The University of Lagos and the Nigeria Computer Society, Lagos Chapter, have begun discussions on a strategic partnership aimed at advancing digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and student development in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
The engagement followed a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Lagos Chapter, to the university on April 30, 2026.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Lagos Chapter, Dr. Adewale Adesina, was received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Lesi.
Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between academia and industry in response to the rapidly evolving digital and technological landscape.
The Society highlighted plans to deepen collaboration with the university following the launch of the Artificial Intelligence University Innovation Pod (AI UniPod) at UNILAG.
Among the proposed areas of collaboration are student mentorship programmes, digital skills development, industry exposure initiatives, AI-focused research partnerships, innovation challenges, startup incubation, and certification opportunities.
The Society also proposed onboarding students into the professional body from their first year of study to enhance professional development and industry preparedness.
Speaking during the engagement, representatives of the Society stressed the need to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical industry realities, especially in emerging technology fields.
Two student representatives from the Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Toluwani Ajibare and Jerry Chukwuma Aneke, also commended the proposed collaboration, noting that students increasingly require practical skills and industry exposure to remain competitive after graduation.
Responding, Professor Lesi stated that the university had remained committed to providing students with quality opportunities within the computing and technology sectors.
He noted that several proposals by the Society aligned with existing efforts within the Faculty of Computing and Informatics and encouraged stronger collaboration under the new Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards framework.
According to him, industry professionals are well positioned to contribute to curriculum development and help universities design more practical and future-oriented academic programmes.
Professor Lesi further suggested the possibility of inducting graduating students into the Nigeria Computer Society during the university’s hooding ceremonies as part of efforts to ease students’ transition into professional practice.
He also called for sustained engagements that could eventually lead to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between both institutions.
The meeting underscored the growing importance of collaboration between universities, professional bodies, and industry stakeholders in preparing students for the future of work and digital transformation.
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