The University of Lagos was established in 1962 by an Act of the Federal Parliament, University of Lagos Act No. 11 of 1962. Its establishment was an immediate response to the national need of a competent, professional workforce that would drive the social, economic, and political development of the country.
On October 22, 1962, the University took off with a modest intake of 131 students; and since then, has produced tens of thousands of graduates who have gone ahead to make their marks in various areas of human endeavour.
Professor Eni Njoku, First Vice Chancellor 1962 – 1965
The Act which established the University of Lagos initially provided for an eleven-member Provisional Council for the University, a Senate to preside over academic affairs, and a separate Council for the Medical School located at the University Teaching Hospital at Idi-Araba, a few kilometres away from the main (Akoka) campus. That was rather unique, because, by the authority of the Act, the University consisted of two separate institutions — the Main University and an autonomous Medical School.
This initial arrangement was reviewed in 1967 with the promulgation of the University of Lagos Decree 1967 (Decree No. 3 of 1967). The new establishment law created a more integrated institution by establishing a single Council for the whole university. The Medical School ceased to exist as a separate institution and it became an integral part of the University of Lagos subject to the full authority of Senate.
However, in order to allow for some measure of autonomy, necessary for the smooth discharge of its responsibilities, the University adopted the collegiate system for the Medical School. It thus became the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, composed of different faculties.
The University began with three faculties: Commerce and Business Administration, Law, and Medicine.
At its first meeting, the Board of the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration changed the name to the Faculty of Business and Social Studies. The faculties of Arts, Education, Engineering and Science were added in 1964.
Today, the university has a total of twelve (12) Faculties, including those of the College of Medicine. They are: Arts, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Education, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Law, Management Sciences, Pharmacy, Science, and Social Sciences.
In addition to these are the Distance Learning Institute (DLI), Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), and a number of specialised centres which also offer degree programmes, all accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). This is in continuation of the mandate to produce high-quality manpower for the country.
The Visitor’s (General Gowon) Signature and Remarks, 1974
The University of Lagos operates from three campuses: Akoka, which is the Main Campus; Yaba, where the School of Radiography is located; and Idi-Araba, where the College of Medicine operates from. Since 1962, thirteen (13) Vice-Chancellors have led this great citadel of learning. The current and thirteenth Vice-Chancellor is Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the first female Vice-Chancellor in the illustrious history of the “University of First Choice and the Nation’s Pride”.
She is being assisted by a Management Team of accomplished professionals who work to ensure that the university continues to deliver successfully deliver on its mandate.
Historical timeline
— October, 1962
Commencement of First Academic Year
A student population of 130 began to receive lectures at a temporary site in Surulere, Lagos with day courses in the faculties of Business and Social Studies (46), Law (56), and the Medical School (28).
28 June 1973
Adoption of Faculty System for University
By early 1970s, the University had developed a confusing academic structure in which the faculty system operated alongside the school and the collegiate systems. On 28 June 1973, Senate finally adopted the faculty system for the whole University, conceding the collegiate system only to the College of Medicine.
22 July 1981
Establishment of the School of Postgraduate Studies
The SPGS, whose dramatic growth has attracted the sobriquet, “the Lagoon Lighthouse, was established.
20th July, 1991
UNILAG Expands Faculties
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2nd November, 2002
Historical event 1
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May 29, 2012
University Renaming Controversy
President Goodluck Jonathan announced the renaming of the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University in honor of the late Nigerian politician. This sparked widespread protests from students, alumni, and faculty, leading to the eventual retraction of the renaming.
The first phase of infrastructure development at the main (Akoka) campus was completed in 1965. It consisted of two academic areas called Academic Group North and Academic Group South, the Dinning Hall, Library, Administrative Block, the Central Concourse, Staff Quarters and Student Hostels. Subsequent developments added academic buildings including Faculty of Arts, Advanced Legal Studies, Chemical Engineering, Mass Communication, and Science; service facilities such as the Auditorium, the Conference Centre and Guest Houses, the Health Centre, the Sports Centre, the UNILAG Consult Complex, a walkway linking the Faculty of Science with the Faculty of Engineering, a massive water reservoir near the Department of Mass Communication; boreholes in the service area of the main campus; Junior Staff Quarters (Phase I) along Lawani Road, off University Road, Abule-Oja; and additional hostels for male and female students.
The Hydraulic Research Laboratory was also constructed with a grant from the Government of the Netherlands and a donation of N30,000.00 from the Nigerian Ports Authority. The University of Lagos International School was established in 1981. It relocated to its permanent site in October 1985. The Senate House Complex was completed in 1984. The University also established autonomous commercial outfits as a means to generate additional revenue. Foremost among these are UNILAG Consult and UNILAG Ventures.
Established over six decades ago, the University of Lagos has been a beacon of qualitative and research-oriented education for thousands of knowledge seekers who come to its domain from Nigeria and Abroad.
UNILAG’s vibrant community sprouts from a fountain of distinction, which produces top-tier graduates and academia whose impactful contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s growth and development.
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