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  • Academy, UNILAG celebrate leaders

    Academy, UNILAG celebrate leaders

    The D’BusinessDoctor (DBD) Mentorship Academy, in collaboration with KB Klub, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (UNILAG), has graduated new young professionals trained to bridge the gap between clinical practice and health care entrepreneurship.

    The graduation held yesterday on Victoria Island, Lagos, marked the end of a 12-week intensive programme designed to equip doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other health workers with leadership, management and business skills often absent in conventional medical training.

    Founded by a health care business consultant, Dr. Ademolu Owoyele (D’BusinessDoctor), the academy aims to “open the eyes of young health care professionals to the business side of medicine” and inspire them to drive innovation within Nigeria’s health sector.

    Since its inception in 2017 through Harley and Wall Healthcare and Business Consulting, in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Association and Association for General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, the academy has trained professionals to think strategically, lead effectively and create sustainable health care ventures.

    Guest speaker and an investment banker, Mr. Biodun Oke, who is also the director of Group Sales at Vetiva Asset Management, underscored the role of financial intelligence, resilience and entrepreneurial vision in building stronger health systems.

    “Doctors and health care professionals must learn to think like business leaders if they want to transform the sector,” he said.

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    The graduating class nicknamed the “DBD Trailblazers”, received certificates of completion, with Bolaji Ogunyade earning the Most Outstanding Leader Award for Exceptional Dedication and Initiative.

    Some of the mentees described the programme as a turning point in their professional journey.

    One of the graduates, Amari Moyinoluwa, lauded the mentorship as a transformative experience, saying it challenged her “to think bigger, work smarter and step out of my comfort zone” and that she was “walking away with not just knowledge, but also transformation.”

    Dr. Owoyele expressed confidence in the new graduates’ ability to make an impact.

    “Their resilience, creativity and commitment to growth reflect exactly why this academy exists; to raise a new generation of health care professionals, who not only heal but also build,” he said.

    National Vice President of NMA, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, congratulated the graduates, affirming the association’s commitment to nurturing health care leaders, who combine clinical excellence with business acumen to drive innovation and sustainability.

    He expressed confidence that the new alumni would build enterprises that would improve patient care and strengthen the nation’s health sector.

    With practical skills in strategy, leadership and innovation, the new alumni are expected to contribute to reshaping health care delivery in Nigeria and beyond.

  • APC leader urges curriculum reform at UNILAG alumni lecture

    APC leader urges curriculum reform at UNILAG alumni lecture

    National Secretary, All Progressive Congress, (APC) Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru has reiterated the need for a curriculum reform that promotes technologies in healthcare, education, agriculture, security, and other economic activities, while ensuring transparency, accountability, data protection, and fairness in their design and deployment.

    Senator Basiru noted this at the 12th Professor Adetokunbo Babatunde

    Sofoluwe Memorial Anniversary Lecture, hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Alumni Association, Lagos state branch.

    Speaking on the theme: ‘Tech Governance in 2025: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility’, the renowned lawyer and financial instruments expert, emphasised the importance of responsible technology use, especially in  education. He added that “every Nigerian, regardless of geographical or sociological status, should benefit from the technological revolution in education.”

    He also urged the alumni to honour the memory of Professor Sofoluwe beyond speeches, by advancing Nigeria’s technological frontiers with the same vision, integrity, and commitment to educational and technological excellence, the late Professor exemplified during his lifetime.

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    “We should insist on research and entrepreneurial creativity that comes with tech governance, ethical standards and responsibility. Just as Professor Sofoluwe championed education as a tool for societal development, tech governance should ensure that innovation serves the public good,” he advised.

    Chairman of the UNILAG Alumni Association, Lagos State Branch, Comrade Owoeye Adedeji (OVO), noted that the best way to celebrate Professor Sofoluwe’s legacy, is through giving back to the university.

     “We have mourned Professor Sofoluwe; now is the time to celebrate him and the way we do that is by giving back to the university that he led very creditably,” he said.

  • Versity Capital empowers UNILAG students with funding, mentorship

    Versity Capital empowers UNILAG students with funding, mentorship

    Versity Capital has empowered students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) with career development opportunities, business funding, and mentorship during the Femi Gbajabiamila Hall Week, held from August 3 to 9, 2025.

    The week-long programme featured a flagship Career Day aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world earning for African undergraduates. The initiative was founded by talent strategist and investor Seun Johnson.

    Industry leaders, including Aramide Balogun of Microsoft and Bukola Reis of Molaran & Reis Consultancy, engaged students in interactive sessions on professional growth and entrepreneurship.

    Read Also: UNILAG 2024 top graduate bags Erasmus Mundus scholarship

    One of the highlights was the Pitch Your Hustle competition, where six student entrepreneurs showcased their business ideas. Darah Pizza & Edibles emerged winner, receiving ₦350,000 in seed funding and three months of free internet.

