The University of Lagos Alumni Association has announced its forthcoming 55th Anniversary Awards and Recognition Dinner, urging government, industry, and individuals to prioritise education and invest in its future.
Speaking in a press conference on Monday at the Alumni Jubilee House, the President Worldwide of the association, Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele, FNSE, FAEng, said the event would be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with Vice President Kashim Shettima as Special Guest of Honour and Olor’ogun Dr. Sonny Kuku, OFR, FAS, as Chairman of the occasion.
Oyedele noted that the Dinner and Award Night is the association’s flagship gathering, designed to celebrate excellence, honour outstanding contributions, and raise funds for projects that would improve the quality of education at the University of Lagos.
“Beyond the glamour, the event will mobilise direct support for projects that will touch lives and improve the quality of education at the University of Lagos,” he said.
“Our focus includes scholarship support for bright but indigent students and critical infrastructural development aimed at propelling the University of Lagos among the best in the world.”
He expressed concern about the state of education in Nigeria, citing inadequate funding, brain drain, curriculum gaps, and poor welfare for teachers and lecturers as major challenges threatening the system.
“If education collapses, every other sector will eventually collapse. Without quality education, we cannot innovate, we cannot compete globally, and we cannot secure a prosperous future for Nigeria,” he warned.
Oyedele commended the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu for increased budgetary allocation to education, the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and scholarships for students of vocational and technical colleges.
He, however, stressed that education was a collective responsibility and urged all stakeholders to support its revitalisation.
“We call on the government at all levels to give education the true priority it deserves to be. We call on the private sector to see investments in education not as charity, but as enlightened self-interest. And we call on every alumnus to give back; whether through mentorship, financial support, or advocacy, every contribution matters,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, Oyedele revealed that the alumni association would soon lay the foundation for the construction of a 1,800-bed student hostel expected to be completed within 18 months.
He concluded by describing the October event as “a rallying call” to strengthen UNILAG’s legacy and contribute to building a stronger foundation for Nigerian education.
“Education is the seedbed of every nation’s greatness. If we nurture it, Nigeria will flourish. If we neglect it, the consequences will touch us all,” he said.
