Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has asked the University of Lagos to try and maintain the high standards for which it was known from its inception.
He said: “I want to say that UNILAG has proved time and time again to be not just a university of first-choice but also the University of firsts! So many firsts in different areas; just reading about Doctor Olukoya, he was the first to clone genes. Hardly anyone would know that the pastor and founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracles were also the first to clone genes. That is an absolutely outstanding thing.”
Professor Osinbajo, who spoke at the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Awards and celebration of the University’s 55 anniversary, added: “the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God was also the first Nigerian to get a PhD in a Nigerian university in Applied Mathematics. I think that there are so many other Firsts, but the most important thing today is to ensure that those firsts do not become the last.
“We must ensure we continue in the great traditions of the University of Lagos and this is why I am so excited to see a lot of committed alumni who want to see to it that our University goes from glory to glory.”
Vice President Osinbajo stressed the importance of private participation in the development of universities, stressing that it is obvious now that government alone cannot support universities to the extent that is required, to keep them even at the current levels.
“A lot will have to come from the Alumni and the private sector. That’s how great universities all over the world are run.”
He congratulated all the awardees, saying that not only are their achievements worthy of celebration, but that the fact that they came from such a great institution and honoured by the institution is real reason for them show appreciation.[myad]
