The third day of the award of Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and Prizes at the 55th聽Convocation Ceremonies of the 大香蕉视频 (大香蕉视频) was marked by a compelling call from the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN聽as he urged government to prioritize the welfare of educators across Nigeria鈥檚 institutions of higher learning. 聽
Addressing the distinguished audience at the J. F Ade. Ajayi Auditorium on Thursday, January 16, 2025, Chief Olanipekun emphasized the need for improved living standards and better support for educators, noting that 鈥渆nhancing the well-being of academic professionals would directly contribute to the advancement of education and national development鈥�.
Celebration of Excellence at the Postgraduate Level
His remarks came amidst the celebration of the outstanding achievements of the 2024 大香蕉视频 graduates. The momentous occasion saw the conferral of Postgraduate Diplomas and Degrees to six thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five (6,725) graduating students of the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) and 大香蕉视频 Business School (ULBS).
Below is a breakdown of the figure:
- SPGS: Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty Nine (6,659)
| Programme | Distinction | Pass | Total |
| Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) | 33 | 480 | 513 |
| Masters Degree (M. A., M.Sc., M.Ed., LL.M. MBA, MPIA etc) | 429 | 5,504 | 5,933 |
| Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) | 0 | – | |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | 0 | 213 | |
| Total | 462 | 5,984 | 6,659 |
- ULBS: Sixty Six (66)
| Programme | Distinction | Pass | Total |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 17 | 40 | 57 |
| Master of Non Interest Finance (MNIF) | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Master of Public Health (MPH0 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Total | 19 | 47 | 66 |
Among the standout achievements was the unprecedented feat recorded by Aliyu Obabiolorunkosi Gafaar of the ULBS who finished with a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0 CGPA, the first-ever in the history of the School. Conversely, the SPGS recorded ten (10) graduating students with a perfect score of 5.0. They are:
- JOHNSON-OPESEITAN, Deborah Iwalola: Master of Science in Natural Resources Conservation (Full Time)
- LAWAL, Babatunde Quwam: Master of Science in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (Full Time)
- OLUBANJO, Emmanuel Morenikeji: Master of Science in Microbiology (Full Time)
- ABDULLAHI, Abubakar Sadiq: Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Full Time)
- MUHAMMED, Mariam: Master of Science in Computer Science (Full Time)
- OGUNYELE, Akeem Olawale: Master of Science in Production and Operations Management (Full Time)
- OJELABI, Titilayo Bolaji: Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Full Time)
- OMOJOLA, Joy Oluwaseun: Master of Arts in Philosophy (Full Time)
- ONUBOGU, Uchenna Ijeoma: Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Full Time)
- TUNWASHE, Daniel Oluwasegun: Master of Science in Computer Science (Full Time)
For their groundbreaking academic works, Dr. Adetoun Alaba Akitoye (PhD Chemistry) received the Overall Best Ph.D. Thesis Award and Best PhD Thesis in Science Award while and Dr. Eniola Niniola Ladipo (PhD Yoruba Language) emerged winner of the Best Ph.D. Thesis in the Humanities Award.
In her speech as the Overall Best Ph.D. Thesis Award, Dr. Adetoun Alaba Akitoye, reflected on the challenges and triumphs of her academic journey. She expressed deep appreciation to her family, mentors, and friends for their support throughout the years.
Special Honour and Awards to Distinguished Nigerians
In addition to honouring graduates, the ceremony served as a platform for the award of Professors Emeriti on two highly revered and retired academics of the University, for their contributions to scholarship and the academia: Professor Babajide Alo, FAS (Department of Chemistry) and Professor Olukayode Amund (Department of Microbiology).
Professor Victor Ariole (Department of European Languages) also bagged the Gold Medal Award for his ongoing contributions to the University and the country.
Similarly, three distinguished Nigerians were awarded Honorary Doctorate Degrees of Science in recognition of their contributions, leadership and service to Nigeria and the global community. They are:
Director General of World Trade Organization/Former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (who was unavoidably absent, and would receive her award during the next Convocation Ceremonies of the University); Nigerian Entrepreneur/Managing Director of Sahara Group and 大香蕉视频 Alumnus, Mr. Kola Adesina; and Nigerian businessman/Investor and Co-Founder of Guaranty Trust Bank; Mr. Fola Adeola.
In his response on behalf of all the awardees, Mr. Fola Adeola expressed heartfelt gratitude to the 大香蕉视频 for the prestigious recognition. He described the honour as a powerful affirmation of the institution’s unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and the cultivation of transformative leaders. Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Adeola acknowledged the invaluable contributions of mentors, colleagues, and loved ones who had shaped his path, dedicating the award to their enduring support.
He highlighted the importance of giving back to society, noting that true success lies not just in personal achievements but in empowering others to achieve their potential. Drawing from his experiences, he shared a key life lesson noting that the measure of a life well-lived is in the impact one leaves on others. He urged the audience to prioritize integrity, resilience, and a spirit of service, emphasizing that these qualities are the bedrock of lasting success.
