The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and global relevance, as she delivered her address at the Day Two Afternoon Session of the 56th Convocation Ceremonies held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Professor Ogunsola congratulated the 2,529 graduands from the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Health Professions, Pharmacy, and the Distance Learning Institute (DLI), describing the convocation as a reward for hard work and dedication. She noted that the overall convocation would see 16,506 students graduate across undergraduate, postgraduate, and business school programmes.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted key activities marking the convocation week, including the Convocation Lecture delivered by Slum2School Africa founder, Mr. Orondaam Otto, exhibitions of staff and student innovations, and the unveiling of the UNILAG Multimedia Library Studio supported by the World Bank Centre of Excellence (ACEDHARS). She also announced upcoming honours to be conferred on distinguished academics and prominent Nigerians.
Providing updates on infrastructure, Professor Ogunsola listed several completed and ongoing projects, including the renovation of the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium by the Lagos State Government, the completion of the UNDP-backed UNILAG UniPod, the Window on America facility, new research centres, and major faculty buildings supported by corporate partners. She also disclosed that hostel rehabilitations had been completed and that new bed spaces would significantly boost student accommodation by 2027.
On digital transformation, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that the Automate UNILAG initiative is advancing campus-wide connectivity, enterprise systems, and IT infrastructure. She noted the launch of the ITMO AI Chatbot, Nigeria’s first digital intellectual property and patent registry in a tertiary institution, as a major milestone in research commercialisation.
Professor Ogunsola reported strong gains in research, entrepreneurship, and global partnerships, stating that the university attracted over $17.3 million in research grants within one year. She announced new international collaborations, including joint degree programmes and a planned partnership with the University of Birmingham under the Federal Government’s Transnational Education initiative.
Concluding, the Vice-Chancellor urged graduands to embrace adaptability, lifelong learning, and the UNILAG “can-do spirit” as they step into a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and artificial intelligence. She thanked staff, alumni, partners, and stakeholders for their sustained support, assuring that the university remains focused on national development and global impact.
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