The University of Lagos (UNILAG) International Week 2025 continued on a remarkable note on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, as the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, received a high-powered delegation at her 11th Floor, Senate House office.
The courtesy visit heralded a day of strategic engagement and forward-looking dialogue.
The delegation, accompanied by the Director of the Office of International Relations, Partnerships & Prospects (IRPP), Professor Ismail A. Ibraheem, included: Dr. Bunmi Ajala (Senior Special Assistant on Data, AI, and Research) who represented the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijani; Mr. Emmanuel Lubanzadio, Africa Lead at OpenAI; Professor Adenike Boyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Lagos State University who represented the LASU Vice-Chancellor; representatives of TETFUND; partners from international academic institutions; and key stakeholders across Nigeria’s innovation and digital ecosystem.
In his remarks, Professor Ibraheem articulated the strategic relevance of the courtesy visit as a testament to the University’s growing reputation as a continental leader in digital transformation.
He announced the planned launch of the first OpenAI Academy in Africa, to be hosted at the University of Lagos; an initiative made possible through the support of Mr. Lubanzadio. According to him, this milestone places UNILAG at the very heart of Artificial Intelligence advancement and capacity building on the African continent.
Welcoming the delegation, Professor Ogunsola expressed profound optimism about the future of AI in Africa, and underscored the need for intentional and inclusive innovation.
She emphasised that Africa must not remain a passive consumer in the digital age, but rather emerge as a creator of contextually grounded solutions.
According to her, “Artificial Intelligence, represents a deeper opportunity; a chance for Africa to catch up without the burden of re-inventing the wheel. But more importantly, one that offers a path to re-claim and re-define Africa’s voice in the global digital dialogue.”
The courtesy visit concluded with a ceremonial group photograph, and thereafter, the delegation proceeded to the J.F. Ade. Ajayi (Main) Auditorium for the formal Opening Ceremony of the 5th UNILAG International Week (For details of the Opening Ceremony, please click..https://lagosedu.com/unilag-champions-africas-place-in-the-ai-revolution-as-2025-intl-week-opens/
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Favour Megwara / Maleeq D. Quadri
