President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the University of Lagos on the 6th of March. During his visit, he inaugurated a few projects which include the N100m Afe Babalola Auditorium, the Senate-bypass estimated to cost N55m and the 1000 bed-space postgraduate hall donated to the University by the celebrated banker and distinguished UNILAG alumnus, Dr. Erastus B. Akingbola. This hostel is worth over N70m. These projects are the results of a $500m endowment fund launched in 2003 which paved the way for individuals and corporate organizations to donate cash or initiate projects bearing their names in the school. The President commended the authorities of the University for initiating a working partnership with the private sector. The President also graciously awarded 500 scholarships to five categories of students, including 170 exceptionally outstanding ones, who were given N50, 000 each. The other four categories of students include some athletes, the physically challenged, the underprivileged and those that have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. Those in these categories were given N25,000 each. Akingbola pledged to offer automatic jobs to the best overall graduating students in all government universities. He also thanked President Obasanjo for his hands-on approach to the educational sector particularly through public/private sector partnership and better funding of the university system. “This is our way of supporting the current reforms in the educational sector and proactively engaging these exceptionally gifted Nigerians right from their graduation.” Akingbola said. Concerning the issue of maintenance of the university’s facilities, President Obasanjo declared that hereafter, the Federal Government would surcharge students for any intentional destruction of government property. He added that it was wrong for students to take to violence over any disagreement with school authorities. He noted that no acceptable solution can ever emerge through violence.
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