UNILAG medical, dental graduates unveil ₦30m intervention, mark 20 years after graduation

Medical and dental graduates of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Class of 2004, have unveiled a week-long programme to mark 20 years of graduation, alongside a multi-million-naira intervention aimed at strengthening medical education and mentoring future healthcare professionals.

Speaking at a press briefing to kick-start the anniversary activities, the chairman of the reunion and a consultant physician, Dr Dipo Ayedun, said the celebration, though coming 21 years after graduation, was an opportunity to reflect on the class’ professional journey and renew its commitment to service.

He explained that the anniversary, themed “20 Years Strong: Reflecting on Our Journey, Inspiring the Future,” goes beyond a social reunion and represents a deliberate effort to give back to the institution that laid the foundation for their careers.

“We are proud products of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. Beyond celebrating how far we have come, we recognise our responsibility to inspire and support the next generation of doctors and dentists,” Ayedun said.

Ayedun welcomed classmates who returned from across Nigeria and the diaspora, including Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, noting that for many, it was the first physical reunion in nearly two decades.

As part of the anniversary activities, the class renovated the 200-Level Lecture Hall, popularly known as the Platform Class, investing over ₦30 million to upgrade the facility.

The lecture hall, regarded as pivotal to medical training at CMUL, has been refurbished with smart televisions, improved lighting, enhanced power supply, and a modern learning ambience aligned with international standards.

Ayedun added that the intervention is anchored on three key pillars: infrastructure development, teaching and training, and mentorship.

He explained that several members of the class currently serve as lecturers at CMUL, while others are committed to mentoring students and young doctors through structured engagements.

“Through our symposium, we are exposing students to diverse career paths, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, showing that excellence is possible in multiple contexts,” he said.

The programme of events includes courtesy visits to the Provost of CMUL and the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), a scientific conference and symposium featuring keynote speakers drawn largely from the Class of 2004, informal bonding activities, and a grand finale dinner and awards night to celebrate excellence among members.

Responding to questions on the ongoing brain drain in the health sector, Ayedun said the phenomenon was not unique to medicine, attributing it to structural issues such as poor funding, welfare, remuneration and gaps in residency training.

He urged the government to address these challenges through improved budgetary allocation and sustained engagement with healthcare professionals.

Advertisement

“Migration is not entirely negative. There is also brain gain when professionals in the diaspora contribute skills, knowledge and resources back home,” he said.

On the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, Ayedun noted that while AI should not replace clinical expertise, it could enhance access to care, especially in underserved areas.

He disclosed that CMUL had developed an AI usage policy and deployed tools to detect unethical use by students, stressing the need for strong ethical standards and regulation.

He also addressed concerns about strikes and disruptions in medical training, saying industrial actions affect morale and timelines but do not compromise the quality of graduates, as students are required to complete all mandatory clinical training.

“Healthcare workers want to work. Strikes are always a last resort and often reflect deeper issues of welfare and working conditions,” he added.

Earlier in his address, the Chairperson of the reunion, Dr Olayemi Dawodu, described the anniversary as a celebration of purpose, resilience, and recommitment to the ideals of medicine.

She said the class’ greatest legacy would not be titles or personal achievements, but its willingness to mentor and uplift those coming behind.

“Mentorship stands at the heart of this anniversary. We are committed to building intentional and sustained platforms that connect alumni with students and young doctors for career guidance, research support, wellness, and leadership development,” Dawodu said.

She added that the give-back project was a practical expression of gratitude to the institution, pledging continued support for improved learning facilities, clinical training, and research capacity at CMUL.

“As alumni of this great citadel of excellence, we remember where we started, and we are committed to paying it forward,” she said.