EduUni AdminUniversity of Lagos (UNILAG)
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is a premier institution of higher learning in Nigeria, committed to education, research, and social development. Like other universities, it plays a vital role in cultivating intellectual capacity, driving innovation, and producing skilled graduates who contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic, social, and cultural progress.
2. History and Evolution of Universities
Universities in general trace their roots to ancient learning centers like Nalanda in India and Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco, and later evolved into the medieval European institutions such as Bologna and Oxford. Over time, they shifted from religious or philosophical schools to modern, multidisciplinary centers that integrate education, research, and global collaboration. UNILAG is part of this global tradition, adapting these core university roles to the Nigerian context.
3. Vision, Mission, and Core Values
While UNILAG does not publish a single “vision statement” on some of its pages, its mission and values align closely with excellence, innovation, and service. According to its academic structure and goals, UNILAG is dedicated to training leaders, fostering scholarship, and contributing to national and global development through rigorous teaching and research. (University Of Lagos)
Its core values include academic integrity, inclusivity, creativity, and social responsibility — all aimed at building a university culture that empowers students and staff to excel and serve.
4. Academic Structure
UNILAG’s academic structure is extensive. As of August 2025, it has 19 faculties (up from earlier counts), reflecting a major expansion. (University Of Lagos) Key faculties and their departments include:
| Faculty | Departments / Programmes |
| Architecture | Architecture; Landscape Architecture & Urban Design; Interior Architecture & Design (University Of Lagos) |
| Arts | English; European Languages & Integration Studies; History & Strategic Studies; Linguistics, African & Asian Studies; Philosophy; Religious Studies (University Of Lagos) |
| Basic Clinical Sciences | Anatomic & Molecular Pathology; Haematology & Blood Transfusion; Medical Microbiology & Parasitology; Clinical Pathology; Clinical Pharmacology (University Of Lagos) |
| Basic Medical Sciences | Anatomy; Physiology; Medical Biochemistry; Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology (University Of Lagos) |
| Clinical Sciences | Anaesthesia; Community Health & Primary Care; Medicine; Obstetrics & Gynaecology; Ophthalmology; Paediatrics; Psychiatry; Radiation Biology / Radiotherapy; Surgery (University Of Lagos) |
| Communication & Media Studies | Mass Communication; Public Relations & Advertising; Journalism, Broadcasting & Media Studies (University Of Lagos) |
| Computing & Informatics | Computer Science; Intelligent Systems & Robotics; Cybersecurity & Software Engineering (University Of Lagos) |
| Creative Arts | Music & Sound Production; Theatre Arts & Film Studies; Fine & Applied Arts (University Of Lagos) |
| Dental Sciences | Child Dental Health; Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology/Biology; Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; Preventive Dentistry; Restorative Dentistry (University Of Lagos) |
| Education | Adult Education; Arts Education; Educational Foundations; Educational Management; Human Kinetics & Health Education; Science Education; Social Sciences Education; Technology & Vocational Education (University Of Lagos) |
| Engineering | Biomedical Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Petroleum & Gas Engineering; Civil & Environmental Engineering; Electrical & Electronics Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Metallurgical & Materials Engineering; Surveying & Geoinformatics; Systems Engineering (University Of Lagos) |
| Environmental Sciences | Building; Estate Management; Quantity Surveying; Urban & Regional Planning (University Of Lagos) |
| Health Professions | Medical Laboratory Science; Nursing Science; Physiotherapy; Radiography (University Of Lagos) |
| Law | Commercial & Industrial Law; Jurisprudence & International Law; Private & Property Law; Public Law (University Of Lagos) |
| Life Sciences | Biochemistry; Botany; Cell Biology & Genetics; Marine Science; Microbiology; Zoology; Fisheries & Aquaculture (University Of Lagos) |
| Management Sciences | Accounting; Actuarial Science & Insurance; Business Administration; Employment Relations & HR Management; Finance (University Of Lagos) |
| Pharmacy | Clinical Pharmacy & Biopharmacy; Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Pharmaceutical Microbiology & Biotechnology; Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology; Pharmacognosy (University Of Lagos) |
| Physical & Earth Sciences | Chemistry; Geosciences; Mathematics; Physics; Statistics (University Of Lagos) |
| Social Sciences | Economics; Geography; Library & Information Science; Political Science; Psychology; Social Work; Sociology (University Of Lagos) |
In addition to these faculties, UNILAG offers undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and continuing education through its institutes and distance-learning arm. (University Of Lagos)
5. Admission Requirements and Process
Admission to UNILAG is competitive. For undergraduate programmes, prospective students typically must:
- Sit for the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) and meet the required cut-off per course. (Campus Informant)
- Have at least five credit passes in O’Level examinations (e.g., WAEC or NECO) in relevant subjects. (Education Info)
- For certain programmes, more stringent requirements (e.g., Mathematics, Physics) apply depending on the faculty. (WITHIN NIGERIA)
Postgraduate admission usually requires a good first degree and may involve entrance exams or departmental screening; details vary widely across faculties. UNILAG also welcomes part-time and distance-learning students through its Institute of Continuing Education (ICE). (ice.unilag.edu.ng)
Scholarships, grants, and financial aid are available for eligible students, although competition is high.
6. Research and Innovation
UNILAG is a research-intensive university with numerous research centers and institutes. Through its World Bank Centres of Excellence, such as the Centre for Drug Research & Herbal Medicine Development, the university fosters high-impact research. (University Of Lagos)
The university encourages collaboration with industry, government, and international partners, producing publications, patents, and innovative solutions to societal challenges.
7. Student Life and Campus Experience
Student life at UNILAG is vibrant and diverse. The university has a strong Students’ Union, a wide variety of clubs (cultural, academic, recreational), and sports facilities. Students engage in arts, music, theatre, and more through the faculty of Creative Arts.
Accommodation is available on campus, though demand often outpaces supply. Health-care and support services are provided to students, supplemented by recreational amenities.
8. Facilities and Infrastructure
UNILAG has significant infrastructure to support learning and research:
- Libraries: The university’s main library, located in Akoka, is a central resource for students and researchers. (Wikipedia)
- Laboratories and Workshops: Across its medical, science, engineering, and computing faculties, UNILAG maintains well-equipped labs.
- Lecture Halls and Auditoriums: Modern teaching spaces accommodate lectures and public events.
- ICT & E-learning: The university uses online learning platforms, especially for its distance-learning programmes. (University Of Lagos)
- Student Services: Cafeterias, transportation, student residences, and counselling services support student life.
9. Governance and Administration
UNILAG is governed by a Council (its governing board) and an Academic Senate. The Vice-Chancellor oversees academic and administrative operations, supported by deans, heads of departments, and other officers. Administrative structures ensure that academic policy, strategic planning, and institutional management are well-coordinated.
10. Community Engagement and Social Impact
UNILAG engages in community development through outreach programmes, public-health initiatives, and partnerships. Its research centers often focus on local challenges, such as infectious disease control, sustainable development, and social policy, thereby contributing directly to societal well-being.
11. Accreditation and Quality Assurance
UNILAG’s programmes are accredited by national regulatory bodies. To maintain high academic standards, it has internal quality assurance mechanisms, including regular program review, departmental audits, and monitoring by quality-assurance units.
12. Global Partnerships and Exchange Programs
UNILAG collaborates with international universities and research bodies, facilitating student-faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and academic partnerships. Its global engagements help students gain exposure and bring global best practices into its curriculum.
13. Challenges Facing Modern Universities
The University of Lagos faces typical challenges of modern higher education in Nigeria, including:
- Funding constraints, particularly for infrastructure development
- Rapidly evolving technology and the need to scale digital education
- Maintaining academic quality and integrity
- Balancing growth with sustainability, given its expanding faculties (University Of Lagos)
14. The Future of Higher Education at UNILAG
Looking ahead, UNILAG is poised to deepen its research capacity, adopt more digital learning strategies, and develop green and sustainable campus initiatives. As the university expands into new faculties (e.g., Computing & Informatics, Life Sciences), it is aligning itself with future-oriented, skills-based education to enhance graduates’ employability.
The University of Lagos stands as a dynamic, forward-looking institution in Nigeria’s higher education landscape. With a broad faculty base, robust research ecosystem, and commitment to both academic and social excellence, UNILAG continues to shape leaders who contribute to national growth and global progress. Its expansion into new faculties and disciplines underscores its readiness to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
EduUni Admin