In continuation of its 55th Convocation ceremonies, the University of Lagos began the conferment of degrees; diplomas, certificates, and prizes to graduating students on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
The ceremony, in the usual tradition of morning and afternoon sessions, had a total of five thousand, six hundred and twenty-six (5,626) graduating students admitted to various degrees of the Faculties of Education, Social Sciences, Arts, Environmental Sciences, and Faculty of Science.
During the morning session, Mr. Ibrahim Folajumi Sefiu with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.82 emerged the best graduating student of the Faculty of Social Sciences. However, Miss Victoria Opeyemi Awopetu of the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, was the cynosure of attention with her remarkable academic achievements as she received numerous awards and prizes in recognition of her stellar performance.
Similarly, Mr. Christian Daniel Uwuagwu of the Faculty of Education who finished with a CGPA of 4.78 led the pack of thirty eight (38) graduating students who earned First Class Honours during the morning session as awards of recognition were presented to deserving students who distinguished themselves across various courses.
In the afternoon session, a total of one hundred and sixty six (166) students graduated with First Class Honours. The session was nothing short of extraordinary, with two thousand, seven hundred and fifty one (2,751) degrees conferred across various disciplines.
Among the stellar performances, two students stood out, shattering records and etching their names into the annals of academic excellence. They are Mr. Samuel Badekale and Haroun Adebakin, of the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science.
Together, they achieved an unparalleled feat, a perfect CGPA of 5.00, making them not only the best graduating students in the Faculty of Science but also the University’s Overall Best. Their remarkable accomplishment drew admiration and applause from faculty, peers, and dignitaries, and this was witnessed by their proud parents.
As they ascended the stage to receive their awards, the audience erupted into a raucous applause, acknowledging their dedication, brilliance, and hard work. Their success was not the only highlight of the day as students who distinguished themselves in the Faculty of Arts and Environmental were also celebrated.
Delivering her remarks, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students; commending their diligence, resilience, and hard work in successfully completing their programs.
The occasion also afforded the Vice-Chancellor an opportunity to express gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and commitment to the UNILAG brand. It also provided a platform for her to highlight key developments and research milestones achieved by the University. She proudly disclosed that the institution attracted over Four (4) billion Naira in funding from both local and international grants in 2024.
Among the University’s landmark achievements in the last year include the establishment of the MED-AFRICA GMP Laboratory, the first Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) laboratory built within a university in West Africa. Located at the Faculty of Pharmacy, the laboratory was inaugurated on May 26, 2024.
According to her, the project is significant as it is a laboratory that focuses on the development of freeze-dried vaginal inserts for HIV prevention and is only the third of its kind on the African continent to be housed in an institution of higher learning. It was made possible as a result of the $450,000 grant obtained in collaboration with the Centre for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, USA, Dr. Margaret Ilomuanya, an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology.
Professor Ogunsola reiterated the University’s unwavering commitment to fostering a “future-ready” community through capacity development initiatives and strategic advancements.
She highlighted the University’s outstanding performance in sporting events including the FASU Games co-hosted with LASU, as well as the NIMSA Games, a games for medical students across Nigeria where the UNILAG emerged victorious, clinching an impressive 29 gold medals.
She also spoke of the institution’s remarkable progress in infrastructure development, noting the generous contributions from donors. A notable example is Chief Tunde Fanimokun’s commitment to constructing a new residential edifice for staff and an ultramodern School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) building.
The Vice-Chancellor’s address painted a vivid picture of a University on the rise, steadfast in its mission to lead in research, innovation, and capacity building while celebrating the achievements of its students, faculty, and benefactors.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of UNILAG Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN delivered a powerful message to the graduating class, urging them to be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead as they step into the world beyond the University.
His address stressed the critical role of alumni in the growth and sustainability of the University. He also emphasized that the responsibility for advancing the institution’s goals cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the government, and called on the graduates to stay engaged with their alma mater as they advance in their careers.
Chief Olanipekun concluded his speech with prayers and an appeal to the graduates to think of their role in the ongoing legacy of the University.
The momentous occasion was also an opportunity for the fresh graduates to be officially inducted into the Alumni Association of the University by the Alumni President Worldwide, Engr. Ife Oyedele, FNSE.
He charged members of the class of 2024 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.
The 55th Convocation Ceremonies continue on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with the Congregation for the Award of First Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates, and Prizes to graduating students of the Distance Learning Institute (DLI), College of Medicine: Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences; as well as Faculties of Engineering, Law, Management Sciences, and Pharmacy.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede, Michael Joshua, and Favour Meghara
Here are pictorial highlights below👇🏿
