Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a staggering N10 million cash gift to Miss Isioma Sybil Nwosu, the Best Graduating Student of Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2023/2024 academic session. The announcement, met with resounding applause, came during LASUโs 28th Convocation Ceremony at the Buba Marwa Auditorium in Ojo, where 11,917 students celebrated their academic triumphs.
Nwosu, a Biochemistry graduate from the Faculty of Science, achieved a remarkable Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93, earning her the prestigious accolade and the governorโs generous reward.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu lauded Nwosuโs dedication, emphasizing that her success underscores the value of academic rigor in a society often dazzled by entertainment and sports. โItโs our responsibility to foster a culture that hungers for knowledge and innovation,โ he declared, urging Nigerian leaders to ensure the nationโs educational system delivers innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
The convocation was a spectacle of recognition, not only for students but also for distinguished figures. Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and former Military Administrator of Lagos State, was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for his contributions to infrastructure, security, and national development. Otunba Olufemi Pedro, former Deputy Governor and a member of the Governance Advisory Council, received an Honorary Doctorate of Business, celebrated for his impact on banking, entrepreneurship, and national progress. Adding to the honors, Prof. Joseph Abayomi Omoniyi Olagunju was named a Distinguished Professor, cementing LASUโs reputation for recognizing transformative contributions.
Sanwo-Oluโs address struck a chord as he outlined his administrationโs commitment to education under the THEMES+ agenda. He highlighted initiatives like the Job Initiative Lagos (JIL), which equips final-year students with employability skills, and promised increased investment in LASUโs infrastructure to ensure the safety and welfare of students and staff. โWe are dedicated to empowering students, nurturing innovative thinkers, problem-solvers, and great leaders who will drive sustainable growth,โ he affirmed. The governorโs words resonated with the audience, who saw in his pledges a vision for a thriving academic ecosystem.
The ceremony marked a milestone for the 11,917 graduates, including 971 diploma students, 8,711 first-degree recipients, and 2,235 postgraduate scholars. Among them were 302 Postgraduate Diploma holders, 1,132 Academic Masters, 639 Professional Masters, 125 PhD recipients, and 37 Professional Doctoral Degree awardees. For these graduates, the day symbolized years of hard work and the dawn of new opportunities.
Sanwo-Olu reminded them that their achievements were not just personal but a contribution to Lagos and Nigeriaโs future.Under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, LASU has soared to new heights. In her address, she praised the state governmentโs unwavering support, noting that 43 of 44 courses received accreditation in 2023. She also highlighted the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education, which launched postgraduate diplomas and masters programs, attracting international students for the first time. โOur achievements reflect LASUโs commitment to global standards,โ she said, her pride palpable.
Chancellor Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN) urged the graduates to be ambassadors of LASU, carrying forward the universityโs legacy of excellence. โYou represent not just yourselves but your families, your university, and Lagos State,โ he said, encouraging innovation and focus in their future endeavors.
The convocation was a testament to LASUโs ascent as a beacon of academic distinction, bolstered by Sanwo-Oluโs investment in education and Olatunji-Belloโs transformative leadership. For Nwosu and her peers, the day was a celebration of resilience, ambition, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.