Overview and History of University of Lagos

 
Nestled on the vibrant mainland of Lagos, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is one of Nigeria’s most renowned centres of higher learning. Established early in Nigeria’s post-colonial era, the institution has grown into a dynamic hub of teaching, research, innovation and engagement—in an environment defined by the sprawling metropolis of Lagos and the ever-present Lagos Lagoon. With its proximity to industry, culture, commerce and international connections, UNILAG offers students a uniquely urban academic experience; it is both rooted in local Nigerian realities and connected to global academic currents. For the undergraduate and postgraduate student, studying at UNILAG means more than attending lectures: it means being part of a community that embraces diversity, prepares graduates for professional life and positions them for global competition. Whether you are drawn to the arts, social sciences, engineering, medicine, law or business, UNILAG provides the infrastructure, faculty and environment to develop. But it also challenges students to engage deeply—with Lagos as context, with Nigeria’s evolving economy, and with the broader demands of knowledge and service.

In this blog post, we will take a detailed look at the University of Lagos: its official website, its motto that anchors the institution’s values, its origins and founder context, its history of growth and transformation, the current chancellorship with a brief biography, how accreditation and recognition show its academic credibility, the structure of its academic programmes and facilities, what campus life is like, and finally some of its notable alumni and their fields of specialisation. By the end you should have a humanised, professional and informative view of what UNILAG stands for and how it operates.

##Official Website
The official website of the University of Lagos is www.unilag.edu.ngOn this portal you can access information about admissions (undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning), faculties, colleges, administrative offices, the Senate House, news and events, the library, student portals, research output and much more. It serves as the digital gateway for prospective students, current students and stakeholders to engage with the institution. 

##Motto
The motto of the University of Lagos is “In Deed and In Truth.” 
This succinct phrase encapsulates the institution’s commitment to not just theoretical knowledge, but to action — and to integrity. It sets an aspirational tone: students and staff are encouraged to operate not just in words, but in concrete deeds grounded in truth. For a university situated in Nigeria’s economic and cultural hub, the motto signals that academic excellence must be matched by ethical commitment and real-world impact.

##Founder
Although there is no single individual named as “founder” in the narrow sense, the University of Lagos was established by the Nigerian federal government. The institution was created by the University of Lagos Act in 1962, consequent upon recommendations made in earlier years to establish new universities in Nigeria

In that sense, the “founder” is the Nigerian state (federal government) working through legislative act and policy to create a national institution of higher learning.

##History
The University of Lagos was founded on 22 October 1962. 
This places it among Nigeria’s first-generation universities, created shortly after the country gained independence and at a time when expanding higher education was a national imperative. 

From its inception, the university was mandated to produce a professional workforce to steer Nigeria’s economic, political and social development in the newly independent nation. 

The campus began at Akoka (Yaba, Lagos Mainland) and over time expanded multiple campuses and sites, including the College of Medicine at Idi-Araba, Surulere, and satellite sites for specific faculties.

Through the decades, UNILAG has adapted to changing demands. It has built new faculties, departments and programmes; invested in infrastructure; opened to distance learning; and extended its academic reach. For example, the institution offers one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected actuarial science programmes, recently achieving accreditation by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) in January 2024—which is a milestone in its global accreditation efforts. 
Institute and Faculty of Actuaries

The urban setting of Lagos has meant that UNILAG is immersed in a dynamic, fast-moving environment: corporate, cultural and technological activity abound. This puts both opportunities and pressure on the institution to stay current, competitive and relevant. Challenges have included maintaining infrastructure, scaling student accommodation, balancing research and teaching load, and managing regulatory demands of accreditation and quality assurance. Accreditation visits by the National Universities Commission (NUC) continue to play a central role in ensuring programme quality.

Today, after over six decades, UNILAG has grown into a major hub of higher learning in Nigeria: a sizeable student body, broad academic offerings, professional programme links, global connections and an alumni network that spans many sectors. But the story remains one of continuous evolution: adapting to global higher education trends, embracing innovation, and grounding itself in the motto of “In Deed and In Truth.”

##Chancellor
The Chancellor of the University of Lagos is Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, the Shehu of Borno. 

Brief Biography:
His Royal Highness Shehu Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi holds the prestigious traditional title of Shehu of Borno — a historical monarchic institution in the northeastern region of Nigeria. In his capacity as Chancellor of UNILAG, he serves as the ceremonial head of the university: presiding over convocations, representing the institution in major official engagements, and embodying the link between the university and national/traditional leadership. The role of Chancellor is largely symbolic in daily academic operations, but it also reflects the university’s connection to Nigeria’s broader cultural and governance structures.

##Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation and external recognition are essential for verifying the quality and legitimacy of an institution’s academic programmes. At the University of Lagos:

In January 2024 UNILAG’s MSc in Actuarial Science achieved accreditation from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA). The university became the first in West Africa to go through this accreditation process and the second in Africa. 
Institute and Faculty of Actuaries

The National Universities Commission (NUC) regularly conducts accreditation visits to the university’s programmes. For example, October 2023 saw accreditation teams assessing Botany, Business Education and Dentistry. 

In March 2024, the university hosted accreditation teams for its Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Procurement, Environmental & Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) for the programmes of Procurement, Environmental Standards and Social Standards at multiple levels (BSc, PGD, MSc). 

The university emphasises a quality assurance policy which states that its motto is “In Deed and In Truth,” and its vision is “To be a top-class institution for the pursuit of excellence in knowledge, character and service to humanity.” 

Together, these indicate that UNILAG is publicly committed to meeting national and international benchmarks of programme quality and recognition—a key factor for students, employers and partners.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
The academic structure and facilities of the University of Lagos are broad and rich, designed to support teaching, research, professional development and student life. Here are six-plus notable elements:

Faculties and Schools – UNILAG comprises multiple faculties including 

Arts

Science

Law

Engineering

Environmental Sciences

Social Sciences

Education

Pharmacy


##Campus Life and Facilities
Life at UNILAG goes beyond classrooms. The campus setting, urban context and student community shape everyday experiences:

Residential and Social Life: Many students reside in on-campus hostels or nearby off-campus accommodation. Student unions, departmental clubs, cultural societies and sports teams provide platforms for engagement, leadership and extracurricular growth.

Urban Environment: Being in Lagos offers students access to city resources—industry internships, cultural events, nightlife, entrepreneurship opportunities and networking. At the same time, the campus provides quieter spaces by the lagoon and within the university precincts.

Sports and Recreation: The university hosts athletic competitions and participates in national events. Multipurpose halls and sport centres are part of campus life.

Cultural Diversity: Lagos is a mosaic of ethnicities, languages and social strata. Students at UNILAG benefit from exposure to this diversity, which enriches campus interactions and broadens perspectives.

Academic Support & Facilities: From library services and online portals to labs and lecture theatres, students have access to infrastructure that supports learning. The distance learning institute also provides flexibility for non-traditional students.

Challenges and Opportunities: With high demand for admission, the university faces pressure to expand facilities, adapt to new technologies and meet rising student expectations. Students must engage proactively with a fast-moving urban campus.


Industry Engagement: Many students benefit from Lagos-based industry links, internships, entrepreneurship hubs and exposure to real-world challenges—advantages of the metropolitan location.