The Faculty of Science at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has marked its 60th anniversary with a vibrant celebration reflecting six decades of academic distinction, innovation, and national impact. Held on July 3, 2025, at the Nurudeen Alao Auditorium, the event drew a distinguished gathering of alumni, students, scholars, and leaders from academia and industry.
With the theme, “Faculty of Science: 60 Years Before and 60 Years from Now,” the anniversary served not only as a moment of reflection but also a strategic launchpad into the next era of scientific advancement.
A Legacy of Growth and Transformation
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Prof. Bola Oboh—herself an alumna of the Faculty—announced a landmark institutional restructuring: the Faculty of Science will give birth to three new faculties by August 1, 2025:
Faculty of Computing and Informatics
Faculty of Earth and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Biological and Life Sciences
She emphasized that this restructuring signals the Faculty’s maturity and continued relevance in addressing emerging scientific challenges. “This is a product of decades of impactful teaching, research, and innovation. We urge the new faculties to uphold the spirit of excellence and collaboration that defined our foundation,” she said.
Celebrating Champions of Knowledge
Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Olayinka Asekun, the first female to hold the position in the Faculty’s history, proudly recounted its evolution from a modest unit of 12 staff and 24 students in 1962 to a powerhouse with over 200,000 alumni.
“Our alumni are our pride. They have become industry leaders, global scholars, and nation builders,” Asekun declared. She revealed that the entire anniversary event was fully funded through alumni support, underscoring their enduring connection to the faculty.
Prof. Asekun also holds the unique honour of being both the final Dean of the consolidated Faculty of Science and the pioneer Dean of the newly-formed Faculty of Earth and Physical Sciences.
Driving the Next 60 Years: Industry, Innovation, and Research
Veteran geologist and industry expert Dr. Kehinde Ladipo, FAS, delivered the keynote address, urging a closer alliance between academia and industry. He emphasized the importance of visibility, innovation, and a “bottom-up” approach to research and development that responds to real-world needs.
“The Faculty must position itself as an indispensable partner to industry. We must stop doing research in silos,” Ladipo charged, referencing the Shell Centre of Excellence in Geosciences at UNILAG as a model of successful university-industry synergy.
Tributes, Awards, and Cultural Displays
The event featured goodwill messages from key alumni, including a heartfelt message from Dr. Daniel Olukoya, General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry and a proud alumnus of the Faculty. Represented by Prof. Elijah Ojelabi, Vice-Chancellor of Mountain Top University, Dr. Olukoya described the Faculty as “a place of discipline and destiny.”
Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, Managing Director of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc and another proud alumnus, commended Prof. Asekun’s leadership and affirmed continued alumni support in the Faculty’s next chapter.
The ceremony also honoured outstanding contributors with awards presented to:
Best Student of the Year
Outstanding Lecturer of the Year
Outstanding Non-Teaching Staff of the Year
Students of the Department of Creative Arts added a cultural touch with a performance celebrating UNILAG’s spirit.
Looking Ahead: Excellence and Expansion
In his vote of thanks, Prof. Elijah Oyeyemi, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, expressed deep appreciation to all who contributed to the celebration. He urged renewed dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.