Trinity University Founder’s Day: UNILAG VC Commends TU’s Rapid Growth, Urges Focus on Research and Innovation
Lagos, Nigeria – May 20, 2025
Trinity University marked its 6th Founder’s Day with a vibrant celebration themed “Celebrating Legacy, Inspiring the Future,” showcasing its remarkable growth, forward-looking vision, and commitment to transformative education.
The occasion was graced by Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), who served as Chairperson of the event. In her remarks, Professor Ogunsola commended Trinity University’s steady rise as a formidable institution of learning and urged universities across Nigeria to return to the core purpose of academia—research, innovation, and sustainable solutions.
“In recent times, we have put teaching ahead of research, but the primary job of universities is really research, which is to produce new knowledge that will advance the community,” she stated, emphasizing the need to align university research with real-world outcomes and global development frameworks.
The Founder’s Day celebration also featured a thought-provoking lecture, titled: “Trinity University Brand and the Contemporary Challenges of University Education in Nigeria.” It was delivered by Professor Mbang N. Femi-Oyewo, MFR, a distinguished Professor of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology and Provost, College of Pharmacy, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). Her lecture, which focused on the challenges and promise of Nigerian higher education, underscored Trinity University’s role in bridging moral values with academic excellence.
A major highlight of the day was the commissioning of a Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Demonstrative Diagnostic Lab, a new addition to Trinity University’s cutting-edge infrastructure, designed to enhance hands-on training and practical learning for science students.
In his welcome address, Professor Clement Olusegun Olaniran Kolawole, Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, expressed deep gratitude for the presence and goodwill of the UNILAG leadership. Reflecting on TU’s humble beginnings in 2019 with just 13 students and 5 staff members, he shared that the university now proudly boasts a student population of over 1,800 and a team of more than 120 dedicated academic and administrative personnel.
“We are proud of our steady and strategic growth. Our partnership with regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), as well as professional and academic institutions including UNILAG, has been vital to our progress,” Professor Kolawole stated.
He particularly acknowledged UNILAG for its early academic support and collaborative engagements that have strengthened Trinity’s foundation. Professor Ogunsola’s presence, he noted, represents not only institutional solidarity but also a strong endorsement of Trinity University’s future.
Prior to the formal proceedings, the Trinity University leadership, including the Pro-Chancellor, Pastor Samuel O. Olatunji, warmly received the UNILAG delegation at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. The visiting team from UNILAG included notable representatives such as Professor Olatokunbo Christopher Okiki (University Librarian), Mr. Micheal Uwakwe (Director of Academic Affairs), Mrs. Adebimpe Oroleke (Deputy Bursar), Professor Mathew Ilori (Director, Academic Planning Unit), and Mr. Abolade Akinwunmi (Deputy Registrar, Office of the VC), among others.
As Trinity University celebrates six years of building on its founding values—godliness, academic excellence, and integrity—the Founder’s Day event reinforced its vision to not only raise well-rounded graduates but to serve as a catalyst for research-driven solutions to national and global challenges.