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UNILAG Alumnus, Prof. Azeez Butali, Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Research and Alumni Engagement
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) proudly celebrates Professor Azeez Butali, a distinguished alumnus whose remarkable contributions to research and his alma mater continue to make a lasting impact.
Prof. Butali, a globally recognized expert in genetics research, has dedicated his work to the study of cleft conditions in Nigerians, collaborating extensively with faculty members at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL). His commitment to advancing medical research has led to the facilitation of over seven NIH-funded grants to CMUL in the past decade, significantly enhancing research capacity and innovation within the institution.
Appointments and Research Focus
Prof. Butali currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine at the College of Dentistry. While many focus on treating cleft palates, he is pioneering innovative approaches to prevent them. His genetic study of non-syndromic clefts in people of African descent is funded through a prestigious grant from the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Beyond his groundbreaking research, Prof. Butali also leads the African Craniofacial Anomalies Network, a collaboration between scientists in Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda, working together to advance research and improve healthcare outcomes for craniofacial anomalies.
Alumni Leadership and Impact
In addition to his research, Prof. Butali is deeply committed to his alma mater. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the UNILAG Dental School Alumni and plays a key role in mentoring young professionals as an Associate Lecturer at the Faculty.
The UNILAG alumni community commends Prof. Azeez Butali for his outstanding achievements, his dedication to research, and his unwavering support for the university. His work continues to inspire the next generation of scholars and healthcare professionals, solidifying his legacy as a leader in both academia and medical innovation.
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The appointment of Dr. Jumoke Oduwole as the new Nigerian Minister of Trade and Investment marks a significant milestone in the country’s economic landscape. A proud indigene of Lagos State, Dr. Oduwole’s journey began at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where she graduated with an LL.B. in Law in 1998, followed by her qualification at the Nigerian Bar in 1999.
Her academic pursuits did not stop there; Dr. Oduwole earned an LL.M. in Commercial Law from the prestigious Cambridge University and an M.A. in International Legal Studies from Stanford University. Since 2004, she has been an esteemed Senior Lecturer in the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law at UNILAG, specializing in International Trade Law and International Economic Law.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Oduwole has played a pivotal role in driving economic reforms and fostering business development in Nigeria. As the Special Adviser to former President Buhari on Ease of Doing Business, she coordinated the activities of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, implementing initiatives that streamlined regulations and improved the business climate.
Dr. Oduwole’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s trade policies is further underscored by her two-term tenure as an elected member of the UNILAG Senate and her role as the executive secretary of several national and international councils, including the Prince Claus Chair in Development and Equity.
Her extensive experience and academic background position Dr. Oduwole as a transformative leader in shaping Nigeria’s trade and investment policies. With her appointment, the nation can anticipate innovative strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing economic growth and international competitiveness.
As she embarks on this new journey, all eyes are on Dr. Oduwole to lead Nigeria into a new era of trade and investment, building on her deep-rooted commitment to economic progress and development.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is renowned for its legacy of producing graduates who excel in various fields, contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of Nigeria and beyond.
Recently, this legacy was further solidified as First Bank of Nigeria, one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious financial institutions, confirmed the appointment of a distinguished UNILAG alumnus to its executive leadership team.
Olusegun Alebiosu has been named the Managing Director, while Ini Ebong takes on the role of Deputy Managing Director.
Olusegun Alebiosu: A Leader with Vision and Experience
Olusegun Alebiosu, a proud graduate of UNILAG, has carved an impressive career in the banking sector, characterized by his strategic vision and commitment to excellence. His appointment as Managing Director of First Bank is a recognition of his extensive experience and his significant contributions to the financial services industry.
Alebiosu’s journey began with a solid educational foundation at UNILAG, where he earned a degree that equipped him with the knowledge and skills essential for his professional endeavors. Over the years, he has amassed a wealth of experience in various capacities within the banking sector, demonstrating a deep understanding of risk management, corporate finance, and strategic planning. His leadership is expected to steer First Bank towards new heights, leveraging his expertise to foster growth, innovation, and sustainability.
About Olusegun Alebiosu
Before Acting as the MD of the bank, Olusegun Alebiosu was an Executive Director with the bank, serving as the Chief Risk Officer and the Executive Compliance Officer of the bank since January 2022. He has been the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) of First Bank since 2016.
