A university education is no longer judged only by the lecture halls it builds but by how well it prepares graduates for life beyond the campus. Recognising this, the University of Lagos and Custodian Investment Plc have entered into a partnership aimed at strengthening the link between academic learning and the realities of the workplace.
The collaboration, which also includes the construction of a new university facility, is expected to promote industry-driven research, encourage stronger engagement between academics and businesses, and equip students with skills that align with the demands of today’s labour market.
The agreement was signed at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room on the 10th Floor of the UNILAG Senate House.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described the partnership as an important step in the university’s drive to deepen collaboration with industry.
She thanked Custodian Investment Plc for its support and confidence in the institution, expressing optimism that the relationship would extend beyond infrastructure.
“We hope this partnership will also serve as a platform for deeper industry engagement that promotes industry-relevant research, encourages meaningful interaction among industry, faculty and students, and supports the training of graduates who are ready to meet the demands of today’s workplace,” she said.
Ogunsola noted that stronger partnerships between universities and industry are increasingly essential to improving the quality and relevance of higher education.
According to her, such collaborations enable researchers to tackle real-world challenges, expose students to practical experiences, improve workforce readiness and contribute meaningfully to national development.
She also assured the company that its investment and confidence in the university would not be misplaced.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that your trust in us is well placed, and I assure you that we will not disappoint you,” she said.
Earlier, the Founder and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Custodian Investment Plc, Mr Wole Oshin, described the proposed building as the company’s contribution to the continued development of his alma mater through its Corporate Social Responsibility Foundation.
An alumnus of UNILAG’s Department of Actuarial Science, Class of 1984, Oshin said the decision to support the project was inspired by his enduring connection to the university and the remarkable contributions of UNILAG graduates within Custodian Investment Plc.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project and expressed confidence that construction would be completed within two years.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the agreement, marking the beginning of a partnership expected to strengthen infrastructure, expand knowledge exchange, advance research collaboration and foster closer ties between academia and industry.
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