25 Interesting Facts About The University of Lagos Nigeria (UNILAG)

The University of Lagos, or UNILAG as it is popularly called, is one of the most sought-after Universities by prospective students in Nigeria. Founded in 1962, it is widely recognized as “the University of first choice and the nation’s pride”. 

Are you a prospective student, a current student, or just curious about one of Nigeria’s top universities? Then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore all things UNILAG, from its rich history and vibrant campus life to its faculties and postgraduate programs. 

Interesting Facts About the University of Lagos

1. History of the University of Lagos

The University of Lagos began operation as a federal university in 1962. It is the first university in Lagos and the second University in Nigeria, right after UI. Its first vice-chancellor, the late Professor Eni Njoku, served from 1962 – 1965 and was instrumental in establishing the university as a center for excellence in academic and research pursuits.

He played a pivotal role in shaping the early years of UNILAG and laying the foundation for its growth and development into a leading institution of higher learning.

The university has expanded significantly over time and now offers various courses and programs catering to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

2. Rankings of the University of Lagos 

Did you know that the University of Lagos ranks second in Nigeria, third in West Africa, and has made the top 20 list of African universities? That’s right; the university has a reputation for excellence in education.

3. The University of Lagos began operation with three faculties

When the University of Lagos began operation in 1962, only three campuses existed. The faculties originally included the Faculty of Commerce/Business Administration, which later became the Faculty of Business and Social Studies, along with the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Law.

4. The University of Lagos has a total of 12 Faculties

Having expanded from three faculties, the University of Lagos now provides an extensive array of courses spanning 12 faculties. Below are the 12 faculties of the University of Lagos:

• Sciences
• Arts 
• Social Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Basic Medical Sciences
• Clinical Sciences
• Dental Sciences
• Management Sciences
• Pharmacy
• Law
• Engineering
• Education

Read also: Top 10 beneficial extracurricular activities in Nigerian schools.

5. The University of Lagos has three campuses

The University of Lagos has three campuses, all situated in Lagos mainland. The main campus is at Akoka, the College of Medicine is at Idi-Araba, and The School of Radiography is at Yaba.

6. The University of Lagos has two primary schools and a secondary school

The University of Lagos boasts two primary schools, the University of Lagos Staff School and Women’s Society. It also has a secondary school -the International School University of Lagos.

7. UNILAG has a Postgraduate School and Distance Learning Institute

Founded in 1981, the school of postgraduate studies offers Masters and Doctoral degree programs in various disciplines that prepare students for advanced careers. Furthermore, the University’s Distance Learning Institute (DLI) offers courses in Accounting, Business Administration, Science Education, and Library/Information Sciences.

8. UNILAG established the first University Radio station in Nigeria

UNILAG Radio 103.1 FM is the first University radio station in Nigeria. It was established in 2004 and will soon be celebrating its 20th year of operation. Its objective was to promote the education of students studying Mass Communication and Distance Learning.

9. UNILAG TV is also the first licensed University TV station in Nigeria

Unilag did not only establish the first University radio station in Nigeria, but they also launched the first University Television station in Nigeria. A pioneer in all things media, their aim was to improve broadcasting in Nigeria by providing first-hand knowledge and experience for students. 

2017 President Muhammadu Buhari approved the University of Lagos’ request for a television licence. They are live as UNILAG TV on StarTimes Channel 184.

10. The name UNILAG was almost changed to MAULAG in 2012

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan attempted to change the name of the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University in honor of the political prisoner who died in 1998.

However, this name change was met with protests from the student body and alumni association, and the original name was eventually left alone.

Read also: Schools of Nursing in Nigeria: How to apply and why you should go.

11. UNILAG’s UTME cut Off is 200 

Are you thinking of applying or studying at the University of Lagos? To be eligible to sit for the post-utme exam, you must score at least 200 in UTME, as that is the cutoff mark.

12. UNILAG admits 10% of students that sit for Post UTME yearly

Even after meeting the cut off for UTME and sitting for the POST-UTME, the cut off points for each course vary. Thousands of students apply to UNILAG every year, but only 10% are offered admission.

