The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, has called for significant investment in teacher training as part of efforts to improve the education sector.
Professor Ogunsola made this call on Friday, May 23, 2025, while receiving members of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) at her 11th-floor office.
The delegation, led by Mr. Uche Orazulike, representative of the Lagos Zone President, Mr. Chinedu Okoli, included Mr. Alex Akindumila (Global President, FGC Odo-Ani), Mrs. Omoye Evbota (Global President, FGGC New Bussa), Mrs. Kikelomo Alamu (Social Secretary, Lagos Zone and alumna of FGGC Bakori), and Mrs. Mimi Leke (Publicity Secretary, Lagos Zone and alumna of FGGC Owerri).
Welcoming the USOSA team, Professor Ogunsola, a proud alumna of Queen’s College, Lagos (Class of 1974), expressed deep concern about the declining standards in Unity Schools and the overall educational landscape in the country.
Her words, “..The challenges that confront the educational landscape affect all schools, Unity or not. There’s infrastructure deficit, overcrowding, insufficient funding, and most importantly, lack of access. What is the population of our country? What is our landmass. And how many Unity schools do we have to make a meaningful impact?”
“If secondary school graduates aren’t well-rounded, we can be sure that the product will be poor even at the tertiary level. It’s a clear signal that the government must invest not just in Unity Schools; which are government institutions, but across the entire secondary school landscape. This is essential if we are serious about improving our chances at national development.”
Professor Ogunsola further called for urgent reforms to sustain the legacy of Unity Schools as cradles of national development. She emphasized the need for an improved reward system and better remuneration for teachers, noting that the strength of any educational system lies in its teachers.
Earlier while giving his remarks, Mr. Orazulike outlined USOSA’s mission to preserve and enhance the legacy of Unity Schools through advocacy, alumni engagement, and strategic partnerships. He also highlighted key upcoming events, including the USOSA Plenary in Enugu (June 2025) and the USOSA Diaspora Meeting in Toronto, Canada (July 2025), which are part of broader initiatives to enhance infrastructure, support teacher welfare, and promote academic excellence.
Inspired by Professor Ogunsola’s passion, the USOSA delegation reaffirmed their resolve to support initiatives that will elevate Unity Schools and positively shape the future of education in Nigeria.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts and decoration of Professor Ogunsola as a proud product of unity schools.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
