• Stage set to deploy solution-based knowledge — Governor tells graduands

• We’ve sustained finest academic tradition — VC

The grand finale of the 27th convocation of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has been concluded, with the school’s Best Graduating Student, Olaniyi Mubaraq Olawale, going home with N10 million cash prize awarded by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Olawale, a graduate of the Department of Accounting Education, finished with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.98.

The university produced 8,477 graduands across 10 faculties, who completed their first degrees in 2022/2023 academic year. For four consecutive sessions, the school has maintained its graduation order, sustaining its academic reputation.

The school Visitor, Gov. Sanwo-Olu, congratulated the graduands for the successful completion of their programmes, noting that their attendance of the school was a privileged opportunity that would unlock their full potential.

The Governor said LASU had consistently upheld the tenets of its guiding principles and expectations of its founding fathers, praising the school’s resilience and dedication to promoting academic excellence.

This, Sanwo-Olu said, was evident in the quality of graduates the university produced yearly, adding that LASU’s alumni were equipped with quality training to excel both in learning and character, just as they are qualified to meet the manpower needs of the State and the nation.

He said: “Today marks a significant milestone for the graduands of the 2022/2023 academic session of the Lagos State University, after years of putting in the hard work and burning the midnight candle to excel various fields and programmes. You have come to a privileged moment that marks both the end of an important chapter of your lives, and the start of another chapter.

“Having conquered the peak of academic study, demonstrating unparalleled dedication and intellectual rigour, you must now strive to operate at a level of impact that reflects the outstanding knowledge you have garnered. You must push the boundaries of human knowledge and achievement.

“Your time on the campus has not been about academics alone; it is about purpose, personal growth and self-discovery. You have no doubt faced and surmounted many obstacles, and your sacrifices have now paid off. As you venture into the world, I implore you to act with integrity, live solution-focused lives, and stay resolute and focused in the pursuit of your dreams.”

As the third most subscribed university in the country, Sanwo-Olu said he was proud of the school’s “outstanding accomplishments” during his administration, stressing that LASU was ranked the Best State University in West Africa sub-region by GreenMetric World University Ranking — a feat made possible by consistent investment committed to the school by his Government.

The university, the Governor added, is designated as an African Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative Stem Education (ACEITSE), while also ranked the Best State-owned University, and ninth Overall Best University in the country.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration recognised quality education as a tool for addressing societal needs and human development, pointing out that his Government’s education agenda was predicated on the need to foster a generation of innovative thinkers, problem-solvers and great leaders that would drive sustainable development in Lagos and beyond.

He said: “LASU is recognised as Nigeria’s Most Digitally Advanced State University and Fifth Best University in Graduate Employability in Nigeria. It is crucial to appreciate the enduring importance of education. We recognise that sustaining a world-class university requires significant financial investment.

“As leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that graduates of our educational system remain relevant and effective in proffering solutions to societal problems. As we seek to surpass previous achievements and maintain the upward trajectory of the university’s growth and development, we will live up to all our responsibilities, as envisioned in our T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda.”

The Chancellor, Prof. Gbolahan Elias, SAN, thanked the Governor for prioritising the welfare of the university students and staff, noting that the school had benefited from its collaboration with town.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, said the school, since her appointment in 2021, had achieved a stabilised environment, while projecting the finest academic tradition to sustain the dream of its founding fathers.

She disclosed that the school recorded another milestone in its academics, creating five fresh faculties to train manpower and launch solution-based research in 20 newly accredited programmes to further improve human capital in the country.

The VC listed the new faculties to include, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, School of Tourism, Film, Performing Arts and Cultural Studies, and also School of Library, Archival and Information Science, which is the first in any university in West Africa.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello added that students had already been admitted into the new faculties for the current 2023/2024 session.

“This administration is committed to positioning LASU as a profound research and learning hub for students yearning for most up-to-date knowledge and skill set that meet the needs of the 21st century industry. At LASU, students are equipped with right mix of knowledge to transform society and increase its prosperity for the benefit of humanity,” the VC said.

Of the 8,477 graduands awarded first degrees, 153 finished with a First Class, while 3,029 graduated with Second Class (Upper Division), 4,350 got Second Class (Lower Division), 715 had Third class, and 228 are graduated with a Pass.

Also, the university graduated 2,164 across 13 Faculties in its School of Post-graduate Studies, including Post-graduate Diplomas, Academic Master’s, Professional Master’s, Doctor of Philosophy and Professional Doctoral degrees.

Five hundred and fifty-four candidates were awarded Diploma certificates.

Two LASU’s scholars — Prof. Amidu Olalekan Sanni and Prof. Martins Agenuma Anetekhai — were elevated to the ranks of Emeritus Professor and Distinguished Professor respectively.

An elder statesman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, and frontline industrialist, Prince Samuel Adedoyin, became recipients of Doctorate Degrees (Honoris Causa) for their service to humanity and contribution national development.

Olusi, an 88-year-old Lagos indigene and community leader, was honoured with Doctor of Literature, History, Education and Community Development.

Adedoyin, an octogenarian industrialist and indigene of Kwara State, was awarded Doctor of Humane Letters, Industry and National Development, for his philanthropic work in the school, Lagos and the country.

Sanwo-Olu congratulated the honorary degree awardees, saying: “You are both exemplary role models and trailblazers and champions of positive change. These awards are a call for you to continue building, inspiring and mentoring.”