Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has rewarded Isioma Sybil Nwosu, the best graduating student of Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2023/2024 academic year, with a cash prize of N10 million.
Nwosu, who completed her degree in Biochemistry from the Faculty of Science, achieved an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93, securing the title of the best graduating student.
The announcement of the reward was made by Governor Sanwo-Olu on Thursday during the university’s 28th Convocation Ceremony held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, located in Ojo.
The event was a major occasion for the institution, which also saw the conferment of honorary degrees on distinguished personalities such as the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), and the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Olufemi Pedro.
Marwa, who previously served as the military administrator of Lagos State, was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters (Infrastructure, Security, and National Development) Honoris Causa, while Pedro was recognized with a Doctor of Business (Banking, Entrepreneurship, and National Development) Honoris Causa.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, noted the crucial role that education plays in societal progress. He stated, “Education is the backbone of our society, and we must recognise its importance in addressing societal needs and human development.” He also called for academic excellence to be regarded with the same prestige as achievements in fields like entertainment, sports, or fashion.
In his speech, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the educational sector. He said, “We are committed to providing more significant financial investment towards expanding infrastructure within and around, ensuring the safety and welfare of the staff and students of the University.” He further noted that the THEMES+ agenda, which prioritizes education, aligns with these efforts. One of the notable programs under this agenda is the Job Initiative Lagos, aimed at improving the employability of final-year students.
Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, commended the state government’s unwavering support for the university, calling it “truly exceptional.” She revealed that 43 out of the 44 courses offered by LASU received accreditation during the October–November 2023 accreditation exercise. Prof. Olatunji-Bello also highlighted the establishment of new postgraduate programs at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education, which has welcomed international students for the first time.
In his address, LASU’s Chancellor, Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), urged the graduating students to uphold the values of the university and serve as positive ambassadors. He encouraged them to remain innovative and focused as they embark on their careers.
The convocation ceremony saw a total of 11,917 students graduate, including 971 diploma holders, 8,711 first-degree graduates, 2,235 postgraduate students, and 125 PhD recipients.
