L-R, Chief Wole Olanipekun, pro-Chancellor and Prof Folasade Ogunsola, VC of UNILAG, during the university’s 56th convocation
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has welcomed a landmark agreement between Nigeria’s federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), saying it could provide the stability needed to pursue long-term academic and research goals.
Speaking at the university’s 56th convocation on Thursday, the pro-Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun, described the deal as more than a strike resolution. He said it provides a foundation for expanding research, innovation, and international collaborations.
“The agreement includes a 40% salary increase for academic staff, enhanced pension benefits for professors, dedicated funding for research, laboratories, and libraries, and stronger guarantees of university autonomy and academic freedom,” he said.
The speech highlighted the historical significance of the deal. Negotiations between ASUU and successive governments had been ongoing since 2009, with little progress. Chief Olanipekun said the current administration’s approach had finally broken the deadlock, commending President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Education, Dr Morufu Alausa, and ASUU leadership for their cooperation.
He also noted that the agreement establishes a National Research Council, funded with at least 1% of Nigeria’s GDP, to strengthen research and innovation nationwide. A rule requiring that only professors may serve as Deans and Provosts was reaffirmed, ensuring academic leadership is led by senior scholars.
The convocation ceremony also celebrated UNILAG’s standing in higher education. Chief Olanipekun pointed to the university’s number one ranking in Nigeria in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, citing industrial stability, research quality, and innovation.
He highlighted the launch of the UNDP–UNILAG Innovation Pod (UNIPOD) in January 2026. This facility brings together students, researchers, startups, and policymakers to tackle real-world challenges through artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The pro-chancellor urged graduates to translate their education into practical skills and societal impact. “Excellence must not remain an abstract idea. It has to translate into employability, innovation, and solutions to real problems,” he said.
Chief Olanipekun also acknowledged the contributions of other unions on campus, including the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the National Academic Staff Union (NASU), for their role in maintaining a predictable academic calendar.
UNILAG’s convocation drew national figures, alumni, and education stakeholders, underscoring the university’s role as a hub for academic excellence and national development.
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