SPGS Dean Expresses Optimism in Improving UNILAG’s Ranking in Africa

By Okwun Precious, Ameerah Junaid, Bodude Ooreoluwatomiwa, Omotosho Fathia, Akano Islamiyat, Boluwatise O-Oluyomi

Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), Professor Abraham Osinubi, in an interview with UNILAG Sun, has expressed optimism about the university’s capacity to improve its ranking within the African continent and globally, noting that SPGS will be instrumental in achieving this goal.

Prof. Osinubi, emphasising that the university can improve its rank and compete with international universities like Harvard, said, “If it cannot be done at Harvard, it should not be done here. If it can be done at Harvard, we can do it better here. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you”, 

According to him,  a key lesson he has learnt from leading such a dynamic institution is the importance of listening to all students, including alumni. He clarified that he operates a “no-door policy”, where everyone is encouraged to approach him freely with concerns or opinions. He said he believes that listening is a critical leadership skill, and advised leaders to listen to all shapes of opinions and views.

Prof. Osinubi said his leadership is guided by a clear mission, to leave a lasting legacy, attract the best to the university, and build strong networks. “Let us endeavour to leave the world a better place than we found it,” he stated. 

“We want students to feel welcome. They must know they are loved, valued, and cared for. Students must understand that they are not just official stakeholders but the true owners of the school”

The Dean envisions a campus where students are treated “like kings and queens.” To this end, the SPGS has approved a 12.5 million naira renovation project to upgrade the toilets to a “state-of-the-art” standard. He informed that the renovations will commence in mid-December, with completion expected within six weeks. 

Prof. Osinubi also noted that there are ongoing efforts to ensure uninterrupted power supply within the postgraduate facility with the installation of 32 solar panels. He added that funding for the panels is sourced externally and not from the university’s budget.

He said, “The goal is to make studying here so exceptional that going abroad becomes an option, not a necessity. It shouldn’t be that someone wants to travel simply to access what they could already have here.”