The University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Monday, May 11, 2026, officially commenced the distribution of Smart Identification (ID) Cards to students at a symbolic ceremony held at the Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Centre for Information Technology and Systems (ABS-CITS), UNILAG, Akoka.
During the ceremony, members of the UNILAG Students Union Executive Council were issued their ID cards to kick off the subsequent distribution to the general student body.
The Smart ID initiative, developed in partnership with Lotus Bank and Heckerbella Limited, is part of the University’s ongoing drive towards digital transformation, enhanced campus security, and improved service delivery. Unveiled on Friday, February 17, 2026 at a ceremony themed: UNILAG Re-Imagined: One Identity, One Sstem , One Digital Future (Please click: https://www.lagosedu.com/unilag-reimagined-smart-id-initiative-signals-new-era-of-digital-excellence/ ); the smart ID cards have multifunctional features including account activation and access-control capabilities.
Representing the Director of ABS-CITS, Prof. M.O.H. Amuda at the symbolic card issuance ceremony, the Deputy Director of CITS, Dr. Kehinde Orolu, explained that the card is designed to serve multiple purposes. According to him, the card can function as a means of identification, a wallet for financial transactions, and an access card for secured locations within the University. He noted that students may choose to activate the banking feature linked to the card or leave it inactive, depending on their preference.
Speaking at the event, the Team Lead from Lotus Bank, Mr. Bayo Adeyemo, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting innovative solutions that enhance students’ experience on campus.
Also speaking, the Project Manager of Heckerbella Limited, Mr. Onome Sheriff, stated that notifications for card collection had already been sent to the email addresses of students whose cards are ready. He added that the collection process would be carried out according to a faculty-based schedule, to ensure a smooth and orderly distribution exercise.
The Smart ID Card initiative reflects UNILAG’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency, strengthen campus security, and promote a smarter, digitally enabled learning environment.
Report: Oluwatoyin Ojo-Alo
Photograph: Samuel Dosumu
