A new era in dental education and community healthcare has dawned as the College of Medicine (CMUL) Dental Alumni Association, in collaboration with the University of Lagos (UNILAG), commissioned a cutting-edge Dental Clinic at the university’s Akoka campus.
The state-of-the-art facility, located at the UNILAG Medical Centre, was unveiled during an inspiring event attended by university leaders, dental professionals, and alumni. The initiative reflects a deep commitment to advancing oral healthcare and equipping students with hands-on training opportunities.
“This clinic represents our collective resolve to close the gap between knowledge and impact,” said Professor Bolanle Oboh, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Research), who represented the Vice-Chancellor at the ceremony. She lauded the CMUL Dental Alumni Association for its bold vision and contribution.
The Dean of the Faculty of Dental Sciences, Professor Olalekan Gbotolorun, praised the partnership and highlighted the pivotal role played by the association’s President, Professor Azeez Butali, in bringing the project to life. “This facility is more than just a clinic – it is a symbol of what is possible when we unite around a shared purpose,” he remarked.
Butali, a global leader in dental research, reaffirmed the association’s long-term goal: “We are working to raise five billion naira over five years to support dental infrastructure and innovation in Nigeria. This clinic is just the beginning.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, jointly conducted by Professors Oboh and Butali, marked the official opening of the fully-equipped, modern facility. A guided tour followed, showcasing the clinic’s capacity for both routine and advanced procedures, making it a hub for academic training and community care.
The event drew a distinguished audience, including Prof. Lucian Chukwu (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services), Mrs. Victoria Wickliffe (Registrar), Prof. Olatokunbo Okiki (University Librarian), and Prof. Daniel Odebiyi (Deputy Provost, CMUL).
This new dental clinic is not just a facility—it’s a flagship for excellence, a bold investment in Nigeria’s health future, and a testament to what is achievable through collaboration, innovation, and alumni commitment.