13. UNILAG alumni association

The University of Lagos has a very active alumni association which was launched in the year 1970. The alumni relations office was established seven years later.

14. Student entertainment

The second semester in UNILAG is usually the more exciting semester of the session, because most of students’ entertainment usually happens at that time. When I say student entertainment, I mean week-long parties like faculty weeks, hall weeks, departmental weeks, and, let’s not forget the dinners.

Different events are usually slated for each day of the week, such as pageant shows, talent hunts, cooking competitions, and much more. Each faculty, department, or hall has events that are unique to them.

What do you think about being in a community that helps you to grow and develop yourself? Join us here if you wish.

15. The University of Lagos tuition fees

The University of Lagos has a variety of courses to choose from, with varying school fees depending on the level of study and course of interest. Tuition fees at the University of Lagos vary depending on your program, level of study, and mode of entry. 

Generally, tuition for undergraduate programs ranges from N15,000 to N25,000 for returning students and N50,000 – N70,000 for new students per session, while postgraduate programs can cost up to N100,000 or more per session.

Read also: A simple guide to ineffective note-taking for Nigerian students.  

16. UNILAG accommodation fees

On-campus accommodation is available to students at the University of Lagos but is in high demand, so you must apply early. Accommodation fees on campus are N25,000 for undergraduates and N58,000 for postgraduates.

17. Scholarships: financing your education

The University of Lagos offers several financial aid options to help offset the cost of attending. These include scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Contact the financial assistance office to learn more about financial aid and eligibility requirements.

Remember to include other expenses like accommodation, textbooks, and personal costs when budgeting for your education at the University of Lagos.

18. There are 15 halls of Residence at the University of Lagos

In UNILAG, 15 residence halls house over 3000 students. There are seven female hostels; Queen Moremi, Fagunwa, Madam Tinubu Hall (MTH), Makama-Bida, Queen Amina, Kofi Ademola, and Honours.

There are 6 male hostels; King Jaja, Mariere, Eni Njoku, Sodeinde, Saburi Biobaku, and El-Kanemi. Two mixed hostels, Henry Carr Hall and Erastus Akingbola Hall

Read also: Law schools in Nigeria: 7 Hidden Truths. 

19. The best kept secrets of the University of Lagos Library

Many students do not utilize the University of Lagos Library, -a treasure trove of resources. Explore these lesser-known treasures of the library:

• The library maintains its digital database, providing access to many e-books, journals, and research papers.
• If you need a quiet place to study, the library has private study areas and group study rooms that you can reserve.
• There are computer labs in the library that students can use free of charge.
• It accepts requests for library resources, including books (up to 20%), periodicals, and special collections, converts them into digital format, and sends them to you via email.
• It offers physical and virtual reference services accessed through Chat-A-Librarian live chat, email, or Zoom virtual meetings.
• Students are unaware that the library offers inter-library loan services. This means that if there’s a book that the University of Lagos library doesn’t have, the library can request it from another library for you.

20. Why UNILAG students love the sports centre

For a good reason, the University of Lagos sports center is one of the most popular places on campus. Here are some of the reasons why students love it:

• Wide range of sports activities: From basketball and tennis to swimming and football, there’s a sport for everyone at the sports center.
• Competitions and events: The sports center hosts intra-departmental (HODs Cup) and inter-departmental (Dean’s Cup) competitions throughout the year.
• Stress relief: Many students appreciate the sports center as a way to relieve stress and stay healthy between classes, exams, and assignments.

21. What lecturers don’t tell you about the University of Lagos Education

There is more to the University of Lagos education than just attending lectures and completing coursework. Here are some things lecturers may not tell you:

• Self-study and independent research can enhance your understanding of course topics.
• Networking with professors and alumni can provide valuable career insights and opportunities.
• Time-management skills are crucial for balancing coursework and extracurricular activities.
• Collaborating with peers on group projects can improve your teamwork skills.
• Participating in internships and volunteering can provide practical experience and boost your resume.

