The tenure of the 12th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, came to an end yesterday after the completion of his five-year tenure.

The new Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, becomes the first female to lead the 60-year old institution.

At the valedictory briefing held to mark the end of his tenure, Ogundipe said the event is a medium for him to go over all he has done over his five years of service.

He noted that under his headship, the university attracted about N19 billion in research grants from both local and international organisations and also registered more than 64 companies for the students.

He said on assumption of office in 2017, his administration set out a six-point agenda with the acronym ‘UNILAG.’

He explained what each of the letters meant in detail and with their overall objective to take the institution not only to a greater height, but to also prepare it as a university of the future.

He said, “The University of Lagos, from 2017 till date, has recorded significant progress. Not only did we sow seeds, we also witnessed the fruition of the numerous seeds with the results there for all to see.

“Today, UNILAG has grown in leaps and bounds, as its management under my watch transcended the threshold we set for ourselves as excellence. Our results speak for us such that even in the eyes of the storm, we kept our peace and so our focus did not shift. We pushed through and today, I can confidently say I am leaving UNILAG a happy man.”

He explained that in the last five years, the university was ranked best in the country, evidenced by the leaps recorded in global rankings.

Ogundipe stated, “The University of Lagos never made the Times Higher Education World Universities ranking. In 2019, UNILAG made its first appearance and was within the 801–1000 range. By 2020, there was a quantum leap to the higher band of 601–800.

“We progressed to 501–600 in 2021 and this year, 2022, UNILAG did not only emerge first in Nigeria but also ascended to the 401–500 range in 2022, leaving behind some renowned universities even in the United Kingdom.”

He, however, attributed the successes recorded to God, who he said had been the one guiding his steps, and to the management staff, the university senate, staff unions, students and other stakeholders, including the alumni for their support and cooperation.

Ogundipe also commended his successor, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, the first female vice-chancellor of the university, for her loyalty, particularly during his travail with the former Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr Wale Babalakin.

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