The 2025 University of Lagos (UNILAG) Council Retreat continued on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Epe Resort & Spa with thought-provoking plenary sessions, insightful discussions as well as the mapping of an action-plan geared towards ensuring the implementation of recommendations and actualisation of the main focus of the retreat: unlocking value, optimizing assets & location and shaping the future.
- Plenary Session on Innovation, Technology, and Digital Transformation in Higher Education
Chaired by the President Worldwide, UNILAG Alumni Association, Engr. Ife Oyedele, the session featured two papers: AI in higher Education – Redefining the Role of Nigerian Universities in a Digital Age by Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede (Immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University) and UNILAG Through Digital Transformation by Hon. Justice (Prof.) Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye (Visiting Professor at the National Open University of Nigeria).
Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede discussed the transformative potential of AI in higher education, noting that the future of Nigerian universities hinged on their willingness to embrace AI. He encouraged UNILAG to embrace artificial intelligence more strategically. Similarly, Hon. Justice (Prof.) Omolaye-Ajileye explored the transformative potential of digital technologies and strategic location of UNILAG. He recommended that UNILAG accelerates digital learning initiatives, attract international students, as well as strengthen its open distance learning programmes and facilities.
- Plenary Session on Procurement Process in Universities
With Dr. Bola Njoku, a Federal Government Council Appointee, as the Chairperson, the session featured a presentation by former Director of the Energy Infrastructure Department, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Engr. Babatunde Kuye, on “Enhancing Competition, Transparency, and Accountability to Ensure Value for Money in Public Procurement”.
He extensively elaborated on the Public Procurement Act (PPA) of 2007, which governs due process to ensure open, fair, efficient, and transparent public procurement and the disposal of public assets, along with the various intricacies involved in procurement processes in Nigeria. Among other recommendations, he suggested that the University strengthen its procurement unit with qualified and well-trained professionals, as well as implement training programs on procurement practices and ethics for staff, especially procurement officers.
- Plenary Session on Executive Strategy Roundtable: Action Plan & Resolutions
The retreat wound up with an action-inspiring session chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. F. E. A. Lesi, and moderated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof L. O. Chukwu. The session focused on the retreat’s key takeaways, formulation of an action plan for implementation, and assigning responsibilities and setting timeline.
Closing Ceremony and Next Steps
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, in his closing remarks, appreciated members of the University Governing Council, Management team, facilitators, speakers, deans, directors and other participants at the retreat.
He reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to executing the retreat’s resolutions to ensure that UNILAG remains a leading global institution.
Similarly, the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. Abosede V. Wickliffe delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, appreciating the expertise and contributions of all facilitators and speakers at the Retreat.
She expressed gratitude to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the University. Mrs. Wickliffe also appreciated the Vice Chancellor and other members of management for their dedication to steering the University to greater heights.
Click HERE to read about Day 1 of the Council Retreat.
Report: Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem & Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
