Alumni Launch $2M Endowment Fund for Lagos University

The 1984 set of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, has launched a $2 million endowment fund to commemorate their 40th anniversary and bolster academic excellence and infrastructure at the institution. The inauguration took place during a gala dinner at the Nnamdi Azikwe Hall, Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, as part of the set's week-long reunion programme.

In addition to the endowment fund, the alumni group contributed a renewable power structure and renovated various facilities within the college. Prof. Ayodeji Olamijulo, the chairman of the organising committee, emphasized the importance of giving back to the college that laid the foundation for their success. “We recognize that the government cannot do it alone, and our alumni group can come together to improve the school,” he stated.

The initiative also included a charitable visit to Heart of Gold Children Hospital, where the alumni donated to assist 72 abandoned and needy children. Prof. Olamijulo expressed the urgency for funding, noting that the college requires significant financial support for renovations, particularly for student hostels and research facilities. “For instance, the budget to renovate just one block of the students’ hostel was about N280 million, and there are nine blocks that need serious attention,” he added.

Highlighting the role of youth in shaping the nation’s future, Olamijulo urged young Nigerians to stay focused and inspired. He pointed out that the success of countries like the United States stems from the commitment of their citizens to national development.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, expressed gratitude for the alumni's contributions and called for further collaboration to enhance the college’s academic environment. She acknowledged the growing number of students and the need for alumni expertise in various fields.

Dr. Kunle Hassan, the event's chairman and CEO of Eye Foundation Hospital, commended the vice-chancellor's initiative to engage alumni in leveraging private sector resources for the college's development. He underscored the potential for collaboration to replicate successful models seen abroad, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of medical professionals in Nigeria.

The alumni's commitment to fostering a brighter future for the College of Medicine reflects a broader dedication to improving educational standards and infrastructure in Nigeria.