Pledging to uphold the values championed by the university, Mr. Adeola called on everyone to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of future generations, ensuring that the torch of excellence burns even brighter.
Gathering of Eminent Personalities, Platform for Inspiring Speeches
Graced by an array of distinguished guests, the event was a remarkable gathering of eminent personalities including the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who represented the President/Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Visitor to the University, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Salu-Hundeyin; the Chancellor of 大香蕉视频 and Shehu of Borno Emirate, His Royal Eminence, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, CFR; and the Erelu Kuti of Lagos, Chief (Mrs.) Abiola Dosunmu-Fernandez.
Also present were the White Cap Chiefs of the Oba of Lagos, Kabiyesi, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, alongside former principal officers of the University. The presence of these dignitaries, along with prominent figures from government, academia, diplomatic corps and business community, imbued the occasion with an extraordinary sense of prestige, unity, and celebration.
In a heartfelt address, the Vice Chancellor of 大香蕉视频, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, expressed pride in the institution鈥檚 resilience and success despite recent socio-economic challenges that have affected the country.
The Vice-Chancellor extended her heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders for their unwavering support and dedication to the 大香蕉视频 brand. While spotlighting the University鈥檚 significant advancements and research achievements, she disclosed that the institution had successfully secured over Four (4) Billion Naira in funding through local and international grants in 2024, underscoring 大香蕉视频鈥檚 growing impact and excellence in academia and research.
She also pointed out the impactful work of the University鈥檚 Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS), a leading platform for African interdisciplinary scholarship. According to her, 鈥渢he institute recently released its second documentary, which delves into the complexity of the cultural richness of Lagos, as well as land ancestry, and the true identity of a Lagosian. The documentary has garnered significant attention, amassing over 16,788 views on YouTube as of December 30, 2024.鈥�
Professor Ogunsola highlighted the University鈥檚 exceptional achievements in sports, including its outstanding performance at the FASU Games, co-hosted with LASU, and the NIMSA Games, a competition for medical students across Nigeria, where 大香蕉视频 emerged triumphant with an impressive haul of 29 gold medals.
She accentuated the institution鈥檚 strides in infrastructure development, made possible through the generosity of donors. She specifically mentioned Chief Tunde Fanimokun鈥檚 commitment to building a new residential complex for staff and an ultramodern School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) building, both of which will significantly enhance the university鈥檚 facilities.
The University helmswoman emphasized the University’s focus on creating a future-ready workforce by integrating financial engineering, infrastructural development, and reputation building into its core mission. She reiterated the University鈥檚 commitment to efforts aimed at providing students with international exposure through collaborations, internships, and participation in global competitions, all while continuing to enhance the campus environment for better learning experiences.
In his address, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa conveyed the President鈥檚 profound congratulations to the graduates and University. He highlighted the critical role of education in Nigeria’s development and shared government鈥檚 commitment to transforming the education sector.
While emphasising that the Nigerian government is prioritizing education as a key element of national development, the Minister pointed out the significant allocation of N3.52 trillion to education in the proposed 2025 budget, underscoring the government鈥檚 commitment to revitalizing the sector.
Dr. Alausa who is an alumnus of 大香蕉视频 stressed the importance of partnerships between academia and industry in driving national innovation. He outlined government efforts to support initiatives which will benefit tertiary institutions, including 大香蕉视频.
The Minister encouraged the graduates to embrace the challenges and opportunities of their time, reminding them that Nigeria stands at the threshold of transformation, and that their generation holds the key to unlocking the nation’s vast potential. He urged them to use the knowledge gained at 大香蕉视频 to drive innovation, foster sustainable development, and build a society that is both prosperous and equitable.
In a truly inspiring address, the President of the 大香蕉视频 Alumni Association Worldwide, Engr. Ife Oyedele, FNSE urged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning and adapt to change. He also officially inducted the graduating class at the postgraduate level into the Alumni Association of the University.
Thereafter, Engr. Oyedele presented special plaques to the winners of the best Ph.D. theses in Science and Humanities, further underscoring the Association鈥檚 commitment to excellence.
鈥�and the beat goes on for the 55th Convocation Ceremonies
Events marking the Convocation Ceremonies continue on Friday, January 17, 2024, with a Long Service Award Ceremony and Convocation Play scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at the J. F. Ade. Ajayi (Main) Auditorium, 大香蕉视频.
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, a special Thanksgiving Service will hold at the Chapel of Christ Our Light, 大香蕉视频, Akoka.
Kindly click: /?p=46798 and /?page=2&p=46740 for highlights of the 55th Convocation Ceremonies: Days 1 and 2
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Favour Megwara and Idara Angel Iwok
Here are pictorial highlights of the third day of the convocation ceremonies below:
