As part of activities leading up to the 41st edition of the prestigious Michael Omolayole Lecture (OML), the University of Lagos, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, warmly received a visiting delegation led by Professor Olukunle Iyanda, a respected alumnus and key figure in the organisation of the annual lecture.
The delegation included renowned Kenyan literary icon and award-winning novelist, Ms. Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor; notable UNILAG alumni such as Mr. Lekan Shote and Professor Folake Olowokudejo; as well as student members of AIESEC – long-time co-organisers of OML.
The University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), Professor Bola Oboh officially received the delegation. She commended the organisers of OML for their consistency in celebrating a man whose impact reverberates across the spheres of education, business, and leadership.
Her words “Dr. Omolayole is a transformational leader whose contributions, even within the University of Lagos, remain invaluable. We are proud of his legacy and the positive influence he continues to exert, especially through platforms like the OML.”
In his remarks, Professor Iyanda expressed appreciation to the University for its longstanding support of the lecture series held in honour of Dr. Omolayole, a celebrated alumnus, pioneering business leader, mentor, and advocate of youth development.
He revealed that Ms. Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, who was visiting Nigeria and UNILAG for the first time, will participate in OML 2025. According to him, Ms. Owuor’s presence will not only enrich the lecture but also provide a unique cross-cultural engagement for the students and academic community.
Professor Iyanda further thanked the University leadership for embracing the opportunity to host her and further deepen the institution’s intellectual and cultural relevance.
The visit featured a symbolic moment as four (4) copies of Ms. Owuor’s critically acclaimed novel were donated to the University, to further enrich its literary collection.
The visiting author expressed her excitement and deep appreciation for the warm welcome. She described the University of Lagos as a vibrant academic hub teeming with intellectual promise.
The Michael Omolayole Lecture (OML), instituted 41 years ago, is one of Nigeria’s longest-running thought-leadership platforms. The annual forum provides a platform for distinguished individuals drawn from various sectors to explore topical issues affecting youth, leadership, and sustainable development.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Maleeq D. Quadri
