UNILAG Alumni, Zenith Bank Build Shopping Complex, Renovate Car Park
Esther Ehoche
As part of efforts to build more projects at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the alumni association of the institution, in collaboration with Zenith Bank has built a shopping complex of 18 shops and is planning to renovate the Moremi Car Park.
Speaking at the inauguration and handover ceremony of Moremi Car Shuttle Park, the National President, UNILAG Alumni Association, Dr. Sunny Kuku said the project is in two phases, the building of the shops and the transformation of the Moremi Car Park.
He said initially there were kiosks which did not look presentable, adding that with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Zenith Bank, the association set up proper shops which have been renamed ‘UNILAG Alumni Shopping Complex.’
According to Kuku, the shopping complex is a landmark because it marks the first building the vice-chancellor inaugurated since he assumed office last year, adding that the university has taken appropriate measures to see that it is well maintained. He said the bank is also interested in collaborating with the association to build a 500-bed hostel, which is the next project, adding that part of the hostel would go to the bank and the remaining part goes to the alumni.
“Students will not be charged commercial fees for the hostel, but enough money will be charged for its maintenance. The hostel is something very close to our hearts because that is one of the things we have set up to do when I came in as the president.”
In his remarks, the ViceChancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Odundipe said the institution has signed a contract with the property developing unit for the maintenance of the university, which includes the shopping complex. Odundipe, who lauded the efforts of the association, said the alumni have been of great help to the university, setting up projects and building infrastructure. This he said is part of their contribution to the development of the institution and they have done it in such a way that they give it back to the university. “The alumni have assisted the university in many other ways. They have helped in awarding the best graduating student; they are also involved in other projects within the university and the university is ready to support them in our own little way. We thank the alumni for this and we look forward for more. The ambience of the university must change such that it can compete locally and globally.”