As part of efforts to ease students’ accommodation demand for on-campus housing, the University of Lagos Alumni Association has announced plans to construct a 1,800-bed hostel on the Akoka Main campus of the institution at the weekend.
There are 16 hostels at UNILAG for students, including Eni Njoku, King Jaja, Mariere, Saburi Biobaku, Sodeinde, and El Kanemi male hostels.
Others are Fagunwa, Kofo Ademola, Madam Tinubu, Honours, Queen Amina, Makama-Bida, Queen Moremi, and Fagunwa hostels for female students.
The university also has Henry Carr and Erastus Akingbola mixed hostels for postgraduate students only.
The President Worldwide of the Association, Ifeoluwa Oyedele, made this known when the organisation celebrated its 55th anniversary commemoration, awards, and dinner in Lagos to recognise acclaimed Nigerians and exceptional alumni of the institution for various lifetime achievements and services.
In his welcome speech, the President Worldwide stated that the association had made significant progress under the capable leadership of 15 past National Presidents, who had led a number of landmark projects.
He assured that the Alumni Association would continue to intervene by helping to improve the learning environment at the university and make the experience available for both staff and students.
According to him, the association had received approval from the university to use a suitable parcel of land within the campus for the project, saying construction is expected to commence before the end of the year.
He added, ‘In the same vein, to underscore the mission of the university, which is learning and character, your association will institute prizes to reward those who distinguish themselves in character.
“These prizes will be awarded in three categories for academic staff and graduating students.’
These prizes will be named after some of the distinguished awardees whom we are honouring today.
He announced that the association would embark on other projects like the supply and installation of two lifts in the administrative building of the College of Medicine, refurbishment and upgrading of the alumni secretariat, equipping the office alternative renewable power supply, restoration of water supply to some faculties, supply and installation of medical equipment, plus other facilities in the university medical centre.
Professor Folasade Ogunsola, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, congratulated the Alumni Association on its 55th award and dinner night, describing the association as the best globally.
“I know what I’m saying; alumni associations have the duty to connect, to be our ambassadors, to advocate, and to support the school. In my opinion, this alumni association receives 100% on each of these.
“I believe one of the strengths of the University of Lagos is the seamless transfer of leadership and strong connections with our alumni.
“As we mark your 55th anniversary today, I want to assure you that we will continue to partner with you because our organization is secure. To move forward, we must work closely with both alumni and staff at the university in a coordinated fashion. I believe we also have that”.
She expressed gratitude to the alumni president and his team for the diverse chapters in the country and the Diaspora.
The highlight of the night of glamour and splendors was the presentation of exceptional awards to Pa Chief Kessington Adebukola Adebutu of Premier Lotto Limited and Papa Chief Tunde Fanimokun for expending their personal resources to erect monumental structures and boost the university endowment fund.
14 eminent persons were awarded other categories such as Alumni Lifetime Achievement Awards (Public and Private), Alumni Lifetime Platinum Awards, and Distinguished Alumni Awards.
Among the recipients were the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun SAN; Chief (Dr.) Folashade Noimat Okoya, Managing Director, Eleganza Group; Dr. John Momoh, Chairman and CEO of Channels Media Group; Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council; Chief Tunde Fanimokun, Life Director of Folawiyo Group, and Senator (Dr.) Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Majority Leader.
Others honoured are Olorogun Dr. Sonny Folorunsho Kuku; Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun; Senator (Dr.) Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Chief Christopher Adebayo Ojo (SAN); Dr. Kola Adeshina; and HRH Prof. Epiphany Ainge (SAN).
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