Wednesday, June 17, 2026, marked more than the start of construction for the University of Lagos Ventures Water Factory, it was the beginning of a new chapter in its growth story.
Amid optimism, stakeholders gathered at the proposed site off Ransome Kuti Road, behind the UNILAG Senior Staff Club Lawn Tennis Court, as the first sod was turned for a facility expected to boost operations, productivity, and sustainability.
The project, supported by the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, drew members of the university community, industry partners, and the UNILAG Ventures Water Factory Board for the symbolic ceremony.
Present at the event were: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Olumuyiwa Falaiye, FNAL who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS; Chairman, UNILAG Ventures Limited (Water) Board, Mr. Abiodun Amokomowo; Representative, Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, Mr. Sunday Olabode; Acting Managing Director, UNILAG Ventures (Water), Dr. Olanike Buraimoh; project contractor/Managing Director, NVO International Limited, Architect Banjo; and UNILAG Ventures Limited (Water) Board members including Professor Khalid Adekoya (Director, School of Foundation Studies), Dr. Bolawole Ogunbodede, Mrs. Olabisi Y. Osifeso, and Mr. Morufu A. Gbadamosi (Board Secretary).
Speaking at the event, Professor Falaiye described the Foundation’s intervention as timely and impactful, noting that the project aligns with UNILAG’s commitment to strengthening commercial ventures and improving internally generated revenue.
He commended the project architect, Dr. Ogunbodede, for designing a cost-effective, energy-efficient facility that addresses rising electricity costs and prioritizes operational sustainability. According to him, the structure reflects a clear understanding of the economic environment, minimizing overheads while maximizing productivity.
Professor Falaiye noted that the facility will expand production capacity and significantly boost the University’s revenue. He recalled that UNILAG was among the first Nigerian universities to establish commercial ventures in 1995, a model now adopted nationwide to support entrepreneurship.
To the applause from attendees, he announced plans to revive UNILAG Bread production. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor charged the contractor to adhere strictly to the six-month delivery timeline and maintain the highest quality standards.
Board and Foundation Remarks
Chairman of the Board, Mr. Abiodun Amokomowo, described the project as the realization of a dream nurtured since the Board’s inception. He said the new building would improve efficiency, support expansion, and provide a better environment for production and administration.
Responding for the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, Mr. Sunday Olabode conveyed the leadership’s goodwill, noting that while the Foundation has supported education, healthcare, and sports, this is its first direct intervention at UNILAG.
Tracing the Foundation’s roots to late industrialist Chief Nathaniel Idowu, he expressed delight at partnering with one of Nigeria’s foremost universities on a project designed to create lasting value.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the project signboard and the official turning of the sod, setting in motion what stakeholders hope will be another success story for UNILAG Ventures.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Micheal Joshua
