Lagos: The University of Lagos Alumni Association, Lagos Branch, has expressed commitment to assisting the university to close its infrastructure gap. The Chairman of the branch, Mr. Owoeye Adedeji, gave the assurance at a news conference organized by the association in Lagos on Monday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adedeji stated that the association was taking steps to deepen collaboration between town and gown with the aim of promoting a better learning environment in the university. He highlighted that the alumni association was planning a ‘Dinner and Awards Night with Corporate World’ as a deliberate effort to strengthen this collaboration.
Adedeji emphasized the importance of fostering stronger engagements and mutually beneficial partnerships for sustainable institutional development. He noted that the event would serve as a platform to reinforce the association’s commitment to improving education quality and strengthening the university’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
He further explained that funding education could no longer rest solely on the government, especially at a time of rising demands on Nigeria’s higher institutions. Adedeji stated, “The truth is that government alone cannot solve all problems in the education sector. When you engage with the corporate world, you understand the importance of building strong relationships.”
The collaboration was conceived at the last edition of the Annual Shofoluwe Lecture at the university, during which its alumni and other well-meaning Nigerians were encouraged to support the university in practical and sustainable ways. Adedeji said that they engaged all faculties and departments to submit detailed information about their most urgent infrastructure and academic needs to ensure that the intervention would be well-targeted.
He disclosed that the response to the call for support had been encouraging, with individuals and organizations stepping forward to contribute to the advancement of the institution. Adedeji urged members of the association, corporate bodies, and the public to support the initiative, emphasizing that collective efforts would help to secure a stronger and more sustainable future for generations of students.
The chairman mentioned that no fewer than 12 personalities passionate about developing education would be given awards during the dinner slated for November 30 in Ikeja.