Before joining First Bank as the CRO in 2016, he was the CRO at Coronation Merchant Bank. He was also the Chief Credit Risk Officer at the African Development Bank Group and was the Deputy Chief Credit Risk Officer at UBA. His professional career commenced in 1991 with Oceanic Bank Plc (now Ecobank Plc).
He is an alumnus of the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management. Alebiosu then obtained a Master’s Degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos.
Alebiosu obtained a Master’s Degree in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Olamide Olajolo a Managing Director/CEO at Nigeria Liability Insurance Pool and VP of Business Development at Heirs Insurance Limited, between 1992-1997 Olamide Olajolo obtained his First Degree in Insurance and his Two (2) Masters; i, in Business Admin (MBA) 2009-2010. ii, and Risk Management in the year 2014-2016, his expertise encompasses underwriting, sales, and technical operations.
Olajolo’s extensive 16-year tenure at Zenith General Insurance culminated in his appointment as the Executive Director. With 22 years in the insurance sector, Olamide Olajolo, an industry veteran, navigated key roles including Managing Director/CEO at Nigeria Liability Insurance Pool and VP of Business Development at Heirs Insurance Limited.
Established in 1958, Coronation Insurance Plc is a comprehensive insurance provider offering a diverse array of products and services spanning life, general, and special risk businesses.
The group’s asset value stands at N45.382 billion as of the nine months ending September 30, 2023, marking a 20.46% increase from N37.673 billion as of December 31, 2022.
Coronation Insurance has a market capitalization of N20.63 billion as of January 26, 2024, rising 12.06% from N29.336 billion in December 2023. It is therefore a great privilege to celebrate our own Alumnus who has been doing us proud in society.
Oluwole Oshin, an Alumnus of the University of Lagos who has been tremendously in the Stoke Marketing.
Oluwole Oshin a graduate of Actuarial Science from the University of Lagos and a Chartered Insurer by Profession, he holds the Doctor of Finance (Honoris Causa) from Igbinedion University and is a Fellow of both the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria and the Association of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers.
Oluwole Oshin the founder and Group Managing Director of Custodian Investment Plc, is an industry luminary with over 35 years of experience.
He has served as a member of the Presidential Committee on Pension Reforms and Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association, among other prominent roles.
Custodian Investment Plc, established in 1991, is a prominent player in Nigeria’s Other Financial Services Sector, with substantial stakes in various companies.
The group holds significant positions in companies such as Custodian and Allied Insurance Limited, Custodian Life Assurance Limited, Custodian Trustees, Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited, and UPDC Plc.
With a market capitalization of N59.4 billion as of January 26, 2024, under the Oluwole Oshin, Custodian Investment Group’s assets for the 9(Nine) months ending September 30, 2023, surged to N254.,692 billion a 19.46% increase from the N213.197 billion recorded in 2022.
In 2023, claims paid by the Custodian amounted to N21.958 billion, marking a 22.29% rise from the previous year. The gross premium for the same period reached N73.590 billion, reflecting a 14.22% increase compared to 2022.
Additionally, the profit after tax in 2023 reached N11.792 billion, indicating a substantial 105.65% surge compared to the figures reported in 2022.
Let’s celebrate our own Alumnus who has been a Mentor/Leader in the society.
Meet Mr. Gboyega Lesi-CEO/MD Leadway Assurance an alumnus of the University of Lagos, who is doing well in the industry. He registered for his first degree in 1987 in the Department of Civil Engineering and graduated in 1992.
Gboyega Lesi who became MD/CEO of Leadway Assurance on January 1, 2024, with over 25 years of professional experience in the insurance sector.
His journey began as a trainee risk surveyor, and since then, he has garnered expertise in various domains, including risk management, insurance broking, underwriting, product development, Bancassurance, and sales.
Lesi has pursued continuous learning, attending numerous courses both locally and internationally, focusing on insurance underwriting, risk management, strategy, management, operations, and marketing. In addition, he holds an MBA from Aston University in Birmingham, UK.
He is recognized as an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London and Nigeria and a member of the Chartered Management Institute (MCMI) of London. Before becoming Managing Director, he was the Executive Director, Commercials, at Leadway Assurance.
As of 2022, the company’s total assets have grown to N534 billion, marking a 6% increase from the previous year’s N502 billion.
Leadway also stands out as an industry leader in claims payment, consistently holding the position for the last seven years with a whopping N57.5 billion paid.
It is my privilege to celebrate Mr. Gboyega Lesi an Alumnus of the University of Lagos who has been making us proud in the industry.