University of Lagos

Motto	In deed and in truth
Type	Publicresearch university
Established	1962
Chancellor	Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar IBN Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, The Shehu of Borno
Vice-Chancellor	Folasade Ogunsola
Academic staff	1,736 (2017)[1]
Administrative staff	552 (2017)[1]
Students	55,000 (2017)[1]
Undergraduates	43,784 (2017)[1]
Postgraduates	9,070 (2017)[1]
Location	Lagos , Nigeria 6°31′0″N3°23′10″E / 6.51667°N 3.38611°E /6.51667; 3.38611
Campus	Urban
Colors	Gold and maroon
Website	unilag.edu.ng

TheUniversity of Lagos (UNILAG) is apublicresearch university located inLagos,Nigeria, which was founded in 1962. UNILAG is one of thefirst generation universities inNigeria and is ranked among the top universities in Africa^[2] in major education publications. The university presently has threecampuses in themainland ofLagos. Whereas two of its campuses are located atYaba (the main campus inAkoka and the recently created campus at the former school ofradiography),^[3] its college of medicine is located at Idi-Araba,Surulere.^[3] Its main campus is largely surrounded by theLagos Lagoon and has 802 acres of land. As of 2024, the University of Lagos admits around 8,500undergraduate students annually and enrolls over 57,000 students.^[4]

UNILAG was founded in 1962, two years after theindependence of Nigeria fromBritain. It was one of the first five universities created in the country, now known as "first generation universities".^[5][6]Eni Njoku was appointed as the first black vice-chancellor of the university in 1962, and he remained in office till 1965 when he was replaced bySaburi Biobaku. However, due to controversy surrounding his appointment, Saburi was stabbed byKayode Adams, a student radical who believed Biobaku's appointment was unfair and ethnically motivated.^[7]

On 29 May 2012, the thenPresident of Nigeria,Goodluck Jonathan, proposed to rename the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University in honour ofMoshood Abiola, who died in jail as a political prisoner in 1998. The proposed name change became a subject of protests from students and alumni. The proposal was consequently jettisoned as theNigerian federal government gave in to the protests incited by the proposed name change.^[8][9][10]

A visitation panel, created to look into the affairs of the university between 2016 and 2020 detected cases of financial abuses from top officials and ordered the university to close accounts withcommercial banks.^[11]

Folasade Ogunsola is the current Vice Chancellor and the first female to be such in the history of the school. She was appointed on 7 October 2022 and assumed office on 12 November 2022.^[12][13]

The university has remained one of the most competitive in the country in terms of admissions. With approximately 57,000 students as of 2013, the University of Lagos has one of the largest student populations of any university in the country.^[23][24] The University of Lagos is one of the twenty-five federal universities which are overseen and accredited by theNational Universities Commission (NUC).

A recent publication ofForbes magazine ranked the school as the third best university in Africa forentrepreneurship afterUniversity of Cape Town andMakerere University, tagging University of Lagos the "startup powerhouse" college for Nigerian students.^[25]

The University has been called "The university of first choice and the nation's pride."^[26] The university's research activity was one of the major criteria used by theNational Universities Commission (NUC) in adjudging the university as the best university in Nigeria at the Nigerian University System Annual Merit Award (NUSAMA)^[27] in 2008.

The University of Lagos, College of Medicine is associated withLagos University Teaching Hospital(LUTH). On 29 June 2020, the university receivedrobots, CRZR, from platform capital as a donation to fight the spread ofCOVID-19.^[28]

Centre for Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management (CEBCEM) The centre, established in April 2018, focuses onbiodiversity management, conservation and monitoring of sustainable ecosystem through collaborative research.^[29] CEBCEM provides a platform for research and education for students of tertiary institutions as well as advocate for environmental awareness. The Centre for Biodiversity Conservation andEcosystem Management is the response of the University of Lagos to the threat of biodiversity inNigeria. This response includes proposing local solutions to biodiversity conservation challenges which is facilitated through institution research grants such asTETfund.^[29]

The current principal members of the university administration and their positions are as follows:

• ProfessorEni Njoku: 1962–1965^[30]
• ProfessorSaburi Biobaku: 1965–1971^[31]
• ProfessorJacob F. Adeniyi Ajayi: 1972–1978^[32]
• ProfessorBabatunde Kwaku Adadevoh: 1978–1980^[33]
• ProfessorAkinpelu Oludele Adesola: 1981–1988^[34][35]
• ProfessorNurudeen Oladapo Alao: 1988–1995^[36]
• ProfessorJelili Adebisi Omotola: 1995–2000^[37]
• ProfessorOyewusi Ibidapo Obe: Ag, 2000–2002; 2002–2007^[38][39]
• ProfessorTolu Olukayode Odugbemi: 2007–2010^[40]
• ProfessorBabatunde Adetokunbo Sofoluwe: 2010–2012^[41][42]
• ProfessorRahmon Ade Bello: 2012–2017^[43][44]
• ProfessorOluwatoyin Ogundipe: 2017–2022^[45]
• ProfessorFolasade Ogunsola: 2022–present^[46][47]

