The founding fathers of the University of Lagos, in 1972 created the Endowment unit to provide the necessaray support for the university’s development with fundraising as its main focus. It held its first fundraising program that year on the 10^th anniversary of the establishment of the university. The Endowment Fund was re-launched in 1987 during the Silver Jubilee of the University. The establishment of the Endowment Fund therefore, was intended to provide a means by which assistance received in the form of cash donations, prizes, equipment and academic endowment from organizations, corporate bodies, individuals, etc could be invested to produce a regular source of income for the University.

Over the years the scope and operations have increased and in full realization of the role of the Alumni as a catalyst in its development and fundraising drives, the Alumni Relations Unit was incorporated. The new name Office of Advancement was adopted in 2009 in line with global trends. We are committed to advancing education, fostering innovation, and empowering the next generation, these transformative initiatives are aimed at ensuring a sustainable and impactful future for our institution.

The Office of Advancement is committed to Unilag’s goal of being one of the leading universities in the world with a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and community service.

We are consistently building partnerships and cultivating lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships while working actively to attract financial and other forms of support from alumni, private and public agencies, trusts, foundations, philanthropic individuals, and friends toward the sustainable development of the University.

Our Office engages a network of over 130,000 alumni, keeping them connected to their alma matter, as well as networking them with their peers in Nigeria and the diaspora. We also facilitate the sharing of ideas with our Faculty, offer volunteering and mentoring opportunities, and organize alumni events across the globe.