Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has awarded a N10 million cash prize to Isioma Sybil Nwosu, the best graduating student of Lagos State University for the 2023/2024 academic session. Nwosu, a Biochemistry graduate from the Faculty of Science, earned a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93.The Governor announced the award on Thursday during the 28th Convocation Ceremony of LASU, held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Ojo. The event also featured the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Distinguished Professorships on several prominent figures, including Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Otunba Olufemi Pedro.
Marwa, who previously served as the military administrator of Lagos State, was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters (Infrastructure, Security, and National Development) Honoris Causa. Pedro received a Doctor of Business (Banking, Entrepreneurship, and National Development) Honoris Causa.Represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the crucial role of education in societal development. “Education is the backbone of our society, and we must recognize its importance in addressing societal needs and human development,” he stated.
He also highlighted the need to value academic excellence as much as achievements in other fields such as entertainment, fashion, or sports. “It is our responsibility to foster a culture that thrives on knowledge and innovation,” the Governor added.Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to empowering students in state-owned tertiary institutions through significant investments and infrastructure development. “We are committed to making substantial financial investments to enhance infrastructure and ensure the safety and welfare of both staff and students,” he said.
The Governor also referenced his THEMES+ agenda, noting that education remains a key priority. He highlighted initiatives like the Job Initiative Lagos, aimed at improving the employability of final-year students. “These efforts demonstrate our ongoing commitment to enhancing the welfare of staff and students, as well as providing opportunities for educational advancement for the people of Lagos State,” he said.
LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, commended the state government for its unwavering support, calling it “truly exceptional.” She revealed that 43 out of the 44 courses offered by the university had received accreditation during the October–November 2023 accreditation exercise. She also announced that the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education had launched new postgraduate programs, which now include international students.
In his address, the Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), urged the graduating students to serve as good ambassadors of the university. “You represent not just yourselves, but also your families, your university, and your state,” he said, encouraging them to remain innovative and focused on their path to success.
A total of 11,917 students graduated from LASU during the ceremony, including 971 Diploma holders, 8,711 first-degree graduates, 2,235 Postgraduate students, 302 Postgraduate Diplomas, 1,132 Academic Masters, 639 Professional Masters, 125 Ph.D. recipients, and 37 holders of Professional Doctoral Degrees.
Source : https://punchng.com/
