(DDM) – A landmark N140 million electricity project has been unveiled at the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos (University of Lagos), promising uninterrupted power supply to lecture halls, offices, and study areas.
The initiative, named “Light Up Faculty of Arts University of Lagos,” was spearheaded by the UNILAG Alumni Association and funded by philanthropist Chief Tunde Fanimokun.
The project aims to address frequent power failures caused by national grid instability, which had long disrupted academic activities across the faculty.
At the unveiling ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof Ilupeju Mudashiru, highlighted the faculty’s high energy demand, explaining that the university generator could not sustain operations during grid outages.
He noted that the faculty operates three lifts, over 40 lecture rooms per floor, and numerous offices, making a stable power supply critical for evening programmes and general academic continuity.
“The project will restore the faculty’s standing as a top learning environment and ensure evening programmes continue uninterrupted,” Prof Mudashiru said.
Chief Fanimokun, a long-time supporter of educational initiatives in Nigeria, emphasized that the project is part of his broader effort to invest in tertiary institutions, which has already benefited at least 12 universities nationwide.
He disclosed that planning for the project began on November 11, 2025, and expressed satisfaction at seeing the initiative materialize.
The First National Vice President of the UNILAG Alumni Association, Dr Bala Yesufu, described the project as a significant milestone for both the alumni body and the Faculty of Arts.
He added that Chief Fanimokun has pledged further support for the faculty, with several additional initiatives already in development.
Analysts say that reliable power supply is crucial for higher education institutions in Nigeria, where national grid failures frequently disrupt teaching, research, and student learning.
The new electricity system is expected to enhance the learning environment, support evening and special programmes, and improve the overall academic experience for students and staff alike.
Stakeholders also highlighted that the project reflects growing collaboration between alumni networks, private philanthropists, and university management to address infrastructural challenges in Nigerian universities.
By providing stable electricity, the initiative ensures that the Faculty of Arts can maintain academic operations even during national power outages, positioning it as a model for other faculties within UNILAG and across the country.
This development demonstrates the potential of private support to transform public education infrastructure, particularly in critical areas such as uninterrupted electricity supply, which is fundamental to teaching, research, and campus life.
With the project now operational, faculty officials and students alike are optimistic about improved academic performance, enhanced learning conditions, and the ability to conduct evening programmes without interruptions.
The success of the “Light Up Faculty of Arts” project signals a promising future for further alumni-led investments in education and infrastructure across Nigerian universities.
