‘Ideas Matter, Money Will Follow Value’ – UNILAG VC Commends Donor At Faculty of Environmental Science Boardroom Commissioning

By Adegbuyi Fathia

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, praised alumnus Bldr. Lukman Morenikeji Opaleye at the official commissioning of the newly renovated Faculty of Environmental Sciences Boardroom on Friday, September 18, 2026, stressing that funding always follows value.

The renovation, which was undertaken by the Managing Director of Erectas Engr. Co. Ltd., Bldr. Lukman Morenikeji Opaleye, has transformed the boardroom that had remained largely unchanged for about 25 years.

The VC described the donor’s gesture as the mark of ‘a mind of gratitude’ rather than entitlement, and an expression of leadership that looks beyond the immediate to the future.

In her remarks, she stated that the contribution would inspire students and academics, whom, according to her, the university must continue to rely on given the limitations of central funding.

Ogunsola appealed to other alumni of the institution to ‘come and do more’ while congratulating the faculty and appreciating the donor and the contractor.

She also invited Opaleye to return to the university to mentor and provide internship opportunities for students, which would enable them to learn from his professional expertise and character.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Professor Olumide Adenuga, explained his vision for transforming the faculty space without placing an undue financial burden on the faculty or the university. Which drove his to reach out to Opaleye, who promptly responded to his call. 

Adenuga described the renovation of the boardroom as ‘a statement of possibility’ and expressed his appreciation to the university management for its support.

The Dean also appealed to alumni to join forces with the faculty to expand key areas of university development, which include infrastructure, scholarships, research support, and mentoring.

“UNILAG made me”, Opaleye stated in his address, explaining that the project was a token of appreciation for the investment the university made in his development.

Crediting the Department of Building with shaping his character and professional career, he also pledged that his company would underwrite the full maintenance of the boardroom for the next 3 years.