The Dean of Students Affairs (DSA), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Musa Obalola has charged fresh students of the University to see their journey through the institution as a “foundation for the next ten (10), fifteen (15), twenty (20) years of their lives”.
He also urged the fresh undergraduates to fully embrace the unique opportunity to study at the University by staying focused, making the most of their time, and turning their dreams into reality.
Professor Obalola gave the charge at the interactive session which marked the first day of the 2024/2025 Orientation Programme and Fair for fresh UTME, Direct Entry, and Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) students of the University.
Held on April 9, 2025, at the Jelili Omotola (Multipurpose) Hall, UNILAG, the interactive session was an avenue for the DSA to “officially welcome the new students to an exciting new chapter at UNILAG as the future starts now.”
The event featured insightful presentations on:
- Campus-wide Counselling Services for Students and Staff by the Chairperson, Committee on Campus-wide Counselling Services for Staff and Students, Prof. Ngozi Osarenren.
- The Functions of Quality Assurance and SERVICOM and the Expected Response of UNILAG Fresh Students by the Director, Quality Assurance and SERVICOM Unit, Prof. Olufemi Saibu ably represented by the immediate past Deputy Director of the Unit, Prof. Elizabeth Omotayo.
- Effects of Drug Abuse by Deputy Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyet Blessing Israel.
- Prevention of Rape and Sexual Assault on Campus by Head, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Bunmi Orekoya
- Health Services in the University: Health Insurance, TISHIP and Medical Services by the Director, Medical Services, Dr. (Mrs.) Olayinka Coker represented by Dr. Afolabi Adebayo.
- Security Services: Security Consciousness, Road Safety and Driving Code on Campus by the Coordinator, Security Unit, Mr. David Omotosho.
- Gambling and its Impact on Students by Founder, Gamblepause Africa, Ladipo Abiose Akolade.
The venue of the orientation programme brimmed with exciting activities by various vendors such as the UNILAG Microfinance bank; engaging quizzes; and a fair.
The fair highlighted viable opportunities and valuable initiatives within the University, encouraging students to explore interests beyond academics and make the most of their university experience. It provided a platform for fresh students to connect with student-based clubs and associations, particularly those with stands at the fair including:
- UNILAG Green Hub
- UNILAG Anti Aids Club
- UNILAG Drug-Free Club
- Man O’ War, UNILAG Chapter
- Red Cross, UNILAG Chapter
The orientation programme, designed to acquaint the freshers with the University of Lagos policies and practices, life and work on campus, the personnel, spots as well as rules and regulations of the university, continues on Thursday, April 10, 2025 with two (2) novelty matches at the Sports Centre and Mr. & Miss Jambite at 3:00p.m. at the J. F. Ade. Ajayi Auditorium.
Report: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Photographs: Samuel Dosumu
