About – UNILAG Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association

Who are we?

The University of Lagos Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association (UNILAGFEAA) was initiated by the 1972 graduating class (ULEC@69.72). At their 40th-anniversary reunion dinner in 2012, attended by alumni and former professors, the idea of forming a broader alumni association was proposed.

The objective was to engage all engineering graduates of the faculty in a sustainable partnership to support teaching, learning, and research—a tradition maintained by the 1972 set since 1992.

In 2015, an Alumni Project Committee, chaired by Engr (Gen.) Tunde Adebanjo (Rtd), was established. Its mandate was to create and implement a structured plan for forming the alumni association. Collaborating closely with the Faculty of Engineering and the UNILAG Office of Endowment, the committee compiled an initial database of 1,000 alumni contacts who were subsequently informed of the forthcoming association through email and SMS.

The 1972 alumni set also maintained a tradition of paying courtesy visits to newly appointed Vice Chancellors and Deans of Engineering at the university. During one such visit in 2016 to Prof. Funso Falade, the newly appointed Dean, it was discovered that he was independently working towards establishing a faculty alumni association.

Recognizing their shared vision, both committees united to establish a comprehensive framework for the association's formation. The joint committee’s diligent efforts culminated in the official inauguration of the University of Lagos Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association on March 16, 2017.

Before the inauguration ceremony, the Faculty hosted its bi-annual Distinguished Lecture Series. Prof. S. A. Balogun delivered a notable lecture titled "Charge the Engineer – Unleash the Nation."

Additionally, Engr. Charles Aladewolu, Chairman/Managing Director of Teco Group of Companies Nigeria Ltd. and member of the 1972 set, delivered the inaugural Alumni Lecture titled "Alumni as Drivers of Institutional Development."

This was followed by a second lecture by Engr. Dideolu Falobi titled "Alumni Association: A Veritable Tool for Networking and Promotion of Professionalism."

The first Executive Committee was elected during the association’s inaugural Annual General Meeting, also held on March 16, 2017, marking a significant milestone in the association's history.

Alumni Networking and Engagement

Graduating from the University of Lagos Faculty of Engineering is not the end of the journey – it’s the beginning of a lifelong community. The UNILAG Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association (UNILAGFEAA) ensures this community thrives by fostering strong connections among graduates.

Industry and Academia Collaboration

Engineering education thrives when theory meets practice, and UNILAGFEAA serves as a vital bridge between the university and the professional world. The association actively connects industry and academia so students and faculty stay current with real-world trends.

One way this happens is through regular guest lectures and seminars featuring successful engineers and technologists. These sessions bring industry insights directly into lecture halls – for example, the alumni association’s distinguished lecture series has featured top executives and even government leaders sharing candid experiences with students (Press release 2020.txt).

These interactions ignite students’ imaginations and help faculty tailor coursework to meet industry needs.

Beyond campus talks, UNILAGFEAA fosters deeper partnerships that give students a taste of industry life before graduation. Collaborative projects and internships (facilitated by alumni) allow students to work on real engineering problems, applying classroom knowledge to design solutions. In turn, companies benefit from fresh ideas and talent.

The association also helps secure industry support for the faculty – from endowed academic chairs to modern labs. For example, alumni now in top industry and government positions funded a ₦50 million endowment to establish professorial chairs in key departments (Press release 2020.txt). Alumni advocacy also resulted in a new e-learning center on campus (Press release 2020.txt), giving students access to modern engineering tools akin to those in industry.

This constant exchange between UNILAG and the wider engineering community produces graduates who are work-ready innovators. Students gain exposure to current tools and challenges, while lecturers integrate practical perspectives into teaching.

The result is a win-win synergy: the industry gets skilled, knowledgeable entrants, and the university enriches its academic training.

Call to Action

UNILAGFEAA encourages all alumni in the field to contribute to these collaborations – be it by speaking at events, offering internship opportunities, or sponsoring academic projects. Together, we can continue to bridge the gap and keep UNILAG Engineering at the cutting edge of the profession.

