54th Convocation Ceremonies: UNILAG Graduates 4,678 as 159 Bags First Class on Convocation Day One

On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, the University of Lagos began the award of degrees; diplomas, certificates, and prizes to graduating students.

In the usual tradition of Morning and Afternoon Sessions, a total of 4,678 students from the Faculties of Education, Social Sciences, Arts, Environmental Sciences, and Faculty of Science were admitted to various degrees.

The prestigious J.F Ade-Ajayi Auditorium of the University was filled to capacity with graduates whose palpable sense of excitement and pride could not be overlooked.

In the morning session, Mr. Umar Farouk Ayoola Awodun, from Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, with a CGPA 4.92 became the cynosure of all eyes with several awards and prizes won for his stellar academic performances.

Similarly, Mr. Ibrahim Olawale Shosanya from the Faculty of Education who finished with a CGPA 4.93 was among the Fifty five (55) others graduating students who earned the First Class Honours during the morning session as awards of recognition were presented to deserving students who distinguished themselves across various courses.

Breakdown of results for Faculty of Education and Social Sciences

FACULTY	1^st	D	2¹	2²	3^rd	PASS	UNC	TOTAL
Education	26	–	539	738	229	8		1,540
Social Sciences	29	–	364	320	156	16		885
Total	55		903	1058	385	24		2425

In the afternoon, a total of One Hundred and Four students finished with First Class Honours as Two Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty-three (2,253) were admitted as graduates into various degrees.

Onyekachi Mariana Elochukwu emerged the best graduating student in the Faculty of Arts with a CGPA of 4.82. For the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, the best graduating student is Akeem Ashamu Onitolo with CGPA of 4.83 while Oluwatobiloba Johnson Osedimlehin with a CGPA of 4.93 graduated as the best student from the Faculty of Science.

Breakdown of results for Faculty of Arts, Environmental Sciences, and Science

FACULTY	1^st	D	2¹	2²	3^rd	PASS	UNC	TOTAL
Arts	24	–	325	437	110	10		906
Environmental Sciences	23	–	134	109	46	3		315
Science	57	–	360	405	190	20		1,032
Total	104		819	951	246	33		2253

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS congratulated the graduating students for their diligence, resilience, and hard-work in completing their respective programmes.

The occasion provided a platform for the University helmswoman to provide insight into various development and research activities of the University. She revealed the University attracted over 11 billion Naira in both local and foreign currency from 42 grants obtained in the year 2023.

She also reiterated the institution’s commitment to raising FUTURE-READY community through capacity development initiatives ranging from COURSERA, online courses; training for Junior Faculty on Management of Research grants, Certificate courses in technical works, and facility maintenance for artisans amongst others.

Her words ‘’..602 members of staff and 125 students have been certified through licenses purchased from COURSERA in courses ranging from Data Science and Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and other emerging technology field to Management, Leadership, and Communication.’’

She expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and commitment to the UNILAG brand.

The momentous occasion was also an opportunity for the fresh graduates to be officially inducted into the Alumni Association of the University.

The Alumni President Worldwide, Engr. Ife Oyedele, FNSE charged members of the class of 2022 to contribute to the development of the University of Lagos. He noted that the importance of staying connected cannot be overstated in today’s rapidly evolving world.

His words “As alumni, we have a responsibility to not only maintain our ties with each other but also to remain engaged with our alma mater. Our collective efforts can significantly impact the future of this institution and pave the way for the success of future generations of students. I urge each one of you to actively participate in our association’s initiatives, events, and mentorship programs. By leveraging our diverse talents, experiences, and resources, we can create meaningful opportunities for current students and contribute to the continuous improvement of our alma mater”.

In what could be described as a first during the Convocation Ceremonies, students of the Visual Arts Unit, Department of Creative Arts, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for her overwhelming support of their department with the presentation of portraiture.

Mr. Taoheed Akin-Akindipe and Azeez Salami who were representative of the Unit described the presentation as a token of their appreciation which was to the admiration and applause from the audience.

The Convocation continues on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, with the award of degrees to graduating students of the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Engineering, Law, Management Sciences, Pharmacy, and Distance Learning Institute (DLI).