Tuesday, July 8, 2025 was a day of fun, learning and healthy competition outside the conventional classroom for students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) at the Maiden General Studies Day.
Held at the Nurudeen Alao Auditorium of the Distance Learning Institute (DLI), the Maiden GST Day programme combined intellectual contests, mental health advocacy, and cultural performances to promote knowledge, wellbeing, and creativity among students.
The event, hosted by the Centre for General Studies, UNILAG, had the theme: The Future of e-Learningand provided a platform for healthy competition among undergraduates of the twelve (12) faculties and Distance Learning Institute (DLI) of the University.
In her welcome remarks, Director of the Centre for General Studies, Professor Aderonke Lawal-Are, emphasised the critical role of broad-based learning in shaping well-rounded graduates who can thrive in an increasingly complex world. She announced the introduction of six new GST courses: GST111 (Communication Studies), GST112 (New Nigerian People and Culture), ENT211 (Entrepreneurship and Innovation), GST212 (Philosophy and Logic), ENT312 (Venture Relations), and GST212 (Peace and Conflict Resolution), which have commenced with Year 1 students.
Professor Lawal-Are explained that the new courses will be weighted and contribute to students’ Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). She encouraged students of UNILAG to embrace all GST courses with open minds.
The President-Worldwide of the UNILAG Alumni Association, Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele, was also present to inspire the students. He described GST courses as some of the most remarkable courses for any Nigerian graduate.
The President Worldwide, who was also the Father of the Day, encouraged students to “look beyond the narrow focus of your specialist courses and embrace the opportunity for a versatility of mind that GST courses afford you.”
A key highlight of the programme was the spirited quiz competition, which featured twenty six (26) contestants, two representatives from each faculty and DLI, vying for the top prize across three rigorous rounds.
After intense sessions of questions and answers, three faculties advanced to the final round: Environmental Sciences, Science, and Law. Following a grueling contest, the Faculty of Law emerged as winners of the maiden GST Day Quiz Competition. The faculty was represented by the duo of Aisha Temitope Disu and Oluwatunji Olasunkanmi Amos.
The competition was moderated by a Quiz Master, Mr. Seun Ajidagba and Time Keeper, Mr. Enitan Abdultawab. The panel of judges comprised: Dr. Ayodele Shittu, (Team Lead, Office of Career Development Services, UNILAG), Mr. Allen Ose-Ediale, (Founder/Chairman, Recharge Life Centre), Prof. Bolajoko Dickson-Ogbechi (Chairperson, International School Management Board), and Mrs Abimbola Omotoso, (President, North America UNILAG Alumni Association).
Guests also enjoyed musical interludes and a legend role play performance, presented by representatives of the twelve (12) faculties and DLI.
Another significant moment was a talk on mental health delivered by the Lead Psychotherapist at Recharge Life Centre, Mrs. Ediri Ose-Ediale, who spoke on the topic, “The Optimised Mind.” She shared valuable insights on managing stress and sustaining emotional resilience in the face of academic and personal pressures.
The Chief Marketing Officer of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Maurice Igugu, also addressed the students, urging them to get serious about charting their career paths. He remarked: “The future of work and life will best suit those who are agile and adaptable. In a fast-evolving digital age, your ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn should be constantly sharpened. Begin from now to live and learn for the future that you desire.”
The event wrapped up with the declaration of winners, presentation of gifts, and a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. John Faloju, Deputy Director of the Centre for General Studies.
The Centre for General Studies, University of Lagos, has made an impressive outing with the maiden GST Day and has now given members the university community a reason to look forward to future editions as a platform to enrich students’ academic journeys and personal development.
Report: Isaiah Kumuyi & Pelumi Oloyede
Photography: Joshua Michael