    Versity Capital also sponsored the Hall’s House of Assembly pageant, awarding ₦150,000 each to the crowned President and First Lady.

    Speaking on the initiative, Johnson said the goal was to “raise the value system, sharpen financial literacy, and inspire self-reliance before graduation,” while providing access to funding, mentorship, and business networks.

  • Govt’s industrial strategy stimulating economic revival, says Unilag Don

    Govt’s industrial strategy stimulating economic revival, says Unilag Don

    A Professor in the Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Lagos, Olusoji George  has expressed strong support for  federal government’s industrial development strategy, citing evidence of a significant economic revival.

    The professor, who turned 70 today , highlighted the government’s effective mobilization of resources to encourage private and foreign investment, driving growth in key sectors.

    “The industrial sector has shown impressive signs of revival, driving growth in trade, consumption, and exports,” George stated. He noted that this growth has significantly outpaced earlier forecasts, marking a sharp turnaround from the downturn experienced in 2023 due to global uncertainties.

    George praised the government’s focus on agricultural industrialisation and modernization, which leverages high-quality human resources and advanced technologies. He pointed to the substantial economic and social benefits of new industrial establishments, such as the Dangote refinery, noting their direct and indirect impact on job creation.

    “The woman who sells food at that location, who didn’t have a job before, is now employed,” he explained, illustrating the ripple effect of such developments. This interconnected network, he said, creates a bustling economic ecosystem that effectively tackles unemployment.

    According to George, a research project by one of his former PhD students revealed that every one of Nigeria’s 36 states possesses unique resources ripe for industrialisation. He used the potential yam industry in Benue State and the vast bitumen deposits in Ondo State as examples.

    He contrasted Nigeria’s easily accessible bitumen with Canada’s, which requires blasting, emphasising the country’s unique advantage. George stressed the importance of citing industries close to their raw material sources to avoid logistical and managerial inefficiencies. He criticised the Kaduna refinery as a cautionary tale, noting its vulnerability to disruption due to the lack of a direct pipeline.

    Read Also: UNILAG don to speak on carbon controversy August 6

    While optimistic, George acknowledged that the industrial sector still faces external and domestic risks, including supply chain disruptions. He also critiqued Nigeria’s past economic policies, specifically the 1968 indigenization decree, arguing that it led to handing over management to unqualified individuals.

    The professor called for an industrial sector that is competitive, technologically advanced, and deeply integrated into the global value chain. He also emphasised the need for a national workforce that is professional, disciplined, and highly productive.

    Acknowledging public frustration over current economic hardships, George attributed part of the problem to the government’s failure to effectively communicate the long-term benefits of its policies. “I agree with a lot of Nigerians that things are tough,” he said, noting the need for a better communication strategy.

    He urged for a shift in the industrial growth model from a focus on quantity to one centered on productivity, quality, and efficiency. In light of the impact of artificial intelligence, he stressed the importance of renovating vocational training and fostering collaboration between institutions and enterprises to accelerate the application of new technologies. He  called in intensive efforts to support the government to  develop an industrial sector that is  competitive and  have modern technologies, and  can participate in the global value chain in a number of specialized sub-sectors and fields.

    The professor argued that the official channels for government communication are failing to effectively connect with the public.

    He connected this to a broader sense of public frustration, acknowledging that “I agree with a lot of Nigerians that things are tough .The government is failing to communicate the long-term benefits that will eventually make the current hardships seem worthwhile. “

    According to him, what Nigeria needs an  industrial sector will develop with a majority specialized industries having advanced technologies and product quality up to international standards, deeply participating in the global value chain, using energy thriftily and efficiently, and competing fairly in international integration; its workforce will be professional, disciplined, highly productive, and proactive in the stages of research, design and manufacturing.

    In the face of the impact of artificial intelligence, he indicated that reviewing business and vocational education has become critical  as the government adjusted the industrial growth model from primarily focusing on quantity to focusing on productivity, quality and efficiency.

    He  urged for  renovation of  vocational training; to promote cooperation between institutions and enterprises   to  accelerate the application of new and modern technologies to create breakthroughs in production technologies for key, spearhead and priority industries.

    George, who  started his teaching career in University of Lagos in 2011 as a Lecturer I in the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences and rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 2021. He has served the University in many capacities.Prof. George served as External PhD Assessor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago -Iwoye, Ogun State; External Examiner, Crawford University, Faith City, Faith City, Igbesa, Ogun State; External Assessor, Yaba College of Technology, Department of Business Administration; Electoral Commissioner for The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State East Senatorial District in the 2015 General Election.George has also supervised over 500 MSc, MA, EMBA and MBA students/candidates to completion on Nigerian, The Netherlands and United Kingdom universities.

