Faculty of Science, Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka has produced the university’s overall best graduating students at the 55th convocation.
The outstanding students with a perfect score of 5.0 are Damilare Haroun Adebakin and Samuel Akinade Badekale are followed by the best graduating student from the humanities; Olamide Idris Emida from the Faculty of Management Sciences in the department of Accounting with CGPA of 4.95.
A total of 9,684 students received first degrees and diplomas at the ceremony with 561 first class degrees 3,916 second class upper degrees, 3,763 second class lower degrees, 1,143 third class (3rd) degrees, 78 pass degrees and 223 unclassified degrees.
Welcoming guests to the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola said the convocation ceremonies represent the culmination of a journey with the attainment of academic goals and during which undergraduate and postgraduate students from all Faculties, the Distance Learning Institute (DLI), and the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS), will receive recognitions and rewards for years of dedication and diligence, in the pursuit of excellence.
She explained that out of 16,590 students, 9,865 students will receive first degrees and diplomas while 6,659 will be awarded postgraduate degrees and 66 will graduate from the ULBS at the ceremonies.
“On the last day, Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters, and Ph.D. degrees including DBA and EMBA will be conferred on graduands of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS).
“The highlight of the day will be the recognition of various individuals for their contributions to scholarship and humanity. We will recognise two distinguished professors who have retired but continue to contribute to scholarship and academia by awarding them as Professors emeriti of the University of Lagos.
“These are Professor Babajide Alo, (of the Department of Chemistry) and Professor Olukayode Amund (Department of Microbiology). In the same ceremony we will be awarding Professor Victor Ariole, (Department of European Languages) a Gold Medal for his ongoing contributions to the University and the nation.”
She said: “We will also be conferring honorary degrees to 3 personalities who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, made ground-breaking discoveries, or contributed significantly to academic and societal development. This year we have the privilege of honouring two men and a woman, who have shown that Integrity, hard work and service to the Nation works. They are Mr. Fola Adeola; Engr. Kolawole Adesina and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo –Iweala who will be conferred with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (D. Sc).”
Pointing out the significance of convocation, Prof. Ogunsola said: “As we eagerly anticipate celebrating the conferring and award of prizes, awards, and degrees on our graduates and honourees at the 55th Convocation Ceremonies, I encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of meritocracy, embrace life, try new things push your boundaries. Do not let perfection get in the way of the good. Remember failing to start is the greatest sin. And as you go into the world, remember that you build your legacies and character one action at a time.
To the graduating students, she told them to throw off the fear, sail away from the safe harbor. “Explore. Dream. Discover.” Whatever you plan, start!! Go out and live your best life yet,”
BV.