In a powerful demonstration of enduring legacy and responsibility, the 1985 alumni set of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) College of Medicine has used its 40th-anniversary reunion to reaffirm a deep commitment to mentorship and institutional support, framing it as the essential foundation for future generations of medical professionals.
Reunion: A Catalyst for Deeper Engagement
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, Dec. 18, 2025 (NAN) The celebration transcended nostalgia, evolving into a strategic summit on sustainable development. The alumni marked the occasion not with mere speeches, but with the commissioning of a donated solar power system for the college and the completed refurbishment of the female hostel, Alliakilu Hall—tangible proof of their “giving back” philosophy.
Mr. Kofo Ogunyakin, President of the 1985 set, articulated a vision that moves beyond philanthropy. “We are a grateful and very active alumni,” he stated. “We decided not just to talk about giving back, but to come together from all corners of the world where we have served as ambassadors of the excellence we received here.” He positioned the reunion as “the beginning of a deeper engagement,” signaling a shift from periodic project donations to sustained, collaborative partnership with the university’s leadership.
Institutional Recognition of a Critical Pillar
The Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, contextualized the alumni’s role within the harsh realities of Nigerian tertiary education. “Alumni support remains one of the most critical pillars of university development,” he noted, explaining that while government funding continues, it is often insufficient. “Your support over the years—from equipment to infrastructure—has helped us stay accredited and functional,” Oremosu emphasized, highlighting how such interventions directly impact the quality of education and the institution’s very survival.
The Central Challenge: A Call for Mentorship in the Face of ‘Japa’
The most urgent and insightful part of the dialogue came from UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola. She applauded the infrastructure projects but issued a strategic call to action addressing Nigeria’s healthcare crisis: the debilitating brain drain, or ‘japa’ syndrome.
Prof. Ogunsola framed the issue with stark clarity: “Healthcare and health education are in crisis, not because we lack competent people, but because once they are trained, many leave almost immediately.” She provided a concrete example of the scale, revealing that recent recruitment for residency positions had yielded alarmingly few applicants.
Her appeal to the alumni was precise and profound: “This is where we need you beyond infrastructure. We need your time, mentorship, expertise, and advocacy.” This expands the definition of “giving back” from financial contributions to the direct investment of human capital. Mentorship from established professionals like the 1985 alumni can provide aspiring doctors with realistic career pathways, ethical grounding, and a sense of connection that may counteract the pull to emigrate. It is a strategy aimed at building a resilient professional community.
A Model for Alumni Impact: From Projects to Ecosystem Support
The 1985 set’s activities present a evolving model for alumni impact:
1. Infrastructure & Capability Support: Addressing immediate physical and operational needs, like sustainable power and habitable hostels.
2. Strategic Collaboration: Moving from donor-recipient dynamics to a partnership with university leadership on long-term challenges.
3. Human Capital Investment: Answering the VC’s call by committing to structured mentorship programs, guest lectures, and professional advocacy to inspire and retain talent.
The reunion culminated in tours of the completed projects and renewed, focused commitments. The alumni’s pledge now explicitly encompasses infrastructure development, mentorship, and capacity building—a holistic approach that recognizes that buildings alone cannot sustain an institution; it requires inspiring and guiding the people within them. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OAF/COF
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Edited by Christiana Fadare
