The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, recently addressed the media at a forum organized by the university, where she acknowledged the tough and challenging nature of the year 2023. Despite the hurdles faced, she emphasized that UNILAG had made significant strides in various aspects.
Professor Ogunsola highlighted the broader challenges within the Nigerian education sector, attributing the difficulties to the country’s overall economic situation. She underscored the trend of academic staff, both young and old, leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad, while grappling with the ongoing struggle to sustain funding.
Noting that public universities in Nigeria are primarily focused on generating knowledge and solving societal problems rather than profit-making, Professor Ogunsola shed light on UNILAG’s specific challenges. These included financial constraints, stagnant salaries since 2009, insufficient staff quarters resulting in off-campus accommodations, and frequent attacks on university property.
Despite these obstacles, she proudly asserted that UNILAG had made steady progress over the past year. The university secured an impressive N11 billion in research grants and awards from local and international organizations. Additionally, over 750 indigent students benefited from scholarships, with approximately 170 participating in a work-study program.
Professor Ogunsola reassured that no student would drop out due to financial issues, as the university had implemented measures to address such concerns. Furthermore, UNILAG successfully aligned the operations of its Business School (ULBS) with global best practices, elevating its status to stand parallel with postgraduate colleges worldwide.
