The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, has called for greater investment in teacher training and improved remuneration as a crucial step towards revitalising Nigeria’s education sector.
Professor Ogunsola made this appeal on Friday, 23 May 2025, during a courtesy visit by members of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) to her 11th-floor office at the university.
The delegation was led by Mr Uche Orazulike, representative of the Lagos Zone President, Mr Chinedu Okoli. Other members included Mr Alex Akindumila (Global President, FGC Odo-Ani), Mrs Omoye Evbota (Global President, FGGC New Bussa), Mrs Kikelomo Alamu (Social Secretary, Lagos Zone and alumna of FGGC Bakori), and Mrs Mimi Leke (Publicity Secretary, Lagos Zone and alumna of FGGC Owerri).
Welcoming the delegation, Professor Ogunsola, herself a proud alumna of Queen’s College, Lagos (Class of 1974), expressed concern over the declining standards in Unity Schools and across the broader educational system in Nigeria.
“The challenges facing the education sector affect all schools—Unity or otherwise. Issues such as infrastructural deficits, overcrowding, insufficient funding, and limited access are widespread,” she stated.
Highlighting the imbalance between Nigeria’s growing population and the relatively small number of Unity Schools, she said, “If secondary school graduates are not well-rounded, we cannot expect high-quality output at the tertiary level. This signals an urgent need for the government to invest in all secondary schools, not just Unity Schools, if we truly aim for national development.”
The Vice-Chancellor further stressed the importance of sustaining the legacy of Unity Schools, describing them as vital pillars in national development. She called for urgent reforms, particularly in the area of teacher welfare, stressing that the strength of any educational system lies in the quality and motivation of its teachers.
Earlier in the meeting, Mr Orazulike outlined USOSA’s mission to preserve and enhance the legacy of Unity Schools through advocacy, alumni engagement, and strategic partnerships. He also highlighted upcoming events such as the USOSA Plenary in Enugu (June 2025) and the USOSA Diaspora Meeting in Toronto, Canada (July 2025). These initiatives, he said, aim to support infrastructure upgrades, promote academic excellence, and improve the welfare of teachers.
Motivated by Professor Ogunsola’s passionate remarks, the USOSA delegation reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that will elevate the standard of Unity Schools and contribute positively to the nation’s educational future.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts, and Professor Ogunsola was decorated as a distinguished alumna and ambassador of Unity Schools.
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