The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Custodian Investment Plc, on Friday, June 26, 2026, took a significant step towards strengthening industry-academia collaboration with the signing of an agreement for the construction and donation of a new building to the University.
Beyond expanding UNILAG’s physical infrastructure, the partnership, according to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, reflects a shared commitment to advancing industry-relevant research, promoting meaningful collaboration between academia and industry, and producing graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills required to meet the evolving demands of the workplace.
The agreement was signed at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room on the 10th Floor of the UNILAG Senate House.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Professor Ogunsola described the partnership as a major milestone in the University’s drive to strengthen engagement with industry.
Expressing appreciation to the management of Custodian Investment Plc for its generosity and confidence in the University, she said:
“We hope this partnership will also serve as a platform for deeper industry engagement that promotes industry-relevant research, encourages meaningful interaction among industry, faculty and students, and supports the training of graduates who are ready to meet the demands of today’s workplace.”
The Vice-Chancellor noted that stronger partnerships between universities and industry are essential to improving the quality and relevance of higher education. She explained that such collaborations enable researchers to address real-world industry challenges, enrich students’ learning through practical exposure, strengthen workforce readiness, and ultimately contribute to national development.
She also assured the company that its confidence in UNILAG would be justified.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that your trust in us is well placed, and I assure you that we will not disappoint you,” she said.
Earlier, the Founder and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Custodian Investment Plc, Mr. Wole Oshin, described the proposed building as the company’s modest contribution, through its Corporate Social Responsibility Foundation, to the continued development of the University.
The 1984 alumnus of the Department of Actuarial Science explained that the decision to support the project was inspired not only by his enduring connection with his alma mater but also by the significant number of UNILAG graduates serving in leadership positions within Custodian Investment Plc.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project and expressed optimism that construction would be completed within two years.
The ceremony culminated in the formal signing of the agreement, signalling the commencement of the project and reinforcing a partnership expected to create lasting value through infrastructure development, knowledge exchange, research collaboration and stronger linkages between academia and industry.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayo Oloyede
