Unilag wins over N11bn in research grants, awards – VC

The University of Lagos, Nigeria, has won research grants and awards worth over eleven billion naira, in 2023, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, vice-chancellor of the university said at the Annual Media Parley, on Thursday.

Ogunsola said the university also leveraged scholarship opportunities including the Professorial Chair Endowment of the Nigerian Copyrights Commission (NCC) worth N30 million. This she described as part of the low-hanging fruits of the financial re-engineering efforts of the incumbent management’s Future-Ready Agenda.

Addressing a gathering of journalists from both print and electronic media at the Unilag Senate Chamber, Ogunsola expressed gratitude for their unwavering commitment and resilience throughout the challenges of the year.

Describing 2023 as a tumultuous period for the Nigerian education sector, Prof. Ogunsola highlighted various challenges, including the Japa syndrome, which witnessed a significant exodus of young researchers from Nigerian universities to other countries.

She noted that the persistent surge in exchange rates had adversely affected the earnings of university staff nationwide, and the sector grappled with ongoing infrastructural decay.

However, Ogunsola took the opportunity to present the management’s achievements for the outgoing year, which included:

Scholarship Support: Over 750 indigent students benefited from scholarship support, covering their obligatory fees. This initiative aimed to fulfil the commitment to ensuring that no student drops out due to the increase in obligatory fees.

Palliatives: The provision of various palliatives for the children and wards of staff members, offering support in different forms.

Work-Study Engagement: The engagement of 170 students in Work-Study programmes, involves a 40-hour commitment monthly. As part of this initiative, work-study stipends were revised upwards, with amounts ranging from N200 to N500 and N1000 for specific tasks.

In reflecting on the challenges faced by the education sector in 2023, Prof. Ogunsola highlighted the resilience and collaborative efforts that contributed to the positive outcomes achieved by the institution.

Professor Ogunsola detailed the initiatives undertaken to support and enhance scholarships for students and staff at UNILAG. These efforts include:

Sahara Annual Students’ Scholar Award: A one-million-naira scholarship is awarded to outstanding students in disciplines such as Architecture, Economics, Engineering, Insurance, and Library Information Sciences. Additionally, three lecturers annually receive a $12,000 scholarship grant, courtesy of Sahara Energy.

Library Remodeling: The UNILAG Library underwent remodelling to create a conducive and modern learning environment.

Jaja Shopping Complex Renovation: The renovation of the Jaja Shopping Complex was carried out through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

Lecturers’ Offices Renovation and Classroom Donation: Renovation of lecturers’ offices and a donation of a 416-seater classroom were made possible by the Faculty of Engineering Alumni.

Infrastructure Upgrades: Critical infrastructures across the campus were upgraded to improve water supply.

Hostel Renovation: Ongoing renovations of students’ hostels and halls of residence were initiated, among other significant milestones.

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The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the achievements in training and capacity building for both staff and students. This included certification courses from COURSERA and training in disaster prevention and management facilitated by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

Furthermore, the unbundling of various courses and faculties and the creation of new programs were implemented to align with global trends.

In terms of internationalisation, Prof. Ogunsola highlighted UNILAG’s hosting of the 4th Biennial International Conference of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), the UMOJA African Student Leaders Network Summit, and the annual International Week.

These events played a crucial role in breaking borders, fostering partnerships, and positioning UNILAG in the global academic community. Over 40 Vice-Chancellors from various universities worldwide attended these events, contributing to the university’s mission of expanding the frontiers of knowledge on a global scale.

Professor Ogunsola shared insights into the upcoming year, stating that 2024 presents an opportunity for Unilag to consolidate its achievements. The focus areas include staff recruitment, career advancement for teaching and non-teaching staff, and infrastructural improvements.

Media practitioners at the Media Parley raised pertinent questions on security, infrastructure, and strategies for building upon the successes of the outgoing year. The Vice-Chancellor reiterated the management’s dedication to utilising all available means to enhance the university’s infrastructure, aiming for greater community impact and increased relevance nationally and internationally. This commitment extends to improving the well-being of both staff and students.

During the event, the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN) presented a plaque to the University of Lagos, acknowledging the longstanding relationship between the association and the university.