By Eniola Akinsipe
In a display of corporate-academic collaboration, UAC Foods Limited has pledged to deepen its engagement with the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies, University of Ibadan (UI), reinforcing its commitment to knowledge-sharing, student development, and industry-academia partnerships.
Mr. Ayo Awosika, who is the General Manager, Commercial, of UAC Foods, stated this during an industrial field trip by Masters students from the UI Marketing and Consumer Studies department. The students visited the company’s corporate headquarters at Ikorodu Road, Ojota, Lagos, as well as the dairies production facility at Oregun Road, Ikeja.
The students, led by Dr Samuel Orekoya, a Reader and Head of Department; Dr. Oluseyi Ajayi, Postgraduate Sub-Dean; and Dr. Adeola Ayodele, Postgraduate Examination Officer, were exposed to real-world corporate processes, from production and logistics to marketing and quality assurance.
At the Oregun Road factory, the students were taken round the facility by the Production Manager, Mr Godson Duru, who was supported by his team.
The students toured the Logistics Department, Production Department, and Quality Assurance Laboratory, gaining firsthand knowledge of how Nigeria’s leading FMCG company ensures product quality and operational efficiency.
Upon arrival at the Ojota Office , they were warmly received by the General Manager, Mr. Ayo Awosika, who represented Managing Director, Mr. Oluyemi Oloyede.
The students were given an in-depth briefing by senior executives, including unit heads and brand managers, who explained the operational, marketing, and innovation strategies that have kept UAC Foods at the forefront of the Nigerian market.
Leading the session, GM Awosika affirmed the company’s market dominance, stating: “We are the leading brand today because we take bold steps. We lead the conversation”.
The general manager further assured the students of UAC’s openness to collaboration.
“We are always available to support you whenever you need us. If you reach out, we will respond. You can also visit our website to see the quality of talents on our management team. We are happy to collaborate, to support learning, and to share our experience. Learning, for us, never stops”, he said.
Awosika reiterated UAC Foods’ commitment to partnering with higher institutions as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandate.
“We are ready to partner with institutions, especially the Marketing and Consumer Studies department at UI, to share knowledge, learn from faculty members, and add value. We are also open to awarding best-performing students’’, Awosika said.
The company’s commitment to innovation was highlighted by Mr. Ayodele Ayoola, Head of Product Development and Marketing, who led a session on New Product Development (NPD). Ayoola emphasised that listening to consumers, continuous improvement in processes, and regulatory compliance as key pillars of UAC Foods’ success.
Also speaking, Mr. Sylvester Nwanze, National Trade Marketing and Strategy Manager, shared insights on Brand Philosophy, Market Strategy, and Innovation Science. Nwanze explained that brands like Gala remain market leaders because they combine consumer insights, innovation, and execution.
“We are meeting consumers at any frequency, which is why UAC Foods is the best in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods [FMCG] sector’’, he said.
Miss Seyi Afolayan, Brand Manager, Snacks, elaborated on Gala’s market strategy, including partnerships with over 100 schools in 2025 and digital engagement initiatives. She explained how product extensions, such as Chin-Chin, reflect the company’s innovation culture, while digital marketing enhances community management and engagement.
Highlighting UAC Foods’ dairy and beverage offerings, Uchechi Chiabuotu, Brand Manager, Diaries and SWAN, disclosed that the premium SWAN Water, produced in Plateau State is endorsed by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). Chiabuotu emphasised the brand’s early market advantage, cultural relevance, strong distribution networks, and strategic partnerships.
On her part, Chidinma Ifechukwu who is the Assistant Brand Manager, Zuri Seasoning, described the product as a “brand promise” with the tagline ‘Making Everyday Cooking Fun’. Ifechukwu highlighted its variety of variants and SKU strategy. UAC Foods’ portfolio also includes Gala Sausage Roll, Gala Chin Chin, SWAN Natural Spring Water, Supreme Ice Cream, among others.
Responding, Dr. Orekoya expressed deep appreciation for the company’s hospitality.
“The visit reinforced classroom learning and exposed our students to real-world business operations. We are grateful for this invaluable opportunity’’, the HOD said.
Dr. Oluseyi Ajayi lauded the warm reception, noting that the trip would complement academic lectures and urged students to leverage the experience. The Marketing scholar also requested internship opportunities for students of the department from the FMCG company.
In his remarks, Dr. Adeola Ayodele added that the field trip helps bridge the gap between town and gown, providing practical exposure to corporate operations.
In her vote of thanks, Miss Shalom Obisesan, President of Postgraduate Marketing Students Association, said: “Today was extremely exciting and insightful. From warehousing to production, ideation, and conceptualisation, we learned how the entire process works. We were not just fed with food, but also with knowledge. The experience has been invaluable, and we truly appreciate the opportunity.”
END
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