2025 UNILAG Council Retreat: Communiqué

Communiqué Issued at the End of the University of Lagos (Unilag) Governing Council Retreat Held at Lagos State Resort, Epe, Lagos State, from Wednesday, April 2 to Saturday, April 5, 2025

1.0 Preamble

The Governing Council of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) held a strategic retreat at the Lagos State Resort, Epe, from Wednesday, April 2 to Saturday, April 5, 2025. The retreat provided an opportunity for the University’s leadership to critically assess UNILAG’s current realities, explore strategies to unlock institutional value, optimize its assets and resources, and shape a sustainable future for the University.

The retreat, themed “UNILAG Beyond Today: Unlocking Value, Optimizing Assets & Location, and Shaping the Future”, was chaired by Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council. It brought together members of the Governing Council, the Vice-Chancellor, Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, and invited experts in Higher Education, Finance, Innovation, Technology, Digital Transformation, Asset Management, Investment, Procurement, and University Administration.

2.0 Objectives of the Retreat

The retreat aimed to:

•          Unlock the University’s full potential by identifying untapped value across academic, financial, and infrastructural assets.

•          Optimize the utilization of the University’s resources, including land, real estate, intellectual capital, and partnerships.

•          Explore innovative funding models to enhance the University’s financial sustainability beyond traditional government allocations.

•          Advance the University’s digital transformation in line with global trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and higher education technology.

•          Strengthen governance, transparency, and procurement processes to improve institutional efficiency.

•          Develop an actionable roadmap to achieve strategic growth, academic excellence, and global competitiveness.

3.0 UNILAG Today: A Strategic Reflection

In his opening remarks, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, emphasized the retreat’s focus on repositioning UNILAG as a globally competitive university, leveraging its assets, strategic Lagos location, technological potential, and human capital.

Prof. Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, Vice-Chancellor, presented an overview of UNILAG’s current status, highlighting strengths and challenges. She also spoke on rankings, research excellence, experiential learning, programme accreditations, admissions, open distance learning, and global partnerships.

The keynote speaker, HRM Oba Prof. Akin Owosekun, Owosekun II, Asotun of Isotun, Ijesaland, and renowned Higher Education Consultant, in his presentation titled “UNILAG Beyond Today”, recommended that the University pursue financial growth through property development, applied research and development via reverse engineering, and the exploration of solid mineral resources.

4.0 Key Observations

The retreat made the following key observations:

•          While UNILAG remains a leader in Nigerian higher education, sustained innovation and revenue diversification are essential for future success.

•          There is a need to unlock the untapped potential of UNILAG’s strategic location in the Lagos metropolis and its lagoon waterfront.

•          The University’s waterfront holds immense opportunities within the Blue Economy and ecotourism sectors.

•          Achieving financial independence is crucial for the University’s development and operational efficiency.

•          University funding models have evolved significantly, and there is a direct correlation between funding strategies and educational quality.

•          A future-ready UNILAG must explore alternative and sustainable funding models.

•          There is an apparent mis-classification of universities under Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), which requires urgent correction.

•          Access to research grants and donations within the Treasury Single Account (TSA) framework remains restricted and should be reviewed.

•          Private sector involvement is critical to enhancing the quality of higher education through funding, expertise, and technology.

•          Quality leadership and good governance are essential for sustainable university administration.

•          The University should leverage its Lagos location to attract partnerships, industry linkages, and strategic investments.

•          UNILAG must optimize its real estate assets through a coordinated and entrepreneurial approach.

•          There is an urgent need to embrace digital learning and integrate AI into academic and administrative processes.

•          Human capital development must align with global trends through targeted training and capacity-building initiatives.

5.0 Recommendations

The following recommendations were made:

5.1 Rethinking Funding Models for Nigerian Universities

•          Grant universities full autonomy in academic, administrative, and financial matters.

•          Diversify revenue sources through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), alumni contributions, and other innovative strategies.

•          Maximize the value of endowment funds to support research and infrastructure.

•          Continuously enhance financial accountability and operational cost-efficiency.

5.2 Unlocking Value and Optimizing Assets

•          Strategically develop UNILAG’s real estate for both commercial and academic purposes.

•          Consolidate real estate management under a single coordinating body to prevent fragmentation.

•          Digitize all property titles and conduct comprehensive asset valuation.

•          Explore Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models for developing critical infrastructure.

•          Review and improve real estate funding and management practices to maximize returns.

•          Actively leverage the University’s Lagos location for industry linkages and partnerships.

5.3 Digital Transformation and AI in Higher Education

•          Accelerate the integration of digital learning and AI into teaching, research, and administration.

•          Expand smart campus solutions such as e-learning platforms, virtual labs, and automated services.

•          Establish a dedicated task force to oversee the implementation of digital transformation strategies.

•          Promote enrolment in online and open distance learning programmes to attract global learners.

•          Provide targeted training and professional development in key strategic areas.

5.4 Strengthening Procurement and Financial Transparency

•          Ensure consistent compliance with the Public Procurement Act to promote transparency and value for money.

•          Reinforce competitive bidding procedures to minimize inefficiencies and waste.

•          Introduce continuous training on procurement practices and ethics, particularly for procurement officers.

6.0 Executive Strategy Roundtable & Action Plan

The retreat culminated in an executive strategy roundtable, during which key    insights were distilled into a comprehensive and actionable implementation plan, with timelines.

7.0 Conclusion

The retreat was a highly impactful exercise that reaffirmed the Governing Council’s commitment to repositioning UNILAG for sustained growth and global relevance.

In his closing remarks, the Pro-Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, reiterated the Council’s dedication to executing the resolutions reached, ensuring that UNILAG remains a leading global institution.

The Governing Council expresses deep appreciation to all facilitators, stakeholders, and participants for their invaluable contributions.

Signed:

Mrs. V. Abosede Wickliffe
Registrar and Secretary to Council
University of Lagos
Date: April 5, 2025