In continuation of the 54th Convocation Ceremonies, a total of 6,886 graduating students of the University of Lagos received various degrees during the congregation for the Award of Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD), Master Degrees, Doctorate Degrees and Conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees on Thursday, January 18, 2024.


Out of the 6,886 postgraduate degrees awarded at the J.F. Ade. Ajayi Auditorium of the University 465 graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma, 626 bagged a Masters degree with 377 distinctions. Similarly, 155 were awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in various disciplines.
The Overall Best Ph.D. Thesis Award was won by Aminat Olawunmi Ige (Ph.D. in Mathematics), who also emerged as the Best in Science. Issa Akanji Adedokun (Ph.D. in Private and Property Law) emerged winner of the Best Ph.D. Thesis Award in the Humanities.


As each graduate crossed the podium to receive their degree, there was an overwhelming sense of pride and joy that permeated the atmosphere. The conferment of postgraduate degrees symbolized not only individual accomplishments but also the collective impact of UNILAG’s commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering intellectual growth.









The event also saw the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees on the trio of globally acclaimed scholars: Professor Toyin Falola , OON (Professor of History and Jacob & Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair at the University of Texas, Austin, USA); Professor Phyllis Kanki, DVM (Professor of Immunology at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health in Boston) and Professor Attahiru Jega, OFR (Professor of Political Science and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission: INEC), for their contributions to scholarship and societal development in their various fields.
The roll-call of dignitaries who turned out en-masse for the event included the Acting Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Chris Maiyaki; Lagos State Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Hon Tolani Sule; General Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church Pastor Tunde Bakare; Vice-Chancellors and representatives of several tertiary institutions such as Lagos State University (LASU); Former UNILAG Vice-Chancellors, Professor Rahamon A. Bello, FAEng and Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS; retired staff of UNILAG: Professor Duro Oni (former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services), Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, Chief Clara Olumide (Former Registrar); Onikogbo of Ikogbo Kingdom, Oba Nurudeen Adebowale Ojosa; staff, alumni as well as friends and families of the graduating students and honorary award recipients, among others.

In a short address, His Royal Eminence, the Chancellor of the University and Sheu of Borno Emirates, (Dr.) Umar Ibn Garba El-Kanemi, CFR welcomed the Visitor and other eminent personalities to the final day of the award of degrees.
While admitting the students into the award of degrees, he congratulated and admonished the graduating class to be good Ambassadors of the learning citadel.
In his address, the Visitor to the University and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, ably represented by the Minister of Education, Professor. Tahir Mamman, SAN, praised the commitment of the university to creating an environment that fosters growth, critical thinking, inclusivity, and developmental pursuits.
He used the occasion to share his administration’s plan and emphasized the critical importance of education as a cornerstone for national development and progress.

According to him, “the need for substantial reforms and strategic initiatives to elevate the standard of education across all levels is non-negotiable”.


The President’s representative articulated a vision for a robust and inclusive educational system that would empower Nigerian youths with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive global landscape.
In his address, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin noted with pride and joy that the convocation ceremony is not just a celebration of academic accomplishments, but a testament to the exceptional achievements of the students in all realms of human endeavour.
An alumnus of UNILAG, Governor Sanwoolu commended the continuous progress made in capacity building by the University of Lagos. He pointed out that the institution’s commitment to excellence has contributed significantly to the holistic development of students of the varsity.




His words: “… University of Lagos is not just a great bastion of learning; it is a breeding ground for trailblazers, innovators, and leaders who excel in every facet of life. Your efforts have not only kept pace with global standards, they have set new and enviable benchmarks that have kept this institution in the forefront of knowledge and innovation in this ever-evolving world.”
Earlier in her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAScongratulated the graduating students for the successful completion of their various programmes.

Her address focused on the significant strides made in staff development, research output, internationalization efforts, as well as the numerous awards and donations received by the University since the last Convocation Ceremonies.




She highlighted the University’s unwavering commitment to staff development through the implementation of various professional development programs aimed at enhancing the skills and expertise of faculty members and administrative staff. The Vice-Chancellor underscored the importance of investing in human capital and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within the university community.
Professor Ogunsola expressed gratitude for the numerous awards and donations received by the University and acknowledged the generous contributions from philanthropic organizations, alumni, and supporters.


According to her,“these accolades and donations would further bolster the university’s mission to provide exceptional education, advance research endeavours, and contribute to societal development”.
In a remarkable display of academic excellence, winner of the overall best Ph.D. Thesis, Dr.Aminah Ige delivered an address that captivated the audience. She expressed gratitude to God for her achievement, and survival of several struggles and pains in the course of her academic journey. She also thanked her family, supervisors, Department of Mathematics, School of Postgraduate Studies, UNILAG, among others.

She revealed that throughout her academic sojourn, numerous challenges were faced, including personal setbacks, ill-health challenges, and societal barriers. Despite those obstacles, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of knowledge and dedicated herself to her research with unwavering determination.
Ige emphasized the importance of perseverance, and urged aspiring scholars to remain steadfast in the face of challenges.

The highlight of the event was the formal induction of the graduating students into the UNILAG Alumni Association, as performed by the Alumni President Worldwide, Engr. Ife Oyedele, FNSE. He congratulated and charged them to be good ambassadors of the university.




The 54th Convocation Ceremonies continues on Friday, January 19, 2024, with the Long Service Awards Ceremony slated for the Tolu Odugbemi Hall, UNILAG.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Samuel Dosunmu / Ayo Oloyede / Favour Meghara (Student Volunteer)