UNILAG Commences Distribution of Smart ID Cards to Students: What You Need to Know

The University of Lagos (University of Lagos) has officially begun the distribution of its new Smart Identification (ID) Cards to students, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s digital transformation journey.

The rollout began on Monday, May 11, 2026, during a symbolic issuance ceremony held at the Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Centre for Information Technology and Systems (ABS-CITS), UNILAG Akoka.

This initiative is designed to modernize student identification, improve campus security, and streamline access to services across the university.

 Official Launch at ABS-CITS, UNILAG as University Roll-Out (ID) Cards to students

The distribution exercise kicked off with members of the Students’ Union Executive Council receiving their Smart ID cards first. This symbolic handover marked the beginning of a phased rollout to the wider student population.

The event was held at the ABS-CITS facility, a key technology hub within UNILAG responsible for driving digital innovation and ICT infrastructure development on campus.

Representing the Director of ABS-CITS, Prof. M.O.H. Amuda, the Deputy Director of CITS, Dr. Kehinde Orolu, explained that the Smart ID card is designed to serve multiple functions beyond identification.

 Features of the UNILAG Smart ID Card

According to Dr. Orolu, the Smart ID card is a multifunctional digital tool that integrates several services into one platform. It can function as:

 A student identification card

A financial wallet for transactions

 An access control card for secured campus facilities

Students also have the flexibility to decide whether to activate the banking feature or leave it inactive based on personal preference.

The system was developed in collaboration with financial and tech partners including Lotus Bank and Heckerbella Limited.

 Strong Support from Project Partners

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Bayo Adeyemo, Team Lead at Lotus Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting digital innovation in higher education.

He emphasized that the Smart ID initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance student experience through secure, efficient, and technology-driven solutions.

Similarly, Mr. Onome Sheriff, Project Manager at Heckerbella Limited, noted that students whose cards are ready have already been notified via email. He added that distribution is being organized on a faculty-by-faculty basis to ensure an orderly and stress-free collection process.

The UNILAG Smart ID Initiative

The Smart ID program was officially unveiled earlier on Friday, February 17, 2026, under the theme:UNILAG Re-Imagined: One Identity, One System, One Digital Future.

The initiative is part of UNILAG’s long-term digital transformation strategy aimed at creating a smarter, more connected campus environment.

 Benefits of the Smart ID Card System to UNILAG Students

The introduction of Smart ID cards at UNILAG brings several key advantages:

1. Improved Campus Security

The access-control feature helps restrict entry to authorized areas, enhancing safety across campus.

 2. Digital Financial Integration

With optional banking features, students can perform cashless transactions conveniently.

 3. Streamlined Student Identification

The card replaces traditional ID systems with a more secure and efficient digital alternative.

 4. Enhanced Administrative Efficiency

University processes such as attendance tracking and verification become faster and more reliable.

 A Step Toward a Smarter Campus

The Smart ID rollout underscores UNILAG’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve academic and administrative operations. It also aligns with global trends in smart campus development, where institutions are adopting integrated digital systems to enhance student life.

By partnering with leading technology and financial institutions like Lotus Bank and Heckerbella Limited, UNILAG is positioning itself as a forward-thinking institution in Nigeria’s higher education sector.

The commencement of Smart ID card distribution marks a transformative step for the University of Lagos. With its multifunctional capabilities and strong institutional backing, the initiative is expected to reshape how students interact with services on campus.

As distribution continues across faculties, students are encouraged to follow official communication channels and check their emails for collection details.