Vitapur Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Vitafoam Nigeria PLC, has donated a prefabricated insulated building to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to promote learning and support manpower development in the country.
The donation, announced on Monday, reflects Vitapur’s push for sustainable projects and stronger collaboration between the private sector and higher institutions. According to the company, the facility is designed to provide a modern, energy-efficient space that will enhance teaching and research, while also serving as a bridge between academic work and real industry needs.
The General Manager of Vitapur Nigeria Limited, Kehinde Akintayo, said the gesture demonstrates the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its belief in building a skilled future workforce. “We see this as more than just a building. It is a space that can inspire innovation, learning, and practical skill development. Our focus is on sustainability and on creating long-term value for communities and institutions,” he said.
Receiving the building on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Lesi, praised Vitapur’s management for the initiative. He explained that partnerships between universities and the private sector are vital in preparing graduates for the realities of the job market.
“We must continue to work together with industry leaders to ensure that our academic programmes reflect the skills and competencies needed in today’s economy. This donation will go a long way in improving our facilities and in helping our students gain the knowledge and experience that will make them valuable in the workforce,” Lesi stated.
Lesi also acknowledged the role of former Vitafoam Chairman, Dele Makanjuola, in initiating the project, describing it as a valuable example of how individuals and corporate bodies can work with educational institutions to create impact.
The Director of the Human Resource Development Centre at UNILAG, Dr Lateef Odekunle, noted that the facility will not only support teaching but also deepen collaboration between the university and private companies in solving societal challenges.
“Universities should not operate in isolation. We need to constantly interact with the industry to understand its evolving needs and to develop solutions that are relevant. This building is a symbol of that cooperation,” Odekunle said.
The prefabricated building, made with insulated panels, is designed to be energy-efficient, durable, and adaptable for different academic and administrative purposes. Vitapur, which specialises in polyurethane products and insulation solutions, explained that the building’s design reflects global best practices in sustainable construction.
Industry analysts note that the donation comes at a time when Nigerian universities are under pressure to improve infrastructure and adopt innovative learning environments. Public institutions in the country have long faced challenges such as outdated facilities, overcrowded classrooms, and limited resources for research and practical training.
By providing a modern facility, Vitapur’s contribution is expected to help bridge some of these gaps and to encourage other companies to partner with universities in similar ways. Experts say such collaborations can help align Nigeria’s educational system with labour market demands, ultimately improving graduate employability and boosting economic growth.
The University of Lagos, one of Nigeria’s leading higher institutions, has in recent years intensified efforts to partner with corporate organisations, NGOs, and development agencies to expand its infrastructure and improve academic quality. This latest donation fits into the university’s broader strategy to create an enabling environment for innovation and skills development.
With Nigeria’s unemployment rate still a pressing concern, education and industry stakeholders agree that stronger ties between academia and the private sector will be crucial in producing graduates who can compete globally and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.