22. The good, the bad, and the ugly of the University of Lagos accommodation

Deciding where to live while attending the University of Lagos can be a tough choice, with pros and cons to each option. Here are some things to consider:

On-Campus Hostels

The Good:

• Convenience: on-campus hostels place you just a walking distance from classrooms, libraries, and other campus facilities.
• Cost: on-campus hostels can be more affordable than off-campus housing options since the university subsidizes them.
• Social life: sharing a floor with other students can be a great way to meet new people and create new friendships.

The Bad:

• No Privacy: on-campus hostels can be crowded and noisy and offer little privacy.
• Rules and Regulations: on-campus hostels have rules and regulations that you must follow, including curfews and restrictions on guests.
• Shared Facilities: you will have to share facilities such as the bathroom and kitchen with other students.

Off-Campus Apartments

The Good:

• Freedom: off-campus apartments offer more space and privacy, allowing you to come and go as you please.
• Amenities: Many off-campus apartments offer a private bathroom and kitchen.
• Space: off-campus apartments may offer more space than on-campus hostels, which can be helpful if you have a lot of belongings.

The Bad:

• Cost: off-campus apartments can be more expensive than on-campus hostels, especially if they are located in a prime area.
• Distance: off-campus apartments may require a longer commute to and from campus, which can be time-consuming and costly.
• Social life: living off-campus may make it harder to create new friendships since you are not surrounded by other students all the time.

Read also: What next after school? 7 tips to surviving life after college. 

23. Famous alumni

The University of Lagos boasts many accomplished alumni, including Nobel Prize winners Wole Soyinka, Tony Elumelu, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Nigeria has become a global player due to these alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields.

24. Hangout spots in UNILAG

• Lagoon Front
• GTBank Park
• Access Bank Park
• Zenith Bank Park
• The Coffee Shop
• Senate Love Garden

25. Best food spots in UNILAG

Shop 10: Although expensive, shop 10 sells the best jollof rice and yam porridge in unilag.

Mavise Foods: It is said that Mavise Jollof rivals Shop 10. However, theirs is cheaper. They have three branches on campus; Education, Newhall, and Main Campus (Back of Jaja Hall).

Korede Spaghetti: Craving Spaghetti? KoredeSpag is the best on campus.

Salado: It is located behind the amphitheater. Although a great place to get good food, they’re mostly known for their salad.

Iya Moria: If you’re an amala lover, Iya Moria is the best place to get amala on campus. She has a restaurant at DLI and another one at the Faculty of Arts.

Lesser Known Facts About UNILAG

• Jaja and Moremi hostels are ranked number one in male and female hostels, respectively, and they are both located on the main campus.
• The love garden in front of the Senate building isn’t a love garden, at least not during the day. It’s usually where students take breaks in between classes or hang out with friends.
• Most female students shop for clothes at Yaba market and foodstuff at Bariga market, the markets closest to Unilag.
• Jaja and Mariere hostels, always in competition against each other, are the most bubbly male hostels. 
• Kofo Hostel is the cleanest female hostel -as much as a hostel can be clean- and Honours is the most boring because of its distance from main campus and other hostels.
• Always be prepared for squatters and floaters in whatever hostel you are in.
• Balloting for a hostel is tagged survival of the fittest. Ensure various people are balloting for you in different locations.
• Boy’s Quarters on campus are more expensive than apartments or hostels outside campus, with the most expensive being the ones at CITS.
• The most popular hangout spot for lovers without cars is Lagoon Front.
• Most students just want to graduate when they are halfway through their course.
• The cheapest and most filling meal on campus is Beans and Bread.
• First-semester students’ results are usually better than second-semester results due to the various distracting entertainments in the second semester.
• Creative Art students always host live shows, dramas, and various performances.

Conclusion

Education is not just meant to prepare you for a career but also personal growth and development. Let this article guide you in taking advantage of all the resources, opportunities, and experiences available at the University of Lagos.

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About Author

Jemiyotan Arioritsebafor

Jemiyotan is a writer, researcher, and instructional designer.

She likes to discover new ideas and explain them in an easy-to-understand way. She enjoys finding the perfect balance between the complex details of her topic and the feelings it can evoke.

When she's not writing, you'll most likely find her exploring the latest trends on social media or binge-watching shows.

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