The university has educated many notablealumni, eminent scientists, politicians, lawyers, business icons, writers, entertainers,monarchs, countless technocrats, recipients of the Nigerian national order of merit, fellows of the various learned academies. As of September 2020, oneNobel Prize laureate and onePulitzer Prize laureate have been affiliated with University of Lagos as students,alumni, faculty, or staff.^[48]

• Wole Soyinka^[49][50]
• Grace Alele-Williams^[51]
• J. P. Clark^[52]
• Olufemi Majekodunmi^[53]
• Marita Golden^[54]
• Oyeleye Oyediran^[55]
• Lazarus Ekwueme^{[citation needed]}
• Ken Saro Wiwa^[56]
• Solomon Babalola^[57]
• Akinsola Olusegun Faluyi
• Karen King-Aribisala^[58]

Amongst the alumni of the University of Lagos, Akoka and other institutions that fall under that banner are;

• Tunde Bakare, Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, formerly known as The Latter Rain Assembly.
• Wande Abimbola,yoruba professor.^[59]
• Bilikiss Adebiyi Abiola, recycler in Nigeria.
• Niyi Adebayo, first executivegovernor ofEkiti State and former minister of industry, trade and investment.
• Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu, Nigerian politician.
• Olamilekan Adegbite, minister of mines and steel development.
• Wale Adenuga, publisher and film producer.^[60]
• Ayo Aderinwale, Nigerian diplomat.
• Kola Adesina, Nigeraian businessman
• Kunle Adeyemi, principal of NLÉ, anarchitecture, design andurbanism firm,Amsterdam.
• Prof. Abraham Osinubi, NigerianProfessor,medical doctor andAnatomist.^[61]
• Adebayo Clement Adeyeye, Nigerian journalist and politician.
• Gbenga Adeyinka, Nigerian actor, comedian, radio and TV presenter.
• Ernest Afiesimama, Nigerian climate scientist.
• Goddy Jedy Agba
• Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, women's activist, CNN heroes top 10 awardee for 2018.
• Fabian Ajogwu, lawyer andSAN.^[62]
• Lola Akande, author and academic.
• Omoyemi Akerele, fashion designer and founder of Style House Files.
• Bola Akindele, Nigerian businesses man and philanthropist.
• Funmilade Akingbagbohun, first female National Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Mechanical Engineers
• Rilwan Akiolu, currentOba of Lagos.^[63]
• Winifred Akpani, businesswoman, and founder/CEO of Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited
• Yemi Alade, award-winning musician.
• Akinwunmi Ambode, former governor of Lagos State.
• Abayomi Arigbabu, professor of mathematics and current commissioner of education,Ogun State.
• Daré Art-Aladé, singer.
• Emilia Asim-Ita, co-founder ofThe Future Awards Africa.
• Regina Askia-Williams, nurse practitioner, actress, and former miss unilag.
• Jelili Atiku, Nigerian actor.
• Bolanle Austen-Peters, lawyer and businesswoman.
• Adewale Ayuba, singer.
• Yewande Akinse Nigerian poet, author and entrepreneur
• Epiphany Azinge, lawyer, senior advocate of Nigeria and former DG of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
• Akin Babalola Kamar Odunsi, politician and businessman.
• eLDee, formerNigerian-American rapper, singer and record producer.
• Tobi Bakre, actor and presenter.
• Reekado Banks, singer and songwriter.
• Philip Begho, writer.
• Crystal Chigbu, social entrepreneur.
• Stella Damasus, actress and singer.
• Gbenga Daniel, former governor ofOgun State.^[64]
• Raquel Kasham Daniel, author and educator
• Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, former governor ofGombe State.
• Ousainou Darboe, currentGambianminister of foreign affairs.^[65]
• Fola David, medical doctor and visual artist.
• Dipo Dina, Nigerian politician.
• Denrele Edun, award-winning radio and television personality.
• Ufuoma Ejenobor, actor and model.
• Grace Ekpiwhre, formerminister of science and technology.
• Obiageli Ezekwesili, accountant and politician.
• Lekan Fatodu, journalist and politician.
• Kayode Fayemi, former governor ofEkiti State and former minister of solid minerals development.
• Chika Ike, Nigerian actress, television personality, producer, business woman,philanthropist and former model.^[66]
• IllRymz, musician, radio and television personality.
• Anita Ifeoma Isede, Nigerian OAP.
• Yakubu Itua, former member federal house of representative 1983 and former judge High Court of Justice, Benin-City.
• Chude Jideonwo, lawyer, journalist and media entrepreneur.
• Adetokunbo Kayode, Nigerian corporate lawyer, tax expert and internationalarbitrator, formerminister of labour,minister of justice, minister of tourism, culture and national orientation.
• Matilda Kerry-Osazuwa, founder of the George Kerry Life Foundation, doctor and formerMBGN
• Lil Kesh, Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter.
