The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has taken a bold step forward under its digital transformation project with the launch of its Smart Identity Card platform, a secure and transformative digital initiative delivered through a strategic partnership with Heckerbella Limited and Lotus Bank.
The smart ID card was unveiled on Friday, February 27, 2026, at a ceremony themed: UNILAG Reimagined: One Identity, One System, One Digital Future.
Held at the Senate Chamber of the University’s Senate House, the well-attended ceremony provided a platform for members of the University Community to witness a watershed moment in the institution’s digital transformation journey.
A Three-Way Partnership for Digital Excellence
The Smart ID Card project exemplifies the possibilities that emerge when multi-sectors (academia, technology, and finance) converge around a shared vision, with:
the University of Lagos providing the institutional framework and overarching digital transformation blueprint;
Heckerbella Limited providing the technological backbone, ensuring secure data capture, systems integration, and regulatory compliance; and
Lotus Bank supporting the initiative under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillars, embedding financial inclusion within the University’s evolving digital infrastructure.
Together, the three institutions have created a unified platform that goes far beyond identification. The Smart ID Card enables secure access, authentication, and data harmonisation, while also offering optional banking functionality, all within a single multifunctional card powered by AfriGo.
A Vision Realised
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, described the launch as a defining milestone in her administration’s commitment to institutional digital transformation.
She recalled that upon assuming office on November 12, 2022, she articulated a clear objective: to see the University’s systems digitally integrated and operationally efficient. According to her, the Smart ID Card represents a practical manifestation of that vision.
Emphasising the importance of data in today’s world, she noted that transformation is not driven solely by research output, but also by structured, reliable data that strengthens institutional systems and enhances efficiency.
Her words, “This initiative is a strategic pillar of our University Digital Transformation Project. As we reposition UNILAG as a future-ready, technology-driven institution, we understand that digital transformation is not just about acquiring infrastructure – it is about integration. It is about building a unified digital architecture where academic services, administrative systems, learning platforms, security frameworks, and financial transactions communicate seamlessly in real time. The Smart ID Card embodies that integration.
Beyond identification and access, this card introduces new possibilities. It can serve as a time and attendance management solution, enabling automated class attendance with real-time notifications to students and administrators. This strengthens accountability, supports data-driven decision-making, and enhances institutional efficiency.”
Through this innovation, we reinforce transparency, operational excellence, campus safety, and user experience. More importantly, we affirm that the University of Lagos is not merely adapting to the digital age—we are positioning ourselves to lead within it.
Technology, Compliance and Integration
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Heckerbella Limited, Ms. Yemi Keri, described the company as a digital transformation consulting firm committed to enabling Africa’s decision-makers to define the future through technology-driven solutions.
Ms. Keri outlined the extensive work undertaken to capture, verify, and harmonise data across the University’s staff and student populations for the production of the smart ID cards. She described the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership as instrumental in moving the project from concept to execution.
While presenting a statistical overview of the workflow since development commenced on November 15, 2025, she also highlighted the high level of regulatory and data compliance achieved during implementation, commending the University leadership for its clarity of purpose and support.
Advancing Financial Inclusion
Also addressing the audience, the Managing Director of Lotus Bank, Dr. Isiaka Ajani Lawal, an alumnus of UNILAG, explained that the Bank’s support aligns with its CSR focus areas of education, health, and sports.
Dr. Lawal expressed pride in his alma mater’s continued leadership in academics and research, as well as innovation within Nigeria’s higher education sector. Through this tripartite collaboration, he noted, the University has reinforced its position at the forefront of institutional digital integration.
The Lotus Bank MD explained that “the smart ID card enables students and staff to seamlessly activate its optional banking features without visiting a physical branch, thereby promoting financial inclusion, accessibility, and convenience within the campus community”.
Demonstrating the Future
A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal presentation and live demonstration of the smart ID card.
The Vice-Chancellor publicly activated her card, showcasing its integrated features to the audience. Similarly, some students also received their cards and participated in a guided activation session led by the Head of Digital Development, Mr. Adejumo Oseni. Their successful activation drew enthusiastic applause, symbolising a collective embrace of the University’s digital future.
With the launch of the smart identity card platform, the University of Lagos in partnership with Heckerbella Limited and Lotus Bank has set a new benchmark for digital integration within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
By strengthening security, streamlining operations, enhancing user experience, and embedding financial technology within the academic ecosystem, UNILAG has demonstrated how innovation can transform campus life and re-define institutional excellence in the digital age.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
