UNILAG Welcomes Kenyan Literary Icon, Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, Ahead of 41st Omolayole Lecture

In a colourful prelude to the 41st edition of the distinguished Michael Omolayole Lecture (OML), the University of Lagos, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, hosted a high-profile delegation led by Professor Olukunle Iyanda, an accomplished alumnus of the institution and a central figure in the organisation of the lecture series.

The visiting delegation featured acclaimed Kenyan literary icon and award-winning novelist, Ms. Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor; notable UNILAG alumni including Mr. Lekan Shote and Professor Folake Olowokudejo; as well as representatives of AIESEC, the international student organisation and long-standing co-organiser of the OML.

The delegation was formally received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), Professor Bola Oboh, on behalf of the University’s management. In her remarks, Professor Oboh applauded the sustained commitment of the organisers of the lecture to honouring the legacy of Dr. Michael Omolayole, describing him as a rare leader whose contributions continue to echo across education, corporate practice, and youth development.

“Dr. Omolayole is not only an outstanding alumnus of this institution but a transformational figure whose impact has left enduring imprints within the University of Lagos and beyond,” she said. “We remain proud of his legacy and are delighted that the lecture series continues to project the values he lived by.”

Professor Iyanda, in his response, expressed gratitude to the University for its unwavering support of the lecture since inception. He emphasised that the series, created in honour of Dr. Omolayole—a trailblazing business leader, mentor, and advocate for young people—has remained one of the country’s most consistent thought-leadership platforms.

He noted that Ms. Owuor’s participation in OML 2025 would be especially significant, as it marks her first-ever visit to Nigeria and to UNILAG. According to him, her presence will bring a valuable cross-cultural dimension to the event, further enriching the intellectual and creative experience for students and the wider academic community.

Professor Iyanda also commended the institution’s openness in embracing the opportunity to host the literary figure, affirming that such engagements underscore UNILAG’s growing stature as a centre for cultural and intellectual exchange.

A symbolic highlight of the visit was the donation of four (4) copies of Ms. Owuor’s critically acclaimed novel to the University, a gesture aimed at expanding the institution’s literary resources and inspiring students to explore diverse perspectives in literature.

In her remarks, Ms. Owuor expressed delight at the warmth of the reception she received. She praised UNILAG as a dynamic academic space, brimming with creative energy and intellectual promise, while noting her anticipation to engage more deeply with its community during the lecture.

The Michael Omolayole Lecture, established over four decades ago, is recognised as one of Nigeria’s longest-running leadership and policy dialogue platforms. Each edition brings together distinguished voices from multiple sectors to examine pressing national and global issues, with a particular focus on the advancement of youth, the nurturing of leadership, and the pursuit of sustainable development.