The Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences (FBCS), College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), has taken a bold step towards securing the future of medical education and research with the launch of its Endowment Fund and Donation Drive; a landmark initiative unveiled at a colourful fundraising dinner and awards ceremony marking the grand finale of its maiden annual conference.
Held at the Watercress Event Centre, Ikeja, on Thursday, June 25, 2026, the evening brought together an array of distinguished guests, including university administrators, alumni, healthcare professionals, corporate organisations, development partners, philanthropists and friends of the University in a celebration of excellence, philanthropy and shared purpose.
More than bringing the Faculty’s maiden annual conference to a close, the event marked the beginning of a long-term vision to secure sustainable funding for medical education, research, infrastructure development, student scholarships and staff development within the newly established Faculty.
Addressing the audience, Chairman of the occasion and renowned physician, Dr. Pamela Ajayi described the evening as a celebration of vision, generosity, and shared responsibility.
She noted that enduring institutions are built not only through government support but also through the commitment of alumni, partners, and individuals who choose to invest in future generations. Dr. Ajayi encouraged guests to see their contributions as investments in lives and lasting legacies that would continue to strengthen medical education and healthcare for years to come.
The media personality and host of a popular health programme on Classic FM 97.3 further emphasised the critical role of universities as enduring engines of national development.
She posited that institutions such as the University of Lagos must continue to lead in generating knowledge, innovation, and leadership that are essential to addressing the country’s evolving challenges and shaping its future.
Representing the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Medical Director of General Hospital, Surulere, Dr. Lateefah Agbaje described the Endowment Fund as much more than a fundraising initiative, saying it represents an investment in lives and the future of healthcare.
According to her, quality healthcare begins with quality medical education and research. She added that “strengthening institutions responsible for training healthcare professionals ultimately translates into healthier communities and sustainable national development.”
Dr. Agbaje commended the Faculty for its foresight in establishing the Endowment Fund and called on alumni, corporate organisations, development partners and well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative. She noted that every contribution would strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem through improved infrastructure, research, scholarships, and capacity building.
While welcoming guests, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Professor Fatima AbdulKareem, described the occasion as a defining milestone in the evolution of the Faculty. She added that the launch of the Endowment Fund signified far more than a fundraising initiative.
She explained that although the Faculty was formally established in 2025, it inherited decades of academic excellence and now bears the responsibility of building an institution capable of producing the next generation of outstanding medical scientists, educators and healthcare professionals.
According to the Dean, the Endowment Fund is designed to provide sustainable support for modern teaching facilities, cutting-edge biomedical research, staff capacity development, student scholarships, digital learning infrastructure, and community-focused health initiatives. She explained that the initiative would reduce dependence on government funding while positioning the Faculty for greater global competitiveness.
Professor AbdulKareem also reflected on the Faculty’s maiden conference, noting that the three-day programme commenced with a community health outreach in Mushin, followed by an international scientific conference before culminating in the fundraising dinner.
She said the programme reflected the Faculty’s commitment to community engagement, academic excellence and sustainable institutional development. The FBCS helmswoman expressed appreciation to alumni, partners, donors, and friends of the University whose generosity would help transform the Faculty’s vision into reality.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, described the launch of the Endowment Fund as a significant milestone in the growth of the Faculty and a strategic investment in the future of healthcare in Nigeria.
Professor Ogunsola, who is also a member of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences and one of the evening’s award recipients, commended the leadership of the Faculty for laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth through innovation, collaboration and philanthropy.
She observed that great universities across the world thrive because generations of alumni, partners and benefactors choose to invest in their future, expressing confidence that the initiative would strengthen the Faculty’s capacity to produce world-class healthcare professionals and impactful research capable of addressing national and global health challenges.
The Vice-Chancellor also encouraged stakeholders to embrace the Endowment Fund as an opportunity to become active partners in building a stronger future for medical education and healthcare delivery.
Also speaking, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Ademola Oremosu, described the Endowment Fund as a strategic investment in the future of medical education and healthcare delivery.
The CMUL Provost commended the Faculty for initiating a sustainable funding model that would strengthen teaching, research, and innovation. He urged alumni, partners, and other stakeholders to embrace the initiative as a collective responsibility towards building a globally competitive College of Medicine.
In her charge, the Director of Advancement, University of Lagos, Dr. Taiwo F. Ipaye, FNIM, underscored the importance of cultivating a culture of giving within higher education.
Drawing from her personal experience, she recounted how a modest endowment she made to her former department in 2016 eventually grew into a significant intervention that supported academic development.
She expressed confidence that the Faculty’s Endowment Fund would achieve greater impact through the sustained generosity of alumni, friends, and partners of the University.
Awards of Leadership and Excellence
One of the evening’s major highlights was the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians whose outstanding contributions have advanced medicine, medical education, research, institutional leadership, public service, and national development.
Among the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement and Legacy Award were former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Tolu Odugbemi, OON, NNOM, honoured for his distinguished career as a medical microbiologist; and Professor Michael Elesha, former Provost of the College of Medicine and recognised for his decades of exemplary scholarship, academic leadership and invaluable contributions to pathology and medical education.
Renowned Virologist Professor Sunday Olufemi Omilabu and Professor Elaine Azinge received the Distinguished Service to the Faculty Award in recognition of their exceptional commitment and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the Faculty, particularly during its formative years.
The Faculty also honoured some of its distinguished scholars whose leadership and professional accomplishments have continued to shape the institution and the medical profession. Among them was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, OON, FAS, celebrated for her pioneering contributions to infectious disease research, medical education and transformational university leadership.
Several other distinguished faculty members, retired professors, alumni, and eminent personalities were equally recognised for their exceptional service, mentorship, academic excellence, and enduring contributions to the advancement of medicine, healthcare and nation-building.
The award presentations drew applause and ovation as colleagues, protégés, students, and guests celebrated lives devoted to scholarship, service and excellence.
FBCS Endowment Launch
Another defining moment of the evening was the official launch of the Faculty’s Endowment Fund and Donation Drive, which attracted generous pledges and commitments from alumni, corporate organisations, development partners and other supporters.
The overwhelming response reflected widespread confidence in the Faculty’s vision and a collective resolve to invest in the future of medical education and healthcare in Nigeria.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
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