The President of the University of Lagos Alumni Association Worldwide, Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele, FNSE, FAEng, has announced plans for the Association’s 55th Anniversary Awards and Recognition Dinner, even as he raised concerns over the state of Nigeria’s education sector.

Speaking at a press conference held at the UNILAG Alumni Jubilee House, Lagos, Engr. Oyedele said the forthcoming Dinner and Award Night would take place on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to him, the event will celebrate excellence, honour distinguished alumni, and raise funds to support scholarships and critical infrastructure projects at the University of Lagos. Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, while Olor’ogun Dr. Sonny Kuku, OFR, FAS, Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, will chair the occasion.

Meanwhile, Otunba Lekan Ajisafe, 2nd Vice President of the Association and Chairman of the 55th Anniversary, explained that the Awards and Recognition Dinner is the second phase of the celebration which commenced last year. According to him:

“Great Nigerians have been carefully selected for their contributions to education, society, and the University of Lagos. Let me inform you that the award is for only deserving Nigerians. We want people to know that investment in education is not a waste but nation building”.

Beyond the planned celebration, Engr, Oyedele used the platform to call attention to what he described as “sobering truths” about Nigeria’s educational system. He listed underfunding, brain drain, outdated curricula, and poor welfare for teachers and lecturers as challenges threatening the sector.

“If education collapses, every other sector will eventually collapse. Without quality education, we cannot innovate, we cannot compete globally, and we cannot secure a prosperous future for Nigeria,” Oyedele warned.

He commended the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), increased budgetary allocation to education, and scholarships for vocational and technical students. However, he urged the government to translate policy pronouncements into sustainable action.

Highlighting the contributions of UNILAG Alumni over the years, Oyedele cited scholarship programmes, equipment donations, and construction of learning facilities. He revealed that the Association will soon begin the construction of a new 1,800-bed student hostel, expected to be completed within 18 months.

He called on government, the private sector, and individuals to partner with the alumni in strengthening Nigerian education.

“We call on the private sector to see investments in education not as charity, but as enlightened self-interest. The future workforce, the innovators, and the entrepreneurs who will power their businesses tomorrow are sitting in our classrooms today,” he said.

Oyedele concluded on an optimistic note, affirming that with the right investment, Nigerian universities could compete globally and drive national development across all sectors. He urged esteemed citizens, and especially every alumnus, to give back, whether through mentorship, financial support, or advocacy, noting that every contribution matters.

“Distinguished members of the press, despite the challenges, I stand before you today full of optimism. Nigeria is blessed with talent, resilience, and creativity. With the right support, our universities will not only compete with their global counterparts, but also drive national development in science, technology, the arts, and governance.

Our forthcoming Dinner and Award Night is therefore more than a social gathering. It is a rallying call. A visible demonstration of our determination to strengthen the legacy of the University of Lagos and to build a stronger foundation for Nigerian education”, he noted.

The press conference, attended by members of the media and alumni, served both as a prelude to the October 17 dinner and as a rallying call to stakeholders to prioritize education in national development.

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The African Women Foundation for Nation Building, WINBAFRICA, as part of its commitment in promoting girl-child education and empowering women and young girls in critical thinking and leadership skills in secondary schools across Africa, has announced the annual school debate competition and scholarship programme for 20 young girls. The Schools Debate, to celebrate the NGO’s 10^th anniversary under the theme, Bridging the Gab: Celebrating a decade of Nation Building” is scheduled for Monday, February 26, 2024 at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga center, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Speaking on the initiative, which is the first event in the series of events in 2024 to commemorate its 10th anniversary, the President, WINBAFRICA, and Chief Strategist, Irachy PR, Dr. Bukola Bello-Jaiyesimi said the organization is looking forward to expanding its reach and impact, and continuing to make a difference in the lives of girls across Africa.

She noted; “Through initiatives like the scholarship programme, WINBAFRICA is paving the way for a brighter future for girls and empowering them to reach their full potential. WINBAFRICA’s 10th anniversary is a testament to the organization’s dedication and commitment to promoting education and empowering women and girls in Africa.

“This year’s programme is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where girls have the opportunity to thrive and succeed, paving the way for a brighter future for girls and empowering them to reach their full potential. As we celebrate WINBAFRICA’s achievements over the past decade, let us continue to support and champion the rights of girls to education and empowerment. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.

According to her, “The school debate competition will provide a platform for girls to showcase their talents and engage in meaningful discussions on important social and economic issues facing them and the continent.”

