The University of Lagos (UNILAG) International Week 2025 continued on a remarkable note on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, as the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, received a high-powered delegation in her 11th Floor office at the Senate House.
The courtesy visit marked a day of strategic engagement and forward-looking dialogue centred on digital transformation and innovation.
The delegation, led by the Director of the Office of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects (IRPP), Professor Ismail A. Ibraheem, included Dr Bunmi Ajala (Senior Special Assistant on Data, AI and Research), who represented the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani; Mr Emmanuel Lubanzadio, Africa Lead at OpenAI; Professor Adenike Boyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Lagos State University (LASU), who represented the LASU Vice-Chancellor; representatives of TETFund; partners from international academic institutions; and key stakeholders across Nigeria’s innovation and digital ecosystem.
In his remarks, Professor Ibraheem highlighted the strategic significance of the visit as a testament to UNILAG’s growing reputation as a continental leader in digital transformation.
He announced plans for the establishment of the first OpenAI Academy in Africa, to be hosted by the University of Lagos—an initiative made possible through the support of Mr Lubanzadio. According to him, this milestone positions UNILAG at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancement and capacity building across the African continent.
Welcoming the delegation, Professor Ogunsola expressed profound optimism about the future of AI in Africa and underscored the importance of intentional, inclusive innovation.
She emphasised that Africa must not remain a passive consumer in the digital age but must emerge as a creator of contextually relevant solutions.
According to her:
“Artificial Intelligence represents a deeper opportunity—a chance for Africa to catch up without the burden of reinventing the wheel. More importantly, it offers a pathway to reclaim and redefine Africa’s voice in the global digital dialogue.”
The courtesy visit concluded with a ceremonial group photograph. Thereafter, the delegation proceeded to the J.F. Ade. Ajayi (Main) Auditorium for the formal Opening Ceremony of the 5th UNILAG International Week.
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