson, Mrs. Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the council noted that UNILAG, while remaining a public service institution, has the potential to become financially self-sustaining.
It highlighted the university’s strategic location in the Lagos metropolis and along the Lagoon waterfront as significant assets that could be leveraged for revenue generation through alternative funding models.
The council also raised concerns over two key policy issues: the classification of universities under government ministries and agencies, and the inclusion of their research grants and donations in the Treasury Single Account (TSA). It called for an urgent review of these frameworks to allow for more operational flexibility.
Four major recommendations were made to strengthen UNILAG’s institutional capacity. Among them was a call for full autonomy in academic, administrative, and financial affairs, enabling the university to attract funding through public-private partnerships, alumni support, and innovative ventures.
The council further suggested that UNILAG explore opportunities in real estate, build partnerships with industries, invest in digital learning and artificial intelligence, and maintain high standards of financial transparency and prudence.
Expressing optimism, the council noted that these goals are achievable if all stakeholders, including the university community and government, fulfill their roles and collaborate effectively.
