The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunshola, has emphasized the need for stronger collaborations between the university, its alumni, and industry partners to enhance global competitiveness and advance the institution’s development agenda.

Speaking on Sunday at the inaugural Dinner with the Corporate World and Award Night organized by the UNILAG Alumni Association, Lagos State Branch, Ogunshola praised alumni for their consistent support and long-term commitment to their alma mater.

She stressed that modern universities cannot thrive in isolation and that achieving global relevance requires mutually beneficial relationships between academia and external stakeholders.

“Modern universities cannot thrive in isolation; it requires a symbiotic relationship to compete globally,” she said.

The VC highlighted the university’s recent achievements, including strengthened partnerships with international institutions and multilateral agencies, as well as a focus on innovation through the Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre. She also pointed to ongoing infrastructural renewal projects across the campus, which are enhancing learning, research, and residential experiences, contributing to UNILAG’s vision of becoming a research-driven, future-ready institution capable of addressing national and global challenges.

While acknowledging progress, she underlined the importance of deeper engagement with alumni and industry partners.

“Much more can be achieved through robust collaborations with alumni and business partners. I therefore make a formal appeal for endowments and scholarships to support students from academically disadvantaged backgrounds,” she said.

Prof. Ogunshola further urged industries to work closely with the university by presenting real-world problems that can drive research and equip students with practical skills.

“We would like industry research partners to challenge us, collaborate with us, and let us demonstrate what we can achieve,” she added.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the UNILAG Alumni Association, Lagos State Branch, Comrade Owoeye Adedeji, described the event as a celebration of shared values between academia and the corporate world. He explained that the initiative was designed as a practical way for alumni to give back to the university by addressing infrastructural and academic gaps through collective effort.

“Our goal is to build bridges between the knowledge producers in the university and the industries that drive our economy. With your support, we can advance innovation, mentorship, internships, and infrastructure development—all crucial to the future of education,” he said.

Adedeji added that the branch had achieved significant progress through collaboration with members, partners, and corporate stakeholders, noting that unity and a shared vision remain the strength of any alumni body.

Special Guest of Honour, Chairman and CEO of Platform Capital, Dr. Akintoye Akindele, commended the alumni for their impactful initiative and encouraged continued dedication to nation-building.

He urged alumni to embrace gratitude, resilience, and service, noting that life is a precious gift to be maximized.

“Life is so precious that comparison steals its value. I am not defined by my struggles; I am defined by grace. Every year is a lifetime, so we must make each one count,” he said.

Akindele also shared his experiences partnering with the university, including his support for the UNILAG Business School, which he has helped strengthen through collaboration and infrastructure development.

The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Mojisola Meranda, who was also an awardee, praised the association’s efforts to foster collaboration between academia and the corporate sector. She pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at driving meaningful development in UNILAG and across Lagos State.

“I am impressed by this initiative and by those you are bringing together to support impactful development in the university and Lagos State at large,” she said.

Other award recipients included Dr. Segun Oshundairo, Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Government; Mr. Moyosore Adebanjo; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Central Internal Audit, Dr. Ayoola Oyeyemi; founder of Oxbridge Tutorial College, Dr. Olufemi Ogunsanya; Mr. Adigun Saheed; Mr. Yussuf Kelani; and several others.