Infrastructure and Facility Development

A world-class engineering education requires world-class facilities, and UNILAGFEAA has been pivotal in upgrading the faculty’s infrastructure. Through generous donations and strategic projects, the alumni association has transformed classrooms and laboratories, creating an environment where innovation thrives.

In fact, some of the first new classrooms in decades were built thanks to UNILAGFEAA’s efforts (Press release for 2025.docx), marking a revival of the faculty’s physical space.

Major Infrastructure Contributions by UNILAGFEAA Include:

New Classrooms & Lecture Halls: Construction of 12 new lecturer offices and classrooms, plus four modern lecture rooms each seating 104 students (Press release for 2025.docx). These additions alleviate overcrowding and provide a better learning atmosphere.
Digital Learning Facilities: Establishment of a state-of-the-art Webinar Centre for virtual classes and seminars (Press release 2020.txt). This digital facility connects students to online resources and global experts, expanding learning beyond the four walls of a classroom.
High-Tech Laboratories: Building of an E-Laboratory for the Department of Surveying & Geo-informatics (Press release 2020.txt), equipped with cutting-edge technology. Students and researchers now have dedicated space to conduct experiments and develop innovations in geospatial engineering.
Expansion & Modernization Projects: Ongoing remodeling and vertical extension of existing faculty buildings to create more space for students, including a planned students’ study centre (Press release 2020.txt). These projects ensure the faculty can accommodate future growth and new programs.

Each brick laid and each lab equipped through alumni support directly enriches the student experience. Engineering students now learn in smart classrooms and experiment in well-furnished labs that mirror real-world industry settings.

Such improvements not only enhance academic work but also instill pride in the UNILAG engineering community. Seeing their alma mater grow inspires students and alumni alike – a reminder that when graduates give back, they create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Call to Action

UNILAGFEAA invites all alumni to join in these developmental efforts. By contributing expertise or resources to infrastructure projects, alumni can help shape the future of engineering education at UNILAG and leave an indelible mark on the campus they once called home.

Internship, Mentorship, and Research Funding

UNILAGFEAA is committed to guiding students from classroom to career through robust internship and mentorship initiatives. The transition from theory to practice can be challenging for young engineers, so having experienced alumni to light the way is invaluable.

Through the association’s networks, students secure internship placements at leading companies, where they gain real-world experience and professional skills. Just as importantly, mentorship programs connect students with seasoned engineers who provide advice, encouragement, and industry insights.

This dual approach of internships and one-on-one mentoring gives UNILAG engineering students a head-start in the working world. The association’s leadership recognizes the importance of these initiatives – the newly elected chairman in 2025 pledged to optimize internship and mentorship opportunities for students (Press release for 2025.docx).

How UNILAGFEAA supports students’ career development:

Internship Placements: The alumni association liaises with reputable companies (often led or staffed by UNILAG alumni) to secure internship opportunities. Each year, dozens of undergraduates land internships at leading firms across various engineering sectors, turning classroom knowledge into practical skills.
Mentorship Programs: UNILAGFEAA runs a mentorship scheme that pairs students and fresh graduates with alumni mentors. Mentors share career advice, help mentees navigate challenges, and often become lifelong professional guides.

The impact of these programs is transformative. Students often credit their internship or mentor for opening doors in their early careers. For example, one graduate landed a full-time job through an alumni-arranged internship, while another pursued a master’s degree abroad with guidance from her mentor.

These success stories highlight the power of alumni support in shaping lives. Mentors themselves find it rewarding to give back and see their mentees succeed.

Call to Action:

UNILAGFEAA encourages all alumni to get involved in these programs. Whether by offering an internship position at your company or serving as a mentor, your contribution will directly nurture the next generation of engineers. Together, we can ensure that every UNILAG engineering student enters the workforce prepared, confident, and connected.

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