  • UNILAG PG School holds lecture

    UNILAG PG School holds lecture

    The School of Postgraduate Studies of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) will hold its yearly lecture at 11 am on Wednesday, August 14, 2025 at the institution’s Tayo Aderinokun Auditorium.

    The event, with the theme ‘’PG Education: Setting the agenda for national development’’, will be chaired by the founder/Executive Chairman, Philips Group, Mr. Foluso Philips, while the guest lecturer is the former Head of Federal Civil Service, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi.

    Read Also: UNILAG don to speak on carbon controversy August 6

    In a statement, the Event’s Publicity Sub-Committee Chairman, Dr. Tayo Popoola, quoted the school’s Dean, Prof A. A. Osinubi, as saying that the chief host is the UNILAG’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola.

  • UNILAG don to speak on carbon controversy August 6

    UNILAG don to speak on carbon controversy August 6

    A renowned process systems engineer, Prof.  Mohammed Usman, will on August 6, challenge conventional narratives and offer a fresh, systems-engineering perspective on the carbon controversy at the 19th Inaugural Lecture in the University of Lagos 2024/2025 Academic Session.

    Titled: “Is Carbon Truly as Guilty as Charged? The Perspective of a Process Systems Engineer on Sustainability,” the lecture promises to unravel myths, present science-based insights, and ignite new conversations around one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues.

    Usman will not only dissect the science but also shed light on what true sustainability looks like from the eyes of an engineer, deeply-rooted in first principles and practical innovation.

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    A statement from the organisers described the don as a model of humility and excellence, who has long been a beacon in the fields of chemical engineering, leadership, and education.“Prof.  Usman is a catalyst of the mind. He incites thought by the very manner of his lecture delivery,” remarked a former student, Joseph Musa, and practising engineer in the process industry.

    Musa, who is the Managing Director of Vitavisco Nigeria Limited, said:   “From him, I learned to approach mathematical and engineering concepts from first principles. When learning is done this way, it sticks—and it transforms. Many of us, who studied under him can attest to the lasting impact of his mentorship.

     “This inaugural lecture is more than an academic event—it is a celebration of a scholar whose influence resonates far beyond the university walls. The event will be attended by the academic community, industry professionals, students, alumni and the general public to be inspired by one of Nigeria’s most impactful educators.”

  • Scholars gather for transformation week at UNILAG

    Scholars gather for transformation week at UNILAG

    A group of scholars, ‘Professors Without Borders,’ has launched its fourth project at University of Lagos, welcoming over 200 students and faculty to a week of “Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability: Empowering Digital Transformation.”

    It opened with a ceremony, featuring guests –  Babatunde Ogundare, lawyer and representative of Minister of Interior, Prof Folashade Ogunsola, vice chancellor (represented by DVC, Academic and Research, Prof Bola Oboh).

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    “The partnership with Professors Without Borders exposes our students and faculty to global perspectives and novelskills,” Oboh said.

    It features international educators working with local experts. They include Dr. Bob Eckhart (social entrepreneurship) – Fulbright Scholar and Lead Professor for Nigerian Programmes; Dr. Brieanne Beaujolais (Research Methods) – Social work researcher on gender and racial justice; Charlie Dove-Edwin (Finance for Africa) – Investment banking veteran and associate professor at Richmond University, London; Peter-Frank Haarmans (Personal Branding) – marketing/branding expert from Rotterdam; Oluseyi AJ Sodiya (AI tools and career readiness) – tech professional leading workshops backed by volunteers from Total Energies.

  • UNILAG students stage awareness walk on sexual health

    UNILAG students stage awareness walk on sexual health

    Students of University of Lagos (UNILAG) have staged an awareness walk on campus to raise consciousness about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), challenging stigma, misinformation, and silence surrounding the issue.

    The walk, organised under “Your Body, Your Rights” campaign by HACEY Health Initiative’s SRHR Impact Project with AmplifyChange, drew students, who used placards and conversations to advocate bodily autonomy, consent, safe sex, and self-care.

    Led by youth SRHR Champions, it created spaces for young people to engage on topics often considered taboo, sparking dialogue among peers in what organisers described as a movement to educate and empower.

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    A participant said it was the first time such a conversation was happening in an open and non-judgmental environment.

    “This is something we need. Most of us don’t get this kind of education in school or at home,” he said.

    HACEY Programme Team Lead, Bamidele Oyewumi, said the turnout and engagement showed how eager students are to receive information on reproductive health.

    “The energy was electrifying. The youngstars are not just passive listeners; they’re ready to lead the movement for change,” Oyewumi said.

    As part of the campaign, informal discussion corners were set up along the walk route where students interacted with trained SRHR Champions, asked questions, and clarified myths about sex, relationships, and their rights.

    The organisers also provided educational materials, referrals, and information about youth-friendly healthcare services to ensure conversations translated into real access and long-term impact.

