It was a day of colour, camaraderie, and conversation at the University of Lagos as the Bursary Unit celebrated its 2025 Bursary Day on Thursday, October 30.
The event kicked off with an awareness walk and climaxed with a thought-provoking public lecture themed “Reimagining our Roles as Financial Managers” held at the Tolu Odugbemi Hall, Akoka.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Olumuyiwa Falaiye, applauded the Bursary Unit for its consistency in upholding integrity, professionalism, and adherence to best practices.
He conveyed the Vice-Chancellor’s delight at the Unit’s contributions to due process and financial transparency, describing the Bursary as a “pillar of integrity” that keeps the University of First Choice and the Nation’s Pride on firm footing.
“The Bursary must continue to showcase excellence and transparency,” he said. “Your work sustains the credibility of our financial system and supports the University’s future-ready vision.”
In her welcome address, the Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Adekunle, FCA, explained that the theme of the event reflected the evolving demands on financial managers within universities. She urged her colleagues to remain proactive, innovative, and compliant with financial regulations while embracing teamwork and continuous professional development.
“Our task goes beyond balancing books,” she noted. “It is about building trust, ensuring accountability, and positioning UNILAG as a model of financial discipline.”
The high point of the celebration was the keynote lecture delivered by Union Bank’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Olugbenga Adeoye, who challenged university bursars across Nigeria to rethink their roles in line with global financial trends.
He encouraged a shift from traditional, reactive accounting to proactive, strategic financial management supported by digital tools and data analytics.
“Tomorrow’s bursar must be more than a bookkeeper,” he said. “They must be strategic partners — driving innovation, transparency, and sustainability in university finance.”
Mr. Adeoye outlined a roadmap for transformation, including digital finance adoption, scenario-based planning, funding diversification through endowments and alumni giving, and performance-based budgeting. He urged institutions to invest in financial technology and capability development to build resilient, future-ready systems.
Chairperson of the 2025 Bursary Day, Professor Omobolanle Elizabeth Ade-Ademilua, commended the Unit for its diligence and precision, reminding staff that “attention to detail is non-negotiable in financial administration.”
She also stressed the importance of aligning procurement and disbursement with goal-driven budgeting to sustain the University’s growth.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Prince Oriwaye Adefolalu, praised the Bursar and her team for their teamwork and professionalism, describing the Bursary’s efficiency as one of the factors that strengthen UNILAG’s top ranking among Nigerian universities.
Dignitaries at the event included the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. Abosede Wickliff; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Afolabi Lesi; University Librarian, Professor Okiki; and former Bursar, Dr. Lateef Orekunle, among others.
The celebration wrapped up with an awards presentation ceremony and a vote of thanks by the Bursar, marking a fitting close to a day dedicated to integrity, excellence, and the future of financial management at UNILAG.
Report: Akinola Afolabi
Photography: Michael Joshua
