The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Honours Committee has announced a call for nominations of suitably qualified individuals for three prestigious honorary positions:
Emeritus Professorship
Distinguished Professorship
Gold Medal Award
According to the notice, nominations must be supported with appropriate documentation, as incomplete submissions will be disqualified. Three hard copies of the nominations, alongside attachments, are to be submitted to the Director of Academic Affairs on or before Sunday, 31st August 2025. In addition, electronic copies in PDF format should be forwarded to honourscommittee@unilag.edu.ng by the same date. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Emeritus Professorship
This title recognises professors who have rendered meritorious service to the university and retired at the mandatory age. Candidates must have served as professors for at least 15 years, with a minimum of 10 years at UNILAG, and must have delivered an inaugural lecture before retirement. They must demonstrate excellence in teaching, research, and community service, as well as ongoing contributions to scholarship. The number of Emeritus Professors is capped at 10% of serving professors, with no more than three appointments per year.
Distinguished Professorship
This honour is reserved for professors of at least 15 years’ standing, including 10 years at UNILAG. Nominees must have presented an inaugural lecture and distinguished themselves through outstanding research, teaching, publications, and recognised authority in their fields. Appointments are limited to three per year, with no more than two from the same faculty. Distinguished Professors are expected to provide academic leadership, deliver an annual public lecture, and supervise PhD candidates.
Gold Medal Award
This award recognises staff with at least 25 years of service, 15 of which must have been at UNILAG. It honours individuals who have made significant contributions to teaching, research, administration, or community service. Awardees must have a clean disciplinary record and shall not exceed 1% of staff in service. The honour is categorised into academic staff, senior administrative/technical staff, and junior staff, with no more than two recipients per category at any time.
All awardees will be recognised at official university events, listed in the University Calendar, and conferred during Convocation ceremonies.
The Senate-approved scoring system for Emeritus and Distinguished Professorships considers factors such as Senate attendance, research grants, publications, postgraduate supervision, awards, community projects, and service to the university.
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