University of Lagos facts for kids
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| 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
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1,736 (2017) |
|
Administrative staff
|
552 (2017) |
| Students | 55,000 (2017) |
| Undergraduates | 43,784 (2017) |
| Postgraduates | 9,070 (2017) |
| Location |
,
Nigeria
6°31′0″N 3°23′10″E / 6.51667°N 3.38611°E |
| Campus | Urban |
| Colors | Gold and maroon |
The University of Lagos (often called UNILAG or Lagos) is a big public university in Lagos, Nigeria. It was started in 1962. UNILAG is one of Nigeria's very first universities. It is also ranked among the best universities in the country.
The university has three main areas, called campuses, in Lagos. Two campuses are in Yaba. The main campus is in Akoka. The third campus, for medical studies, is in Idi-Araba, Surulere. The main campus is huge, covering 802 acres of land. It is mostly surrounded by the Lagos lagoon.
Every year, the University of Lagos welcomes over 9,000 new students. More than 57,000 students study there in total. In 2022, Folasade Ogunsola became the Vice-Chancellor. She is the first woman to lead the university.
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History of UNILAG: How it Started
UNILAG was founded in 1962. This was just two years after Nigeria became independent from Britain. It was one of the first five universities built in the country. These are now known as "first generation universities."
Eni Njoku was the first black Vice-Chancellor of the university. He started in 1962 and stayed until 1965. Then, Saburi Biobaku took over.
In 2012, the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, wanted to change the university's name. He suggested renaming it Moshood Abiola University. This was to honor Moshood Abiola, a political leader who died in 1998. However, students and former students protested this idea. Because of the protests, the Nigerian government decided not to change the name.
Professor Folasade Ogunsola is the current Vice-Chancellor. She started her role in November 2022.
Academics and Research at UNILAG
| University rankings | |
|---|---|
| Global – Overall | |
| CWUR World | 1924 (2022–2023) |
| QS World | 1401+ (2024) |
| THE World | 1001–1200 (2024) |
| USNWR Global | 587 (2022–2023) |
| Regional – Overall | |
| THE Africa | =25 (2024) |
| USNWR Africa | 14 (2022–23) |
| National – Overall | |
| CWUR National | 3 (2022–2023) |
| QS National | =1 (2024) |
| THE National | =3 (2024) |
| USNWR National | 2 (2022–2023) |
It is quite hard to get into the University of Lagos. Many students want to study there. As of 2013, UNILAG had about 57,000 students. This makes it one of the largest universities in Nigeria.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) checks and approves universities in Nigeria. UNILAG is one of the 25 federal universities they oversee.
Forbes magazine once called UNILAG the "startup powerhouse" for Nigerian students. They ranked it as the third-best university in Africa for entrepreneurship. This means it's great for students who want to start their own businesses.
People often call the university "the university of first choice and the nation's pride." In 2008, the NUC named UNILAG the best university in Nigeria. They looked at the university's research work to decide this.
The University of Lagos has a College of Medicine. It works closely with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital(LUTH). In 2020, the university received special robots. These robots were donated to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
Special Centers and Programs
Centre for Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management (CEBCEM) This center started in 2018. It focuses on protecting and managing different kinds of life (called biodiversity). It also looks after natural environments, known as ecosystems. They do this through research and working with others.
CEBCEM helps students learn about the environment. It also encourages people to care about nature. The center tries to find local solutions for protecting biodiversity in Nigeria. They get money for research from groups like the TETfund.
Who Leads the University?
Here are some of the main leaders at the University of Lagos:
| Office | holders |
|---|---|
| Visitor | President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Tinubu |
| Pro-Chancellor & Chairman | Dr. Lanre Tejuosho |
| Chancellor | The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar IBN Umar Garbai El-Kanemi |
| Vice-Chancellor | Professor Folasade Ogunsola |
| Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research) | Professor Bola Oboh |
| Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services) | Professor Lucian O. Chukwu |
| Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services) | Professor Ayodele Victoria Atsenuwa |
| Registrar | Mr. Ismaila Oladejo Azeez |
| Bursar | Mr. Nurudeen Olalekan Ajani Lawal |
| University Librarian | Dr. (Mrs.) Yetunde Abosede Zaid |
Vice-Chancellors Through the Years
- 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: 2000–2007
- 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
Many famous 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 UNILAG.
Notable Faculty (Teachers)
- Wole Soyinka: A famous writer and Nobel Prize winner.
- Grace Alele-Williams: A well-known professor.
- J. P. Clark: A respected writer.
- Ken Saro Wiwa: An environmental activist and writer.
Notable Alumni (Former Students)
Many people who went to the University of Lagos have become well-known. Here are a few examples:
- Funke Akindele: An award-winning actress and producer.
- Yemi Alade: A popular musician.
- Akinwunmi Ambode: A former governor of Lagos State.
- Daré Art-Aladé: A singer.
- Reekado Banks: A singer and songwriter.
- Gbenga Daniel: A former governor of Ogun State.
- Tony Elumelu: A successful businessman.
- Kayode Fayemi: A current governor of Ekiti State.
- Femi Gbajabiamila: The current Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives.
- Chika Ike: An actress and producer.
- Laycon: A rapper and winner of Big Brother Naija.
- Mayorkun: An award-winning musician.
- Genevieve Nnaji: An award-winning actress, director, and producer.
- Ramsey Nouah: A Nigerian actor and director.
- Yemi Osinbajo: The former Vice-President of Nigeria.
- Sasha P: A rapper, musician, and businesswoman.
- Babajide Sanwo-Olu: The current governor of Lagos State.
- Broda Shaggi: A comedian.
- Joke Silva: An award-winning actress and director.
- Vector: A Nigerian rapper and songwriter.
- Linda Ikeji: A famous blogger.
See also
- 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
