UBA Unveils New Landmark Building at UNILAG

 The Beginning: The LongestRunning University-Industry Partnerships in Nigeria The University of Lagos was established in 1962, the relationship between UNILAG and The United Bank For Africa traces back to 1965 with the first Branch on the University Campus. The relationship has evolved from campus banking into academic endowments, innovation, research, beautification of the environment and student development. One of the most defining moments in the relationship was UBAs decision to open a branch on the UNILAG campus in 1965widely recognised as the first university campus banking operation in Nigeria. This institutionalised banking directly into higher education and created a model later adopted across Nigerian universities today. Over the decades, the partnership moved beyond banking services into supporting the universitys growth agenda. A major milestone was the establishment of the UBA Professorial Chair in Finance in 1972 under the administration of former Vice-Chancellor Jacob Festus Adeniyi Ajayi. The Chair later contributed to the creation of UNILAGs Department of Finance in 1973 and became recognised as one of Nigerias oldest academic endowments in finance.  Supporting the curriculum and research development. While promoting Knowledge exchange between industry and academia After years of a fruitful partnership, UNILAG and UBA agreed in 2021 on a purpose-built new campus facility designed as a joint-use structure -combining commercial banking infrastructure with university development priorities. The project was designed as a collaboration between industry and academia rather than a standalone branch expansion In 2024, UBA revamped the UNILAG Garden often called the UBA Green Garden which acts a place of relaxation for all individuals visiting the university. In 2026: Commissioning of the UBA Innovation Hub and Business Office A four-floor shared complex. UBA operates a dedicated business office within the building. Other sections of the facility support broader university use. In 2026,  UBA announced an additional 60 million enhancement to the UBA Professorial Chair in Finance to strengthen research output and sustain academic excellence. Current work linked to the Chair reportedly includes curriculum development in emerging areas such as financial technology.    UBA serves more than 80,000 customers within the UNILAG ecosystem providing financial services for students, staff, alumni and university operations.  In addition, UBA has announced internet connectivity around the facility to support research, learning and global access for students.   Alumni linkage strengthened through UBA Group Chairman Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu, whose connection to UNILAG adds a symbolic and practical dimension to the partnership. Mr Tony Elumelu bagged MSc in Economics in 1986 Two Former GMDs were products of the University -  Kennedy Uzoka and Phillips OduozaThe  relationship has evolved from first campus branch academic endowment shared infrastructure innovation and research ecosystem,  Environmental Renewal,  powered by human capital connectivity, making it one of Nigerias most enduring universityindustry collaborations.  The Long Dance: The Story of the UBA x UNILAG ConnectionIt takes two to tango. And every legacy usually begins when vision meets belief, when one institution is willing to build and another is willing to grow.For United Bank for Africa and University of Lagos(UNILAG), that story began in 1965.Just three years after UNILAG opened its doors, UBA, then evolving from the British and French Bank, established in Nigeria in 1949, became the first bank to open a branch inside a Nigerian university campus. More than six decades later, that decision has grown into one of the longest-running university-industry partnerships in the country.And somehow, the connection kept coming full circle.Three UBA leaders have direct academic ties to UNILAG. Group Chairman Tony Elumelu earned his MSc in Economics from the university in 1988 before helping transform UBA into a pan-African institution. Former Group Managing Directors, Phillips Oduozaand Kennedy Uzoka bagged First-Class from that citadel of learning.But this relationship has never been just about banking.In 1972, UBA established the UBA Professorial Chair in Finance at Unilag, Nigerias oldest academic endowments by any financial institution, in any Nigerian university. The initiative later contributed to the establishment of the universitys Department of Finance in 1973 and strengthened research, curriculum development, and knowledge exchange between industry and academia.Over the years, the partnership expanded into scholarships, student-focused initiatives, the UBA Green Park, and empowerment platforms through the UBA Foundation and the Tony Elumelu Foundation.Now, the relationship has entered another chapter with the commissioning of the UBA Innovation Hub and Business Office, a four-floor shared complex designed as a collaboration between industry and academia. Beyond serving over 80,000 people within the UNILAG ecosystem, the facility also comes with internet connectivity to support research, learning, and innovation.During the commissioning, the Vice Chancellor described Tony Elumelu as a son of this University, adding that his journey is living proof that UNILAG produces not merely graduates, but world-changers.And perhaps that is what this moment truly represents.Not just a new structure, but a relationship that has continued to invest in minds, dreams, and possibilities for over 60 years.As UBA Group Managing Director Oliver Alawubaputs it: The future belongs to institutions that do more than build structures; the future belongs to those that build minds, empower talent and create platforms where dreams become progress.From campus banking to innovation and research ecosystems, the UBA-UNILAG story is clearly far from over. The post UBA Unveils New Landmark Building at UNILAG appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.