Ex-VC Raises Alarm as 239 Top Graduates Quit UNILAG Teaching Jobs

Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has revealed that 239 first-class graduates employed as lecturers by the institution left within seven years due to poor conditions of service.

Ogundipe explained that UNILAG recruited 256 first-class graduates between 2015 and 2022, but only 17 were still in the system by October 2023.

“At UNILAG, we employed those with first-class honours. Today, less than 10 per cent are left. Many have gone because of poor pay, poor working conditions, and lack of motivation,” he said.

He warned that if the trend continues, universities may soon be dominated by women while less-qualified candidates gain entry into postgraduate studies.

Ogundipe, now Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, also criticised chronic underfunding of Nigerian universities, noting that government allocations remain below UNESCO’s recommended benchmark. He called for a law mandating at least ₦1bn annual funding for first-generation universities.

He further urged the government, private sector, alumni, and civil society to adopt innovative ways of financing education, such as public-private partnerships, alumni endowments, and diaspora support.

“The private sector must see education as an investment in the future workforce, while alumni must give back through donations, mentorship, and advocacy,” Ogundipe said.