University of Lagos facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
University of Lagos

Entrance to the University's Main Campus, 2025
Motto	In deed and in truth
Type	Public research university
Established	1962
Chancellor	Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar IBN Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, The Shehu of Borno
Vice-Chancellor	Folasade Ogunsola
Academic staff	1,736 (2017)
Administrative staff	552 (2017)
Students	55,000 (2017)
Undergraduates	43,784 (2017)
Postgraduates	9,070 (2017)
Location	Lagos , Nigeria 6°31′0″N 3°23′10″E / 6.51667°N 3.38611°E / 6.51667; 3.38611
Campus	Urban
Colors	Gold and maroon

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is a big public university in Lagos, Nigeria. It was started in 1962. UNILAG is one of the very first universities built in Nigeria and is known as one of the top universities in Africa.

The university has three main areas, called campuses, in Lagos. Two campuses are in Yaba, and its medical college is in Idi-Araba, Surulere. The main campus is huge, covering 802 acres, and is mostly surrounded by the Lagos Lagoon. Each year, the University of Lagos welcomes about 8,500 new students and has over 57,000 students in total.

On October 7, 2022, Folasade Ogunsola became the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos. She is the first woman to hold this important position at the university.

University of Lagos

Lagoon Front, University of Lagos

History of UNILAG

UNILAG was created in 1962, just two years after Nigeria became independent from Britain. It was one of the first five universities in the country. These are now called "first generation universities."

Eni Njoku was the first African Vice-Chancellor of the university, starting in 1962. He stayed in this role until 1965. Then, Saburi Biobaku took over. There was some disagreement about his appointment.

On May 29, 2012, the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, suggested changing the university's name to Moshood Abiola University. This was to honor Moshood Abiola, a political figure who passed away in 1998. However, students and former students protested this idea. Because of these protests, the Nigerian government decided not to change the name.

Folasade Ogunsola is the current Vice Chancellor. She started her role on November 12, 2022. The University of Lagos is proud to be a welcoming place for female students and staff. Many women hold important leadership roles there.

Learning and Research at UNILAG

It is quite competitive to get into the University of Lagos. It has one of the largest student populations in Nigeria. The National Universities Commission (NUC) oversees and approves all federal universities in Nigeria, including UNILAG.

A magazine called Forbes once said that UNILAG was the third-best university in Africa for starting new businesses. They called it a "startup powerhouse" for Nigerian students.

The university is often called "The university of first choice and the nation's pride." In 2008, the NUC named UNILAG the best university in Nigeria. This was partly because of all the important research it does.

The University of Lagos, College of Medicine works closely with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital(LUTH). In 2020, the university received special robots called CRZR. These robots were donated to help fight the spread of COVID-19.

University Leadership

Here are some of the main leaders at the University of Lagos:

Past Vice-Chancellors

• Professor Eni Njoku: 1962–1965
• Professor Saburi Biobaku: 1965–1971
• Professor Jacob F. Adeniyi Ajayi: 1972–1978
• Professor Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh: 1978–1980
• Professor Akinpelu Oludele Adesola: 1981–1988
• Professor Nurudeen Oladapo Alao: 1988–1995
• Professor Jelili Adebisi Omotola: 1995–2000
• Professor Oyewusi Ibidapo Obe: Ag, 2000–2002; 2002–2007
• Professor Tolu Olukayode Odugbemi: 2007–2010
• Professor Babatunde Adetokunbo Sofoluwe: 2010–2012
• Professor Rahmon Ade Bello: 2012–2017
• Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe: 2017–2022
• Professor Folasade Ogunsola: 2022–present

Famous People from UNILAG

Former Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo of Nigeria is an alumnus of the University of Lagos

Many well-known people have studied or worked at the University of Lagos. These include scientists, politicians, lawyers, business leaders, writers, and entertainers. As of 2020, one Nobel Prize winner and one Pulitzer Prize winner have been connected to the university.

Notable Teachers and Staff

• Wole Soyinka
• Grace Alele-Williams
• J. P. Clark
• Olufemi Majekodunmi
• Marita Golden
• Oyeleye Oyediran
• Lazarus Ekwueme
• Ken Saro Wiwa
• Solomon Babalola
• Akinsola Olusegun Faluyi
• Karen King-Aribisala

Notable Former Students

Many famous people have graduated from the University of Lagos, including:

• Wande Abimbola, a Yoruba professor.
• Niyi Adebayo, the first governor of Ekiti State.
• Wale Adenuga, a publisher and film producer.
• Kunle Adeyemi, an architect.
• Gbenga Adeyinka, an actor and comedian.
• Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, a women's activist.
• Yemi Alade, an award-winning musician.
• Akinwunmi Ambode, a former governor of Lagos State.
• Daré Art-Aladé, a singer.
• Tobi Bakre, an actor.
• Reekado Banks, a singer and songwriter.
• Stella Damasus, an actress and singer.
• Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State.
• Denrele Edun, a TV personality.
• Obiageli Ezekwesili, an accountant and politician.
• Kayode Fayemi, a former governor of Ekiti State.
• Chika Ike, an actress and producer.
• Laycon, a rapper and winner of Big Brother Naija season 5.
• Toke Makinwa, a radio and television personality.
• Mayorkun, an award-winning musician.
• Lai Mohammed, the current minister of information and culture.
• John Momoh, chairman of Channels Television Group.
• Ramsey Nouah, a Nigerian actor and director.
• Bayo Ojo, a lawyer and former Attorney General of Nigeria.
• Dele Olojede, a journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner.
• Ogbonnaya Onu, the first governor of Abia State.
• Yemi Osinbajo, the former Vice-President of Nigeria.
• Funke Akindele, an award-winning actress and producer.
• Genevieve Nnaji, an award-winning actress and director.
• Tony Elumelu, an economist and entrepreneur.
• Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the current governor of Lagos State.
• Seyi Makinde, the current governor of Oyo State.
• Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, a pastor and scientist.
• Wole Olanipekun, a lawyer.
• Broda Shaggi, a comedian.
• Joke Silva, an award-winning actress and director.
• Omoyele Sowore, founder of Sahara Reporters.
• Vector, a Nigerian rapper.
• Farida Mzamber Waziri, former chairman of EFCC.
• Mercy Aigbe, an actress and fashionista.
• Linda Ikeji, a blogger.
• Olufunke Oshonaike, a Nigerian table tennis player.

See also

In Spanish: Universidad de Lagos para niños

• List of universities in Nigeria

Images for kids

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  Research and innovation office

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  Faculty of Art

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  University Library

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  J. P Clark Center

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  Sport center

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  Unilag Senate house

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  Akintunde Ojo Memorial Hall

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  Unilag Lagoon Front Fountain

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  Quadrangle, Faculty of Arts

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  Faculty of Science

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  University of Lagos Lagoon front view from Seaside cottage theatre, Bariga

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  Lagoon Front Silhouette

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  View of the Third Mainland Bridge From the Lagoon Front

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  Green Space in University of Lagos

External links

• University of Lagos Alumni Association official website: http://unilagalumniassociation.org/