UNILAG VC Charges Academics to Prioritise Research to Drive Development as Trinity University Celebrates 6th Anniversary

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, has urged academic institutions to prioritise research, innovations, and sustainable solutions to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

She made the clarion call on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the 6th Founder’s Day ceremony of Trinity University (TU), Lagos.

With the theme: Celebrating Legacy, Inspiring the Future, the ceremony featured a lecture by an accomplished Professor of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology and current Pro-Chancellor at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Mbang Femi-Oyewo, as well as the commissioning of an MLS Demonstrative Diagnostic Lab within the varsity.

Professor Ogunsola, who served as the Chairperson of the occasion, emphasised the critical role of research in driving societal and community development, and called for renewed focus on research that aligns with global frameworks with the aim to bridge the gap between academic inquiry and real-world impact.

Her words  “ … In recent times, we have put teaching ahead of research, but the primary job of universities is research really, which is to produce new knowledge that will advance community.”

The Founder’s Day event provided a platform for the UNILAG helmswoman to commend Trinity University for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence. She noted that the private university’s remarkable growth and achievements had surpassed expectations.   

In his welcome remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, Professor Clement Olusegun Olaniran Kolawole acknowledged the giant strides of the institution since its humble beginning in 2019, with just sixteen (16) students and a dedicated team of five (5) staff members.

Highlighting the institution’s impressive growth, he shared that “the university currently thrives with a vibrant student population of about one thousand, eight hundred (1800) and over one hundred and twenty (120) committed members of staff”.

The Trinity University Vice-Chancellor underscored his varsity’s proactive approach to progress, emphasizing its strategic partnership with the National Universities Commission (NUC), relevant professional bodies, and other educational institutions.    

Professor Kolawole expressed gratitude to the University of Lagos leadership for playing a major role in Trinity University’s journey to becoming a formidable citadel of learning. While commending Professor Ogunsola, he pointed out key collaborations and academic support provided by UNILAG to Trinity University.

Earlier, before the commencement of the ceremony, the Trinity University Vice-Chancellor, along with the Pro-Chancellor, Pastor Samuel O. Olatunji, and senior officials of the institution, received the UNILAG Vice-Chancellor and her delegation in his office."