The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and College of Medicine (CMUL) Dental Alumni Association joined forces on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, to unveil a cutting-edge Dental Clinic at the Medical Centre on the Akoka campus, heralding a new era of collaboration that enhances dental education and community healthcare.
Powered by the vision and generosity of the CMUL Dental Alumni Association in partnership with CMUL, the facility stands as a bold statement of UNILAG’s commitment to innovation, service, and academic excellence.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Research), Professor Bolanle Oboh, who represented the Vice-Chancellor at the event, lauded the CMUL Dental Alumni Association for its vision and generosity. She described the new clinic as a timely and strategic investment that would not only benefit dental students and faculty but also significantly improve access to quality oral healthcare for the Lagos community.
“This clinic represents our collective resolve to close the gap between knowledge and impact,” she said.
Dean of the Faculty of Dental Sciences, Professor Olalekan Gbotolorun also echoed this sentiment in his remarks. He expressed deep appreciation to the Alumni Association, particularly its President, Professor Azeez Butali, whose leadership and drive were instrumental in realizing the project.
“This facility is more than just a clinic – it is a symbol of what is possible when we unite around a shared purpose,” Professor Gbotolorun stated.
President of the CMUL Dental Alumni Association, Professor Azeez Butali, emphasized the Association’s broader vision of raising five billion naira over five years to support dental infrastructure and innovation.
“We believe that the strength of a nation’s healthcare system lies in its commitment to training, research, and accessible care. This clinic is just the beginning,” he affirmed, drawing applause from the audience.
The highlight of the event was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, jointly conducted by Professors Oboh and Butali, signaling the official opening of the Dental Clinic. This was followed by a guided tour of the facility which is a fully-equipped, cutting-edge space ready for academic and public health functions. From routine procedures to advanced dental treatments, the clinic is designed to deliver world-class services.
The clinic stands as a beacon of hope, offering hands-on training opportunities for students, critical experience for budding professionals, and much-needed dental services to the wider community. Its establishment embodies the spirit of progress, partnership, and people-focused innovation.
The inauguration ceremony drew an impressive gathering of dignitaries, university officials, alumni, and dental professionals. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Lucian Chukwu; Registrar, Mrs. Victoria Wickliffe; the University Librarain, Professor Olatokunbo Okiki and Deputy Provost of CMUL, Professor Daniel Odebiyi were all present.
The commissioning of the UNILAG Dental Clinic is a testimony to the prospects for improved healthcare delivery through visionary leadership and collaborative action. As the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos continues to blaze the trail in health education, this new clinic is set to become a flagship of excellence, service, and national
Writer: Seyi Aluko
Photography: Bosede Adedeji
Editor: Isaiah Kumuyi
