By Gabriel Dike
The 11th Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, yesterday bowed out of office after completing his tenure.
At the valedictory briefing to mark the end of his tenure, Prof, Ogundipe, said the event was meant to give his administration five years scorecard.
His words: “The University of Lagos, from 2017 till date, has recorded significant progress. Not only did we sow seeds, but we also witnessed the fruition of the numerous seeds and the results are there for all eyes to see.”
The outgoing VC revealed that, despite the series of industrial actions that rocked the Nigerian University System (NUS) between 2017 and now, the issues were never internal, adding that UNILAG enjoyed unprecedented industrial harmony because staff welfare, which were within the capacity of the management were amicably resolved.
According to him, under his leadership, UNILAG staff attracted local and international research grants of N19 billion, to strengthen its top-class research mission.
“Our students during the period also won various national and international competitions, proving to the world that the conducive environment created in UNILAG supports them to reach their full potentials,” he stressed.
On infrastructure, Ogundipe said the university experienced massive turnaround in the last five years.
He explained that, in the last five years, the university made notable achievements in global rankings.
Said he: “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.”
Ogundipe solicited the support and prayers of staff and students for his successor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola.