UNILAG Alumni Commends FG For Bold Strides In Education

Folashade Adeniran
Sep, Tue, 2025

Culture & Tourism

UNILAG Alumni commends FG for bold strides in education

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By Henry Oladele

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Alumni Association on Monday commended the Federal Government for some bold steps it had taken in the Education Sector.

The President of the association, Mr Ifeoluwa Oyedele, gave this commendation at a news conference for the association’s 55th Anniversary and Award night coming up later this year.

Oyedele, particularly, lauded the establishment of the NELFUND.

He said, “This has made it possible for students in Nigeria to continue with their education without any break.

“Recently, the federal government also approved full scholarship for students in technical education at all levels. This is really commendable.”

The association’s president also commended the government for its commitment to resolve the impasse between itself and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

He added that the government should find a lasting solution to its issues with ASUU, to avert a nationwide strike.

“The salaries of our lecturers is nothing to write about, and that’s why we suffer from an excessive brain drain.

“A university professor cannot even afford to send his own children to the same university where he lectures. That has to change.

“I am happy that the federal government at the highest level, has waded into this issue and I am optimistic that the government will not allow us to go on strike.

“However, we must devise a new strategy, a new model for funding education.

“Our educational sector is under strain. From the primary to tertiary level, institutions face overwhelming challenges,” he said.

Among those challenges, he mentioned inadequate funding that left schools struggling to deliver quality education, adding that there were lagging brain drain among the best trade minds.

“Also, the persistent challenge of welfare for our teachers, lecturers and researchers is a very good task to shape the minds of the next generation.

“That is why, as an association, we have chosen to be part of the solution.

Oyedele said that over the years, it had stepped forward to boost the quality of students’ mentorship and support, adding that it had also opened doors of opportunity to countless students.

“We have contributed to rebuilding some of our lecture halls and hostels, and undertaken advocacy to ensure that issues of education remain at the forefront of our national conversation.

“We cannot wait to do more,” Oyedele said.

He stressed that government at all levels had the task to make education the true quality it deserved to be.

He called on every Nigerian citizen, and especially every alumnus, to give back to their Alma mater, whether through mentorship, financial support or advocacy.

“Every contribution matters and in spite of the challenges, I stand before you today full of optimism. Nigeria is a place of talent, resilience, and creativity.

“With the right support, our universities will not only compete with their global counterparts but also drive national development in science, technology, the arts and government.

“The truth of the matter is that education needs money. And without money, you cannot perform education,” Oyedele said.

On the alumni’s 55th anniversary celebration, Oyedele said that the recognition and award night was not just another event on the calendar, but a flagship gathering of all alumni worldwide.

He noted that it was an event where all the alumni would come together to celebrate excellence, honour outstanding contributions, and very importantly, raise much needed funds to support the association.

“This year’s edition is particularly significant because it marks our 55th anniversary.

“It will take place on Oct. 17, and will be held at Eko Hotel and Suites, with the Special Guest of Honour being His Excellency, the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Ibrahim Shettima,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awardees for the coming alumni anniversary celebration include Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria; Wole Olanipekun, Pro-Chancellor, UNILAG, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

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