Prof Folasade Ogunsola emerges first female UNILAG VC

A Professor of Microbiology at the College of Medicine, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, has emerged the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos.

Ogunsola’s announcement as UNILAG’s 13th substantive VC was made on Friday night.

She emerged the favourite for the top job among the seven candidates shortlisted for the institution’s top job.

Other shortlisted candidates were: Professors Abayomi Akinyeye of the Department of History, Faculty of Arts; Mathew Ilori and Adeyinka Adekunle both of the Faculty of Sciences; Imran Smith of the Faculty of Law; Timothy Nubi of the Department of Estate Management at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences; and Ayo Olowe of the Faculty of Management Sciences.

Her appointment is for five years with effect from Saturday, November 12, 2022 to Thursday, November 11, 2027. This comes at a time the school is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

The Professor of Medical Microbiology has served UNILAG in various capacities.

She was the pioneer Provost of the College of Medicine in Idi Araba, Lagos and also served as a deputy vice chancellor to Ogundipe.

Ogunsola is the daughter of the late eminent geographer, Prof. Akin Mabogunje.

When Ogundipe was removed from office by the then Governing Council Chairman, Dr Wale Babalakin, SAN, she was appointed the acting VC for three months before the Federal Government reinstated Ogundipe.

Born in 1958, Ogunsola holds a PhD in Medical Microbiology, an MSc in Medical Microbiology with Distinction, and a Diploma in Biomedical Techniques from the University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff.

She is a fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, West African College of Physicians, National Postgraduate Medical College in Pathology, Nigerian Academy of Science, and Foundation Fellow of both the Nigerian Academy of Medicine and the Academy of Medicine Specialties.

Professor Ogunsola will succeed Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe whose five-year tenure elapses in November.