A total of 4,014 students across five faculties of the University of Lagos convocated on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 being day one of the congregation for the award of First Degree, Diplomas, Certificates and Prizes to graduating students.
The ceremony which held at the J.F. Ade Ajayi main auditorium of the University featured graduating students from the faculties of Education and Social Sciences for the morning while those from the Arts, Environmental Sciences and Science had their turn during the afternoon session.
The timing of the 2019/2020 convocation ceremonies, according to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe FAS, marks the university’s resolve to return it to its original time on the university’s calendar which is January.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor commended the graduating students for their diligence and dexterity during their pursuit.
Prof. Ogundipe’s speech titled “I wish I can see you” was more of a deluge of appreciation to the visitor to the university, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, the Tertiary Education Fund, friends, supporters as well as the university’s council, senate, all staff and students for the journey since he assumed office.
With a tone laced with gratitude to all friends, supporters and other stakeholders, the Vice-Chancellor presented the scorecard of the university management under his watch especially in key areas of infrastructural development, promotion of research, entrepreneurship, improved access to education, community service, staff and students’ welfare, improved ranking, transparent leadership and internationalization of the University of Lagos, feats which he said, were achieved through his 6-dimensional UNILAG Agenda.
Of pleasure to Prof. Ogundipe are the remarkable successes in the Entrepreneurship and Skills Development drive which he said has produced a new breed of vibrant and innovative entrepreneurs as well as the P3P initiative which has changed the phase of infrastructure across the university’s landscape.
While assuring of the commitment of the university’s management to sustained accelerated development in all ramifications, Prof. Ogundipe challenged the graduating students on the need to bring to bear, the virtues of all-round excellence they learnt during their sojourn in the university by being good ambassadors everywhere they go.
In his address to the congregation, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Lagos, Distinguished Senator, Prince, Dr. Lanre Tejuoso showered glowing tributes on the university management for the steadfast commitment in ensuring that UNILAG retains its pride of place among the comity of ivory towers.
While identifying with the parents, guardians and well-wishers of the graduating students on the occasion, the Pro-Chancellor specially acknowledged the sterling scholarly achievements of staff of the university as evident in the volume of research grants and awards won by the university.
The Pro-Chancellor reiterated the readiness of the university council to continue to collaborate and open new frontiers which will continue to improve the lots of the University of Lagos in all areas.
Highlights of both sessions of the ceremony included presentation of goodwill messages by visiting Vice-Chancellors, the conferment of awards of First Degree, Diplomas and Certificates on the graduating students, admission into the University alumni association by the National President, Dr. John Momoh as well as the announcement of special awards and prizes to winners.
Highpoint of the afternoon session for day one of the Congregation for the award of First Degree, Diplomas and Certificates was the announcement of the overall best graduating student in the first-degree category, EKEOSEYE, Elizabeth Osereme of the Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology (Environmental Toxicology and Conservation Option), who graduated with a total Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.95.
EKEOSEYE, Elizabeth was the cynosure of all eyes as her awards and prizes were reeled out by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development Services, Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa.
The 21-year-old was cheered with rounds of applause from the congregation as she ascended the stage for handshakes with the Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers of the University.
Events continue on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 with the Congregation for the award of first degree, Diplomas, Certificates and Prizes to graduating students from the faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Engineering, Law, Management Sciences, Pharmacy and Distance Learning Institute.
