The Department of English of the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Friday, July 17, 2026, inaugurated its Alumni Lecture Series with a call to reposition humanities education as a catalyst for innovation, leadership, and global competitiveness.
Held at the Afe Babalola Auditorium and organised by the Department of English Alumni Association, the maiden edition, themed: Unlocking Global Opportunities with English Studies, brought together alumni, students, faculty members, and other stakeholders to celebrate the department’s legacy while strengthening ties between the university and its graduates.
Opening
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), Prof. Mathew Ilori, said the university’s future is closely linked to the commitment of its alumni. “The university belongs to its alumni,” Prof. Ilori said. “Giving back to your alma mater is not charity; it is a responsibility.”
He noted the global shift from STEM to STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, emphasising that the arts now play a central role in driving innovation and creativity.
Prof. Ilori also urged the Alumni Association to support the renovation of ageing facilities within the department as well as institutionalise the lecture as an annual reunion and networking platform.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Akanbi M. Ilupeju, described the Faculty as the “pacesetter” of UNILAG, stressing that no discipline can thrive without proficiency in English. “The Department of English, UNILAG, has produced Vice-Chancellors for this university and others across the country,” he said. “That is the power of this training.”
The Head of the Department of English, Prof. Augustine Uzoma Nwagbara, commended alumni for returning to invest in the department that shaped them. He said their accomplishments across diverse sectors demonstrate the enduring value of an English degree and encouraged more graduates to emulate the gesture.
Welcoming guests, the Chairman of the Department of English Alumni Association, Dr. Princewill Akamo, thanked the university management, the Dean, and the Head of Department for supporting the initiative. He also applauded alumni for turning out in large numbers for the historic event.
Humanities Skills Are Superpowers
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, Group Executive at The Alternative Bank and an alumnus of the Department of English, identified critical thinking, analytical reasoning, effective communication, clear writing, and empathy as “superpowers” that have shaped his 28-year career spanning finance, healthcare, and public policy.
“Your degree is not a limitation; it is leverage,” he told the students. “Combine what you learn here with market realities. Your background does not define your destination.”
Reflecting on his undergraduate years, Dr. Ozoemene recounted the academic and political challenges he encountered and encouraged students and graduates to embrace lifelong learning, remain adaptable, and lead with integrity across professions.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and several other professional bodies, Dr. Ozoemene is also an author and public health advocate. He holds an MBA from the University of Leicester, a second MBA from Bangor University, and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Binary University, Malaysia.
Renewed Call for Stronger Alumni Engagement
The event concluded with renewed call for stronger alumni engagement, expanded mentorship opportunities for current students, and a commitment to make the Alumni Lecture Series an annual fixture on the department’s calendar.
Among those in attendance were veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Joke Silva; Prof. Tunde Ope-Davies (Professor of English, Digital Linguistics, Digital Cultures and Discourse Studies, Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany, and Director of the Centre for Digital Humanities, UNILAG); Prof. Adeyemi Daramola, former Head, Department of English; Mr. Oluwaseyi Anifowose (Guinness World Record Holder for the largest gathering of teachers); Mrs. Stella Arukwe (Marketing Communications Specialist, entrepreneur, and humanitarian); and Mr. Abdullahi Oloyede (President of the Faculty of Arts Students’ Association),Mr. Abayomi Owoyemi, represntative of UNILAG worldwide Alumni President, Engr. Oyedele Ifeoluwa among others
Report: Oluwatoyin Ojo-Alo
Photograph: Islamiat Akanni
