UNILAG VC Urges Rebranding of Institution

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has called for the rebranding of the institution.

While giving a report of the achievements of his administration in the last one year on Monday said necessary steps were being taken to remodel UNILAG as a truly 21st century and first-class university.

He said, “We have been able to attract research grants and recently we announced the TETfund of N1bn for a kidney and neurology centre.

“In terms of academic excellence, our colleagues and students have continually distinguished themselves by winning awards and laurels in academic and social competitions within and outside the country.”

Ogundipe added that through his interaction, Mr Femi Okunnu, SAN, funded the commissioning of the vertical extension of the Faculty of law building.

“I approached Alhaji Okunnu for support and he pledged N100m donation to fund the vertical extension of the Faculty of Law building. The project was commissioned last week Wednesday via zoom by Okunnu,” the VC said.

He said the university would not cover up lecturers involved in sexual abuse scandals.

“We will not cover up any evil. People involved are already on suspension. Once the Senate comes up with their report, we will do the needful. If there is anybody involved in harassment, we will deal with the matter,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also lamented the rate of the monthly electricity tariff given to the university which according to him would be a general problem for all universities in the country by 2021 especially when the students resume.

“Universities in Nigeria are likely to have a problem in 2021. The last bill we paid when students were not around is N62m, meaning when students resume, we may likely pay N90m. This is another problem we will have and we want the government to look into it.”

The Deputy Vice-chancellor, Development and Services, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, unveiled the AVASTECH project aimed at providing biometrics solutions for online examinations.

She said, “Innovation is what UNILAG is known for. AVASTECH comes with a system that assists in ensuring the security of examinations. It helps to identify people without being there; when taking online examinations the system will shut down if it is the wrong person.”