The University of Lagos (UNILAG) community was aglow with excitement on Thursday, October 9, 2025, as Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State commissioned the newly renovated J.F. Ade. Ajayi (Main) Auditorium, a landmark facility re-vamped for the 21st century.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Governor described the rehabilitation as “a powerful reminder of what visionary leadership and collective effort can accomplish.”
He lauded the University Management and project team for transforming the iconic auditorium, long cherished as a hub for scholarship and cultural exchange, into a modern space befitting its historic legacy.
His words: “We are not just celebrating a physical makeover, but the spirit of dedication and teamwork that made it all happen. The newly upgraded auditorium truly showcases the University’s commitment to creating a 21st century learning environment.”
Gratitude, gratitude, and more gratitude
Before the Governor’s representative took the stage, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, set the tone with a heartfelt tribute to the Lagos State Government for “bringing back the J.F. Ade. Ajayi Auditorium to life.”
Professor Ogunsola traced the genesis of the project to the Governor’s earlier visit to the facility, where he expressed concern over its condition and made a commitment to fund the upgrade. According to her, the promise materialized in a sparkling transformation that includes over two thousand (2,000) new chairs, brand-new chillers, carpets, sound, and lighting systems.
“The handshake between UNILAG and the Lagos State Government has always been strong, though we are a federal institution; we are of Lagos and for Lagos. UNILAG would have had things rough if the Lagos State Government was not working with us.”
Rounding off her appreciation, the Vice-Chancellor described the Governor as “our Ọmọwálé” (our child who has come home), and hailed him as both landlord and benefactor, whose generosity continues to uplift the University community.
“We do not take it for granted,” she declared. “On behalf of the entire University of Lagos community, I express our heartfelt gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu.”
A visual delight
As an interlude, guests were treated to a captivating visual presentation chronicling the transformation journey, from the aging auditorium to the gleaming new J.F. Ade-Ajayi Hall.
A gubernatorial message of inspiration
In her preamble to delivering the Governor’s address, Barrister Salu-Hundeyin said, “This is what we call leadership, this is what we call true service to the people – and that is what the Governor has done with UNILAG.”
She conveyed the Governor’s personal pride in the University, noting that his support transcends alumni sentiment.
“The Governor does this not only because he is an alumnus,” she said, “but because he sees the sincerity of the University Management under your leadership, Madam Vice-Chancellor. That is why he’s willing to spend the hard-earned money of Lagos tax payers on UNILAG.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s written address emphasised that the renovation honours the legacy of the late Professor J.F. Ade. Ajayi, one of Africa’s most revered historians and a former Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
“His name on this building serves as a tribute to his significant contributions to the growth of knowledge and education in Nigeria,” the Governor noted. “It is incredibly rewarding to see that his legacy continues to motivate new generations of scholars and leaders.”
As the refurbished auditorium was declared open to jubilant applause, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the University community to “embrace a future filled with hope, where the voices and visions cultivated here will continue to inspire innovation, leadership, and transformation, not just for the University of Lagos, but for our entire nation.”
An impressive attendance
The ceremony drew an impressive audience of dignitaries from the Lagos State Government and University. Among those in attendance were the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tola Sule; Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye; and senior members of the University Management including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Muyiwa Falaiye; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Afolabi Lesi; Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Adekunle; and the University Librarian, Prof. Christopher Okiki among others.
Report: Isaiah Kumuyi
Photography: Ayo Oloyede
