…As Governor’s N10m Cash Prize Goes To Best Graduating Student
The Management of the Lagos State University, Ojo has conferred on two eminent Nigerians Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Honorary Doctor of Literature (History, Education and Community Development), Honoris Causa; and Prince Dr. Samuel Adedoyin, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (Commerce, Industry and National Development) Honoris Causa at the university’s 27th convocation ceremony on Thursday.
The event which was the grand finale of a weeklong event, also had the university conferred the exclusive rank of Emeritus Professor on retired Distinguished Professor, Martins Agenuma Anetekhai, and distinguished Professor award on an accomplished Professor, Amidu Olalekan Sanni.
Also, 89 Doctors of Philosophy and 66 Professional Doctoral Students graduated at the event.
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Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello said that in the last one year, an enabling environment has been created for staff and students to excel in their studies, the positive result of which has been the achievements of many of the staff and students.
She added that it is worth stating that the administration is committed to positioning LASU as a preferred research and learning hub for thousands of prospective students yearning for the most up-to-date knowledge and skill-set that meet the needs of the 21st-century industry.
“At LASU, students are equipped with the right mix of knowledge to transform society and increase its prosperity for the benefit of humanity.
“On this note, it is heartwarming to inform you that feelers from employers of labour indicate that LASU graduates are excelling in their chosen professions.
“Also, the achievements of our alumni remain a source of pride to us and reaffirm our commitment to the development of Lagos State and the nation through investment and training in human capital development,” she added.
She congratulated the personalities for being found worthy of the awards by the Senate of the University for their contributions to the growth and development of the institution and society in general.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello thanked the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, for his immeasurable and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the university.
“My appreciation also goes to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat and Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule; the Chancellor, Professor Gbolahan Elias, SAN; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Sir David Sunmoni, members of the Governing Council, and well-meaning stakeholders.”
“On behalf of the staff and students of this university, I thank Mr. Governor for passionately responding to the needs of the University and the National Universities Commission (NUC) led by the acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Chris Jibreel Maiyaki.
“I must also express my appreciation to members of the University Management for their sacrifice and dedication to the development of this University; staff and students for their valuable contributions to the success story of this university; Students Union and the Staff unions who have been very supportive of the university’s welfare policies, their constructive approach to issues has sustained industrial peace and harmony and stabilised the academic calendar of this institution in the last three years.”
“I thank the University’s benefactors for their commitment to LASU’s progress. In this regard, I appreciate, in particular, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Honourable Hakeem Femi Gbajabiamila, and Prince Dr. Samuel Adedoyin for their commitment to the LASU project.”
She called on other philanthropists and well-wishers, men and women of goodwill, to emulate this generous spirit by instituting an endowment, or donating projects to LASU.
“This Management looks forward to working with you as partners through the Directorate of Advancement (LASUDA) to realise the vision of making LASU the best University in West Africa,” she stated.
The Governor Of Lagos State and Visitor to the University, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in his address acknowledged that Lagos State University has continued to live up to the high expectations of its founding fathers.
“I recognize the University’s commendable resilience as well as its dedication to promoting academic excellence, evident in the quality of graduates produced annually”
He added that the products of the University have continued to excel both in learning and character, fully qualified to meet the manpower needs of our dear State, and of Nigeria.
“I am proud to note that recently, the State appointed ten (10) LASU law alumni as Judges of the Lagos High Court.”
Pointing out other outstanding accomplishments of the university in recent years, which have garnered both national and global recognition, Governor Sanwo-Olu said he is proud of each and every one of these feats, and commend the University’s Management, led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello for the visionary and diligent leadership.
“It is remarkable that the University has been able to sustain uninterrupted academic sessions, while also remaining committed to fostering rigorous research and teaching, upholding the highest global standards.
“To our remarkable academic and non-academic staff, the backbone of the University, your unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service has created a transformative learning environment that has made our University a beacon of knowledge and innovation.
“You are the true heroes of our institution, and we are grateful for your service. I urge you to continue to work together to build a brighter future for our students, our community, and our nation,” he said.
Congratulating the graduating students, Sanwo-Olu said they have no doubt faced and surmounted many obstacles, and their sacrifices have now paid off.
“As you venture forth into the world, I implore you to act with integrity, to live solution-focused lives, and stay resolute and focused in the pursuit of your dreams. I wish you the very best in your future endeavours.”
The highpoint of the ceremony was the award of N10 million to the best graduating student for the 2022/2023 academic session, Olaniyi Mubaraq Olawale by the Govenor.
He said: “And to our best graduating student for the 2022/2023 session. OLANIYI MUBARAQ OLAWALE, of the Accounting Education Department, with a CGPA of 4.98 – First Class Honours! Congratulations to you, Olaniyi – this is a moment of great pride, not just for you, but for all of us.
“To celebrate and honor you, I am announcing a cash gift of N10 in recognition and honor of your outstanding feat. I believe that someone out there is working very hard to be the next Olaniyi Olawale, and I want to encourage you, wherever you might be now, to keep your eyes on that goal, and make us all, as well as yourself, very proud.”
The Governor stated further that: “as a society we have a responsibility to send a strong message out that academic excellence must never be underestimated or taken for granted in our society; our young people must see reason to hunger for it with the same energy and enthusiasm reserved these days for artistic and sporting success.”
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