    Student influencers and content creators participated in the outreach, using their platforms to amplify the key messages and encourage their peers to seek knowledge and prioritise their well-being.

  • UNILAG, Ekiti  varsity  to host  programmes  on  digital transformation, others

    UNILAG, Ekiti  varsity  to host  programmes  on  digital transformation, others

    Two leading Nigerian universities are set to host transformative educational programmes this month as part of an international initiative to bridge the skills gap in the country’s rapidly evolving economy.

    The University of Lagos (UNILAG) will host a five-day intensive programme from July 21-25, followed by Ekiti State University from July 28 to August 1.

    Both programmes, organised by Professors Without Borders in partnership with local faculty, focus on “Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability: Empowering Digital Transformation.”

     Over 200 students and faculty members across both institutions will gain direct access to  expertise  in  social  entrepreneurship,  African  finance,  research  methodology  and artificial intelligence tools – skills increasingly critical for success in Nigeria’s modern job market.

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    “We’re not just teaching theory,” explained Dr. Bob Eckhart, Lead Professor for Nigeria Programmes  and  a  Fulbright  Scholar,  who  has  worked  across  three  continents  and  is returning to Nigeria for the fourth time.

    “Students will pitch their own social enterprises, develop policy solutions for Nigeria’s economic challenges, and master the digital tools that employers now expect.”

    The  programmes  feature  international  educators,  including  Charlie  Dove-Edwin,  an investment  banking  veteran  who  lectures  at  Richmond  University  London,  and  local talent with Dr. Bonnie Ayodele from Ekiti State University, and Oluseyi Sodiya, a Nigerian technology professional with over 20 years of experience in IT and digital transformation.

    Faculty  development  forms  a  core  component  of both programmes.

  • Fed Govt launches fiber-to-hostel initiative at UNILAG

    Fed Govt launches fiber-to-hostel initiative at UNILAG

    • Seven other universities set to benefit

    The Federal Government yesterday launched a pilot phase of high-speed fiber-optic broadband connectivity across hostels at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) at Akoka, Yaba.

    The initiative, which will provide each hostel with dedicated fiber links, secured Wi-Fi, and continuous performance monitoring, was unveiled by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

    The event was attended by key stakeholders from the academia, government, and private sector.

    The fibre-to-hostel initiative is part of the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria, designed to improve internet penetration in critical institutions, starting with universities. It is supported by Galaxy Backbone, Huawei, and Tizeti.

    In his keynote speech, Tijani said: “For the first time, students in UNILAG hostels will have access to high-speed internet with bandwidths of 50 to 100 Mbps. This is not the regular connectivity on your phones. This is fiber, the kind of quality that meets global standards for residential access.”

    Emphasising the life-changing potential of the initiative for students, the minister said: “When I was in the university, internet access cost N30 per minute, using dial-up. Today, we are giving you the kind of broadband that powers global tech businesses, online education, and startups, right in your hostel rooms,”

    Four hostels, including the Gbajabiamila Hall Residence and Erastus Akingbola Hall, will benefit from the first phase, which is part of a broader goal to bring affordable and quality internet to all the 774 local government areas and major public institutions across Nigeria.

     “This is a clear expression of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion digital economy, powered by inclusive, high-performance infrastructure,” Tijani added. “It’s about ensuring no student is left behind simply because of where they are or what resources they have.” The minister also announced the ministry’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, a free training initiative for young Nigerians to acquire tech skills.

    “If you’re not learning technology alongside your main course of study, you’re not preparing for the future,” Tijani warned. “Before I leave this campus, I hope many of you will sign up for the 3MTT programme. It’s your gateway to the global digital economy.”

    The minister advised students to hold service providers accountable in case they experience hitches.

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    “If you’re not getting the 50 to 100 Mbps we promised, send me a message on LinkedIn. I want you to call us out. We’re building a country where quality and accountability matters,” he said.

    Tijani shared his personal journey from being a youth leader at AIESEC, a United Nations-affiliated non-governmental organisation (NGO) run by youths, to launching tech ventures in Lagos.

    The minister attributed much of his successes to early access to reliable internet.

    “Many of Nigeria’s tech success stories, from Andela to Flutterwave, started with students like you in places like this,” he said. “Let this free, high-speed internet be your springboard to building the next big idea.”

    Tijani confirmed that after UNILAG, the project would be scaled up to seven other universities before nationwide expansion.

    “The digital future is not coming; it is here. Today, we’ve ensured UNILAG students are not watching from the sidelines but are fully plugged in,” he added.

    The Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described the project launch as a “historic moment” that aligned with the university’s digital transformation goals.

    “We’ve invested heavily in digitisation and electricity, but wiring hostels was a long-term goal we didn’t expect to meet soon. This initiative has fast-tracked that dream,” Ogunsola said.