UNILAG Alumni Association Hosts 12th Babatunde Sofoluwe Memorial Lecture, Spotlights Technology Governance

The Jelili Omotola Multipurpose Hall, University of Lagos (UNILAG), was filled with distinguished personalities, academics, industry leaders, and alumni on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, as the UNILAG Alumni Association, Lagos State Branch, held the 12th Professor Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Memorial Anniversary Lecture.

Themed “Tech Governance in 2025: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility”, the event highlighted the importance of responsible technology adoption in Nigeria and beyond while honouring the legacy of the late Professor Sofoluwe, UNILAG’s 10th Vice-Chancellor.

Opening Tributes

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Professor Aderonke Samuel, welcomed guests and emphasised the dual purpose of the lecture: advancing intellectual discourse on technology governance and celebrating the impactful life of Professor Sofoluwe.

Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Kayode Oladele, Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, described the lecture as both a commemoration and an intellectual compass. He noted:

“The symposium we hold today is not merely a ceremonial remembrance. It is an intellectual platform for dialogue, for exchange of ideas, and for recommitting ourselves to the values that Prof. Sofoluwe championed.”

Vice-Chancellor’s Remarks

UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, praised the Lagos State Branch of the Alumni Association for sustaining the lecture series, describing Branch Chairman Hon. Owoeye Adedeji as “a pleasure to work with.”

She commended Guest Lecturer Dr. Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru and Hon. Kayode Oladele for their contributions, stressing the relevance of the theme:

“The world is speeding ahead, democratising the knowledge and capacity to do good and bad in equal measure. Governance issues about the responsible use of technology have therefore become critical.”

Guest Lecture: Innovation with Responsibility

Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru, lawyer, financial instruments expert, and National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), underscored the need for equitable access to technology, especially in education.

He emphasised three key points:

• Technology in Education: “Technology is a veritable tool for learning enhancement and improvement of educational outcomes.”
• Cybercrime and Fake News: He warned of the dangers of misinformation and cybercrime, estimating global costs at $10 trillion annually.
• Responsible Governance: He urged policymakers to balance innovation with responsibility to ensure technology serves the greater good.

Alumni Giving Back

Chairman of the Alumni Association (Lagos Branch), Comrade Owoeye Adedeji (OVO), called on members to “celebrate Professor Sofoluwe’s legacy by giving back to the university.” He announced several donations and sponsorships:

• Faculty of Social Sciences: ₦2 million from Alhaja Ganiatu Abiola-Ulom, CEO, Mary Queen International Group.
• Faculty of Education: ₦5 million from Dr. Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru.
• Faculty of Science: Donation from Hon. Kayode Oladele and an additional ₦1 million support from Dr. Bashiru.
• Faculty of Arts: ₦3 million from the Chairman, Odi-Olowo Local Council Development Area.

Alhaja Abiola-Ulom, one of the donors, described Professor Sofoluwe’s memory as “a blessed one, which has continued to attract goodness to the University of Lagos,” urging others to live impactful lives.

Honouring a Legacy

The memorial lecture, established in honour of Professor Sofoluwe who died in active service on May 12, 2012, continues to serve as a platform for addressing national and global issues.

This year’s edition not only reinforced his legacy of vision, integrity, and academic excellence but also advanced critical conversations on Nigeria’s technological future.