UNILAG Vice Chancellor Swears in New Student Leaders, Urges Constructive Engagement and Leadership Development

In a ceremony held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, officiated the swearing-in of newly elected Faculty Presidents and Departmental Executives for the 2024/2025 academic session. The event, which took place at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, marked a pivotal step in student governance as the university welcomes a new cohort of student leaders.

Addressing the student leaders, Prof. Ogunsola emphasized the importance of their role as intermediaries between the student body and the university administration. She highlighted their leadership positions as unique opportunities to develop resilience, character, and decision-making skills, which she described as crucial traits for future leaders both within and beyond the university.

Professor Ogunsola acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the university, noting that an increase in fees for utilities and laboratory services had become necessary due to rising costs. She reassured the student leaders of the administration's commitment to maintaining educational quality despite limited resources and encouraged them to adopt a constructive and proactive approach to resolving issues while fostering peace on campus.

“We hope to mold you into leaders who will not only make positive changes at UNILAG but will also contribute to Nigeria’s development,” she stated. “Your time here is a journey toward becoming leaders who understand issues deeply and can make tough decisions for the greater good.”

Supporting the Vice-Chancellor’s address, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Musa Obalola, commended the student leaders for their recent electoral successes and urged them to lead with a spirit of service and purpose. He outlined leadership principles, encouraging the new representatives to serve as role models, inspire a shared vision, embrace innovation, foster collaboration, and motivate others.

Similarly, Professor Adelaja Odukoya, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, advised the student leaders to prioritize consultation and cooperation with university authorities, viewing their positions as training grounds for the demands of leadership beyond UNILAG.

During the ceremony, student leaders expressed gratitude to the administration for its openness and commitment to student welfare. They affirmed their dedication to fostering a peaceful and progressive campus environment aligned with the university's "Future-Ready" agenda under Prof. Ogunsola's leadership.

The event concluded with the administration of the Oath of Office by Mrs. Olugbemi Adisa, Senior Assistant Registrar, Litigation, and the presentation of Certificates of Return, marking the official assumption of duties by the newly elected student leaders.  https://unilag.edu.ng/?p=44112