The lineups for this year’s celebration, according to WINBAFRICA will be between Steady Steps School, Lekki, and Bomak International Schools Surulere, Lagos, who have emerged at the final stage of the competition. Both schools will be competing for WINBAFRICA YOUNG NATION BUILDERS’ TROPHY (WYNBT) in a debate.

Speaking further, Dr. Jaiyesimi revealed that aside from the Schools Debate competition, the senior secondary students of Bomak International College, Surulere, Lagos would be at the front burner discussing Environmental Responsibility during the WINBAFRICA Business Roundtable.

Founded in 2014 by a group of dedicated women led by Dr. Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi, an Entrepreneur, Pan-Africanist, and multiple award recipient with a passion for projecting women’s issues, WINBAFRICA is present in Ghana, Gambia, South Africa, and Ethiopia. The organization has been at the forefront of championing the rights of girls to education and providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. Over the past decade, the organization has impacted the lives of thousands of women and young girls in Africa through its various programs and initiatives.

>By Sanmi Falobi<

He is one of a rare breed. A Wanderluster, who is consumed by the desire to explore and discover new places and the thrills of the culture and norms of Africa.

Ileri Babalobi, a Nigerian hodophile is set to visit all 54 African countries via road and sea travel in an attempt to become the first African to complete such a feat, and setting two Guinness world records in the process. As with hodophiles, an ancient Greek word which simply means ‘One who loves to travel’ and those who are one, 31 year old Babalobi has been to all the 36 states of Nigeria, all the 16 regions of Ghana as well as over a dozen African countries.

“I have always wanted to visit all African countries, a dream stretching back over ten years ago. I had already taken steps towards that, by visiting more than a dozen of them on my own”, Babalobi said in an exclusive chat with SDNonline.

According to his travel itinerary, he will visit 48 African roads by Public transport and 6 Island countries by sea. The attempt, which is titled “Naija to the World” is aimed at showcasing the resilience that Nigerians are made of. He will also use the trip to galvanise support for the Nigerian Red Cross. At the Borders of each Country, He will take a picture with the Nigerian Flag.

“The Nigerian Red Cross does so much good work for Nigeria. I’ll be raising awareness for funds for the Nigerian Red Cross at every step of the trip. I fell in love with this country when I visited all the 36 states and I consider myself a patriot. I’ve always wanted to do something Gratis for Nigeria, and I found an opportunity by combining multiple passions. The Red Cross also have a track record of effective charity” Babalobi said, giving further insight into the travel expedition tagged, “Naija to the World”.

“I am a travel enthusiast because I love seeing new cultures and how people live. Even before this attempt, I have been to all the 36 states of Nigeria and when I lived in Ghana, all the 16 regions of Ghana as well. I have long said that I’m probably the only person in the world that has seen Ghana and Nigeria completely, by going to all 36 states in Nigeria and all 16 regions in Ghana.

Additionally, I’ve been to over a dozen African countries and my last road trip stretched for three months – July to October 2023 where I visited 10 African countries”, he said.

Ileri Babablobi who started travelling shortly after appearing on the Game show ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’ and winning a million naira, said he chose to spend his resources on travelling because he wanted to explore other people’s cultures and to satisfy his curiosity about Africa and Africans.

He would also be promoting the Borderless Africa campaign by the NGO, Africans Rising.

Under the ideals of the borderless Africa campaign, he believes there should be a deeper brotherhood among Africans and that Africans should be able to easily travel from one Africa country to another.

“It’s a pity that Africans have to pay expensive visa fees to visit most other African countries. I look forward to a future where most of the barriers to migration for Africans within Africa are removed “.

While calling for private and public organisations as well as the government to support his expenditure, he noted that the voyage will take about 9 months, spending 3 or 4 days on average in each country and visiting the tourist sites and interacting with the culture of each country. He added that the adventures of each day would be posted on YouTube. The “Naija to the World” expedition is scheduled to start in March 2024.  

According to him, though there might be hazards in the course of the journey, he was unperturbed.

“I am not afraid. I trust God. Nevertheless, there are likely to be challenges on the way. Some areas are not very safe, but safety is relative. Additionally, I have experience in road trips. By taking basic precautions, I should be fine. I have some precautions I’m talking which I won’t mention publicly for now” he added.

According to him, the expedition is a very important one for him because “it feels like I was born for this”.

Ileri Chukwuemeka Babalobi, with a degree in Psychology from the University of Ibadan, is an indigene of Osun State. He was born in Enugu, and grew up in Northern Nigeria before moving to Ibadan as a child.

He can be reached/followed on social media @

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ileribabalobi/

https://youtube.com/@africatours

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ileribabalobi