UNILAG Marks 20 Years of Jelili Adebisi Omotola, Celebrates Visionary Legacy

The University of Lagos has commemorated the 20th anniversary of the passing of its seventh Vice-Chancellor, Jelili Adebisi Omotola (SAN), highlighting his enduring contributions to the institution’s growth and development.

Fondly known as “OmoT,” the late professor, who led the university between 1995 and 2000, was remembered for his bold leadership during one of Nigeria’s most challenging political periods marked by military rule and declining funding for higher education.

At a commemorative event held at the university auditorium on April 30, faculty members, students, and top administrators paid tribute to his legacy through a moot and mock trial session, alongside announcements of awards and infrastructure upgrades in his honour.

Speaking at the event, the Pro-Chancellor, Wole Olanipekun, described Omotola as “sui generis”—a man in a class of his own—recalling his role as a mentor and a key figure in his professional journey. He praised Omotola’s goodwill and lasting impact on the legal and academic communities.

Also present were the Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, and the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Abiola Sanni, both of whom reaffirmed the university’s commitment to preserving and expanding his legacy through academic initiatives and student development programmes.

Omotola’s tenure was marked by innovative efforts to sustain the university amid financial constraints. He championed alternative funding strategies, encouraging partnerships with the private sector and introducing ideas that mirror today’s Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.

He also pursued internationalisation, notably through an outreach degree programme in South Korea—a vision many believe was ahead of its time, despite attracting criticism from some quarters within the university.

Colleagues recalled his call for lecturers to adopt entrepreneurial approaches to research funding, stressing that universities should not rely solely on government allocations. His philosophy, they noted, continues to shape modern approaches to university financing and global collaboration.

Two decades after his passing, stakeholders say Omotola’s legacy remains deeply embedded in the university’s identity, with renewed efforts underway to ensure his vision of a globally competitive institution continues to thrive.