UNILAG Mass Comm Alumni Pledges to Give Faculty Four-Storey Building

By Barakat Lawal

The University of Lagos Mass Communication Alumni Association (UMCAA) has pledged to construct a four-storey academic building for the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.

The proposed project was announced during a courtesy visit by the association’s executive members to the University management on July 27, 2026, following the recent elevation of the Department of Mass Communication to a full-fledged faculty.

The UMCAA delegation, led by its Chairman, Mr. Seyi Gambo, was received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Prof. Olusoji Ilori.

Presenting the association’s address, Gambo commended the University management for approving the transition of the Department of Mass Communication into a faculty, describing the decision as a recognition of the discipline’s decades-long contributions to nation-building.

He said the faculty alumni association was seeking the University’s approval to develop a four-storey academic complex on the parcel of land between the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies and Moremi Hall.

According to him, the proposed facility will feature modern lecture theatres, research laboratories, media innovation hubs, collaborative learning spaces, entrepreneurship centres, digital studios and offices for emerging academic departments.

Gambo added that the building would not only address existing infrastructure needs but also position the faculty to meet future demands in communication education.

“We respectfully seek the University’s approval in principle to utilise the small parcel of land located between the existing Faculty buildings and Moremi Hall for the construction of a modern four-storey academic building,” he said.

The chairman said that the association intends to mobilise its more than 5,000 members, alongside friends of the University, corporate organisations, foundations and development partners, to raise the resources needed to execute the project.

Gambo noted that the proposed building forms part of UMCAA’s broader commitment to supporting the University’s growth beyond ceremonial alumni activities.

He said the association envisions a stronger partnership with the University through investments in infrastructure, curriculum development, research collaboration, scholarships, mentorship and industry linkages.

Noting some of the association’s contributions over the years, he cited the upgrade of the Public Relations and Advertising (PRAD) Laboratory, the provision of internet infrastructure to support teaching and research, the annual UMCAA Enterprise Competition, the Distinguished Service Awards.

Gambo also noted that the association is championing the upgrade of the Faculty Library to the Yakubu Mohammed Library & Resource Centre, adding that the centre is named after a distinguished alumnus celebrated for his excellence, professionalism and service to journalism.

UNILAG Management Commends Alumni Initiative

Responding, Ilori welcomed the proposal, describing it as another demonstration of the critical role alumni associations play in advancing the University’s infrastructure, academic excellence and global reputation.

He disclosed that the University plans to institutionalise donations from alumni associations and graduating class sets as endowments to preserve their legacy while encouraging sustained investment in the institution’s development.

According to him, alumni contributions are increasingly considered in global university ranking assessments because they reflect the strength of an institution’s relationship with its graduates and its ability to attract external support.

Ilori assured the association that the University would give favourable consideration to its request for land to execute the project, noting that the proposal aligns with the institution’s commitment to expanding its academic and physical infrastructure.

He also commended UMCAA’s plans to engage its members in mentoring students, supporting research and exposing undergraduates to practical industry experience, saying such collaborations would bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.