• Laycon, rapper, singer and songwriter, winnerBig Brother Naija season 5.
• Magixx, Nigerian singer and songwriter.
• George Magoha,surgeon and academic.
• Toke Makinwa, award-winning radio and television personality.
• Bekeme Masade-Olowola, social entrepreneur.
• Mayorkun, award-winning musician.
• Oliver Mbamara, lawyer and film maker.
• Ufuoma McDermott, model and actress.
• Lai Mohammed, lawyer and currentminister of information and culture.
• Ifeanyi Chudy Momah, lawyer and legislator.
• John Momoh, chairman,Channels Television Group.
• Ramsey Nouah, Nigerian actor and director.
• Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, former minister of state for education.
• Tim Owhefere, Nigerian politician.
• Omoayena Odunbaku, Nigerian development expert
• Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, former Nigerian minister of state for mines and steel development.
• Babatunde Ogunnaike, engineering professor.^[67]
• Ikedi Ohakim, politician and former governor ofImo state.
• Bayo Ojo,SAN and formerAttorney General of theFederal Republic of Nigeria.
• Dele Olojede, journalist, first African born winner of thePulitzer Prize .
• Simbo Olorunfemi, poet, journalist and television producer.
• Ogbonnaya Onu, first executive governor ofAbia State and formerminister of science and technology.
• Shade Omoniyi, actress
• Ijeoma Onyeator – journalist and news anchor
• Felix Orji, bishop of theAnglican Diocese of All Nations.
• Bruce Ovbiagele, award-winning neurologist, editor, scientist, and healthcare leader.^[68]
• Helen Ovbiagele, novelist.^[69]
• Tim Owhefere, Nigerian politician.
• Sasha P, rapper, musician, businesswoman, lawyer and motivational speaker.
• Kemebradikumo Pondei, acting managing director ofNiger Delta Development Commission.
• Omowunmi Sadik, scientist and professor.
• Yemi Osinbajo, formervice-president, Federal Republic of Nigeria.^[70]
• Femi Gbajabiamila, lawyer, lawmaker and currentspeaker of Nigeria's 9th house of representatives.
• Funke Akindele, award-winning actress and producer.^[71]
• Genevieve Nnaji, award-winning actress, director and producer.
• Tony Elumelu, economist, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
• Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Medical Practitioner, Politician and current minister of state for health and social welfare
• Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Nigerian politician, businessman and current governor ofLagos State.
• Seyi Makinde, electrical engineer, businessman and current governor ofOyo State.
• Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, Pastor, Scientist and Professor
• Kaycee Madu,Nigerian-Canadian lawyer and currentminister of justice and solicitor general of Alberta.
• Wole Olanipekun, lawyer andSenior Advocate of Nigeria.
• Wale Babalakin, lawyer and businessman.
• Broda Shaggi, a comedian.
• Joke Silva, award-winning actress, director and producer.
• Ayo Sogunro, writer,satirist and lawyer.
• Omoyele Sowore, founder,Sahara Reporters.^[72]
• Gabriel Suswam, former governor ofBenue State .
• Vector, Nigerian rapper and song writer.
• Farida Mzamber Waziri, former chairman,EFCC.
• Olajide Williams, professor ofneurology atColumbia University.
• Mercy Aigbe,actress, director, fashionista and businesswoman.
• Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, author and educator.
• Mo'Cheddah, Musical artist.
• Lekan Balogun, dramatist and theatre art director.
• Linda Ikeji, blogger.
• Osh Agabi, bioengineer and entrepreneur
• Olufunke Oshonaike, Nigerian table tennis player and the only woman to go to the Olympics seven times
• Lawrence Oloche Emmanuel, MON and entrepreneur

• List of universities in Nigeria

• Campus of UNILAG
• 
  Research and innovation office
• 
  Faculty of Art
• 
  University Library
• 
  J. P Clark Center
• 
  Sport center
• 
  Unilag_Senate_house
• 
  Akintunde Ojo Memorial Hall
• 
  Unilag Lagoon Front Fountain
• 
  Quadrangle, Faculty of Arts
• 
  Faculty of Science
• 
  University of Lagos Lagoon front view from Seaside cottage theatre, Bariga
• 
  Lagoon Front Silhouette
• 
  View of the Third Mainland Bridge From the Lagoon Front
• 
  Green Space in University of Lagos

• Media related toUniversity of Lagos at Wikimedia Commons
• Official website
• University of Lagos Alumni Association official websiteArchived 13 June 2024 at theWayback Machine

• University of Lagos
• Universities and colleges established in 1962
• 1962 establishments in Nigeria
• Public universities in Nigeria
• Business schools in Lagos
• Medical schools in Nigeria
• Universities and colleges in Lagos
• Education in Lagos

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