The UNILAG(ºìÌÒÊÓƵ) has reaffirmed the critical role of strategic partnerships and private donations in advancing quality education and strengthening sustainable development in higher education with the commissioning of newly renovated facilities in its Faculty of Education.
The commissioning ceremony which was held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, featured the unveiling of a refurbished Health Education Resource Room, an upgraded lecture hall, and modern conveniences; all designed to enhance teaching and learning environments, support research and innovation, and improve student-centered learning outcomes.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Muyiwa Falaiye described infrastructural development as a cornerstone of the University’s strategic agenda. He noted that modern, well-maintained facilities are essential for fostering academic excellence, promoting inclusive learning environments, and aligning with global best practices in higher education.
Professor Falaiye expressed deep appreciation to the donor, Engr. Marvelous Michael Akinola, whose endowment made the project possible, and to the facilitator, Dr. Aaron Akinloye of the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, for his role in bringing the initiative to fruition. He observed that, in the face of limited government funding and rising infrastructural demands, public-private partnerships and philanthropic contributions remain indispensable to achieving sustainable development goals in education.
He further assured that University Management is committed to accelerating ongoing projects across campus, including additional developments within the Faculty of Education, while urging staff and students to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the facilities in order to sustain long-term educational impact.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Simeon Oladipo, commended the University leadership under Professor Folasade Ogunsola for its responsiveness to the Faculty’s infrastructural needs. He described the intervention as a timely and impactful contribution to advancing equitable access to quality education.
Professor Oladipo emphasisied that the renovated spaces represent more than a physical transformation. According to him, they constitute a strategic investment in the future of students by enhancing the delivery of Health Education, supporting innovative teaching methodologies, and strengthening practical and skills-based learning.
He stressed that the quality of the learning environment plays a decisive role in shaping the competencies of future professionals, adding that the upgraded facilities will empower both staff and students to achieve higher standards of excellence and contribute meaningfully to human capital development and national growth.
The Dean also expressed profound gratitude to the donor and facilitator for their commitment to giving back to the institution, noting that such contributions highlight the enduring value of alumni engagement in institutional development. He described alumni-driven interventions as vital to bridging funding gaps, expanding infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships for sustainable development.
The commissioning underscores the transformative impact of philanthropy to enhance infrastructure, enrich academic environment, and position universities for quality education and greater global competitiveness.
