Congregation for the Award of First Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and Prizes to Graduating students of the University of Lagos at the 54th Convocation Ceremonies entered Day 2 on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
The morning session which kicked off at 9:00 a.m. was for graduating students from the Faculties of Engineering, Law, and Management Sciences while those from the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Pharmacy and the Distance Learning Institute (DLI) had theirs at the afternoon session which started at 1:00 p.m.
The J.F. Ade. Ajayi (Main) Auditorium of UNILAG was agog for both morning and afternoon sessions as the graduating students were admitted to their various categories of degrees.
Out of the 5,892 who graduated across the 7 faculties and institute on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 171 of them graduated with First Class honours with David Oluwatomiwa Akanmu of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering topping the chart having made a perfect CGPA of 5.0.
David Oluwatomiwa Akanmu was the centre of attraction all through the prize presentation session as he got a total of 17 (seventeen) prizes in acknowledgment of his academic milestone. Ibrahim Abiodun Quadri of the Faculty of Management Sciences was also celebrated as the best graduating student in Humanities having made a CGPA of 4.94.
Salako Babatunde Aliu with a record of 12 out of 13 distinctions in Medicine and Surgery and Gabriel Stephanie Edewa of Dentistry, took the shine at the afternoon session having won 11 prizes each.
61-year-old Mr. Babatunde Sobowale also emerged as the overall best-graduating student of the 2021/2022 academic session at the Distance Learning Institute (DLI), with a CGPA of 4.84 in B.Sc. Business Administration.
In her address during both morning and afternoon sessions, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola OON, FAS, congratulated the graduating class of 2021/2022 students on a successful completion of their academic programmes despite all odds. She also rejoiced with the parents, guardians, sponsors, relatives and well-wishers of the graduating students over what she called a milestone achievement having seen their children and wards complete their studies in UNILAG.
While acknowledging and appreciating the University Senate, members of staff and all stakeholders for their loyalty and support for the university over the years, Prof Ogunsola used the avenue to reel out the success stories recorded especially in the quality and quantum of research and grants, collaborations as well as partnerships despite daunting challenges.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the steady progress being recorded in the university’s finances, manpower and infrastructure, especially ongoing efforts to upgrade students’ hostels and halls of residence. She was also full of gratitude to friends, partners and donors for their commitment to scholarships as exemplified in the interventions gotten when the review of the university’s obligatory fees became inevitable.
Prof Ogunsola said her promise that no student would drop out due to the obligatory fee review has been fulfilled with the university paying for 400 students and 170 students engaged in Work Study. She said over 700 students have had their fees covered through scholarships facilitated via the Office of Advancement.
To the graduating students, Prof. Ogunsola adjudged them “the solution that we need therefore, go out into the world and remember that everything you do is a building block of your life and will determine who you become, We build our lives one decision at a time and reap what we have sown. Sow well.”
Highlight of Day 2 of Congregation for the Award of First Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates and Prizes to Graduating students of UNILAG at the 54th Convocation Ceremonies included the formal induction of the graduating students into the UNILAG Alumni Association as performed by the Alumni President Worldwide, Engr. Ife Oyedele,FNSE who also congratulated the UNILAG Class of 2022 and charged them to be good ambassadors of the university anywhere and everywhere they go.
The 54th Convocation Ceremonies of the University of Lagos continues on Thursday, January 18, 2024 with the Congregation for the Award of Executive Masters in Business Administration (EMBA) and EMNIF of the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS), Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Masters, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D. Degree) and Best Ph.D. Award of the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) and Conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photography: Ayo Oloyede/ Favour Megwara
