The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, has announced that the increasing trend of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, commonly referred to as “japa,” has led to a noticeable rise in transcript requests from former students.
Speaking at the 2024 International Week and 17th Annual Research Conference at UNILAG, themed “Inclusive Digital Transformation and the University Promise,” Prof. Ogunsola revealed that many graduates, including those who completed their studies as far back as 30 to 40 years ago, are now returning to the university to request their transcripts.
“Africa adopted digital technology later than other continents, but UNILAG has intentionally embraced it for the past 57 years,” Prof. Ogunsola stated. She emphasized that moving towards a digital system requires not only desire but also adequate financial support and a supportive policy framework.
The Vice Chancellor also discussed the university’s initiatives to improve its infrastructure across all three campuses. However, she acknowledged challenges such as Nigeria’s electricity issues, which can damage digital equipment and hinder progress. Despite these obstacles, UNILAG has made significant advancements, including the implementation of a robust Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for student information management that has improved record-keeping processes.
Prof. Ogunsola highlighted the impact of the “japa” phenomenon on transcript requests. “Alumni who graduated decades ago are now seeking their transcripts, which requires us to search through paper records. In contrast, graduates from 2010 onward face fewer difficulties due to our digital systems,” she explained.
In her address, the Vice Chancellor also touched on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. She described AI as both a beneficial tool and a potential challenge. While generative AI can gather extensive information from the internet, it often struggles to differentiate between accurate and misleading data. “It’s crucial to develop skills to assess the information provided by AI, as the quality of results depends on how questions, or ‘prompts,’ are framed,” she added.
As the demand for transcripts continues to rise, the University of Lagos remains committed to supporting its alumni and adapting to the evolving educational landscape.
