The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Alumni Association has unveiled plans to construct a 1,800-bed student hostel on the institution’s Akoka Main Campus, Lagos — a move aimed at addressing the growing accommodation deficit among students.
Currently, the university operates 16 hostels across its male, female, and postgraduate categories, including King Jaja, Mariere, Madam Tinubu, and Queen Moremi, among others.
The President Worldwide of the Association, Dr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele, made the announcement during the association’s 55th Anniversary, Awards, and Dinner Night held in Lagos, where the group also honoured distinguished Nigerians and exceptional alumni for their outstanding service and achievements.
“The association has received approval from the university to use a suitable parcel of land within the campus for the project, and construction is expected to commence before the end of the year,” Oyedele revealed.
He added that the UNILAG Alumni Association would institute prizes to reward outstanding character and academic excellence, noting that these awards would be named after some of the association’s distinguished honourees.
“In the same vein, to underscore the mission of the university, which is learning and character, your association will institute prizes to reward those who distinguish themselves in character,” Oyedele said.
Oyedele further disclosed that the alumni body plans to embark on several other projects, including the installation of lifts in the College of Medicine, refurbishment of the alumni secretariat, restoration of water supply to selected faculties, and installation of renewable energy systems to power key facilities.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, praised the alumni for their commitment, describing the association as one of the best globally.
“I know what I’m saying; alumni associations have the duty to connect, to be our ambassadors, to advocate, and to support the school. In my opinion, this alumni association receives 100% on each of these,” Ogunsola said.
She expressed appreciation for the alumni’s continuous contributions both locally and abroad, assuring that the university would sustain its partnership with them to advance learning and institutional development.
The event’s highlight was the presentation of Lifetime and Distinguished Alumni Awards to prominent Nigerians, including Chief Kessington Adebutu (Premier Lotto Limited) and Chief Tunde Fanimokun, recognized for their enduring support in boosting the university’s endowment fund.
Other awardees included Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun (SAN); Chief (Dr.) Folashade Noimat Okoya, Managing Director of Eleganza Group; Dr. John Momoh, Chairman and CEO of Channels Media Group; Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council; and Senator (Dr.) Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Majority Leader.
Also honoured were Dr. Sonny Folorunsho Kuku, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Senator (Dr.) Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Chief Christopher Adebayo Ojo (SAN), Dr. Kola Adeshina, and HRH Prof. Epiphany Ainge (SAN).
UNILAG Alumni To Build 1,800-Bed Hostel — a milestone that underscores the alumni’s commitment to the university’s development and Nigeria’s academic advancement.
