By Abdullahi Lukman
The University of Lagos Alumni Association has unveiled plans for its 55th Anniversary awards and recognition dinner, scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking at a news briefing in Lagos, President of the association, Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele said the event will celebrate distinguished alumni while raising funds to strengthen education at the institution.
He said proceeds will support scholarships for indigent students, provide research and teaching equipment, and fund a new 1,800-bed hostel project.
Vice President Kashim Shettima will be the Special Guest of Honour, while eminent physician, Olorogun Dr. Sonny Kuku will chair the occasion. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, will also be in attendance alongside top dignitaries.
Engr. Oyedele disclosed that the association will present awards in three categories. The alumni Platinum Award will be conferred on Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria; Chief Wole Olanipekun, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Lagos; and Dr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels TV Group.
Recipients of the distinguished alumni award include Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, former Governor of Gombe State; Mr. Kola Adesina, group managing director of Sahara Group; HRM (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge, the Asagba of Asaba; Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Okoya, managing director of Eleganza Fashion Products Ltd.; and Chief Bayo Ojo, former Attorney General of the Federation.
The Lifetime Achievement award will honour Chief Kessington Adebutu, Chairman of Premier Lotto Ltd.; Chief Tunde Fanimokun, Life Director of Folawiyo Group; and Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Majority Leader.
While commending the federal government for initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and scholarships for students in technical education, Oyedele stressed the urgent need for sustainable education financing.
He warned that federal allocations are insufficient, citing UNILAG’s electricity bill of nearly ₦500 million monthly compared to an annual government provision of ₦180 million.
He also called for stronger alumni and private sector support, drawing attention to international models.
“Harvard University has an endowment fund of $50.3 billion. If UNILAG had even $1 billion invested, it would transform education delivery. We must encourage wealthy Nigerians to invest in endowment funds rather than compete on rich lists,” he said.
On industrial disputes, he praised government efforts in maintaining a stable academic calendar but urged fairer remuneration for lecturers to curb brain drain.
“Education is the seed of every nation’s greatness. If we nurture it, Nigeria will flourish. If we neglect it, we all pay the price. The UNILAG Alumni Association is committed to nurturing it, and we call on government, industry, and citizens to join us,” Oyedele said.
Otunba Lekan Ajisafe, 2nd Vice President and Chairman, 55th Anniversary Planning Committee, explained that the Awards and Recognition Dinner is the second phase of the event which started last year.
“Great Nigerians have been carefully selected for their contributions to education, society, and the University of Lagos. Let me inform you that the award is for only deserving Nigerians. We want people to know that investment in education is not a waste but for national building,” he said
