Lagos: The 1985 set, University of Lagos (UNILAG) College of Medicine Alumni, has reaffirmed its commitment to giving back to its alma mater, as the foundation of its members’ professional excellence. Mr Kofo Ogunyakin, the set’s President, said this at its 40th anniversary reunion, where the alumni donated a solar power system to the college and completed the refurbishment of the female hostel, Alliakilu Hall.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ogunyakin stated that the reunion is not only a time to reconnect, but also to strengthen collaboration with the university’s leadership. He expressed excitement about returning to the college to share fellowship with peers and those who uphold the university’s cherished values and traditions. He emphasized that the reunion marks the beginning of deeper engagement with the institution.
Earlier, the Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, commended the alumni for choosing Lagos to mark its 40th anniversary, describing the gesture as timely and impactful. He noted that alumni support remains one of the most critical pillars of university development and has been instrumental in keeping the college accredited and functional despite limited government funding.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, applauded the alumni for its tangible contributions and urged them to deepen their engagement, particularly in addressing the brain drain in the health sector. She highlighted the challenges posed by the ‘japa’ syndrome, where trained medical professionals leave the country soon after their education, and called for alumni support beyond infrastructure, emphasizing mentorship and advocacy.
The reunion featured tours of the donated projects and renewed commitments by the alumni to support the college in infrastructure development, mentorship, and capacity building. Prof. Ogunsola reiterated the resilience and innovation of the university despite funding constraints and urged the alumni to help uphold the institution’s values and foster its growth.