By Uche Amunike
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rewarded the best graduating student of the Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2023/2024 academic session with a CGPA of 4.93, Miss Isioma Sybil Nwosu of the department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science Thursday, with a cash gift of N10m.
Speaking, during the Lagos State University’s 28th Convocation ceremony at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, LASU, Ojo, the governor made this disclosure.
Doctorate Degrees and Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Distinguished Professorship awards were conferred on deserving individuals during the ceremony.
The Chairman Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd) and former Deputy Governor of the state, Otunba Olufemi Pedro were also awarded Honorary Doctorate Degrees.
Former military administrator of Lagos State, Brigadier General Marwa was awarded Doctor of Humane Letters (Infrastructure, Security and National Development) Honoris Causa, while Otumba Pedro who is a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GIC) received Doctor of Business (Banking, Entrepreneurship and National Development) Honoris Causa. Professor Joseph Abayomi Omoniyi Olagunju was also honored with the esteemed rank of Distinguished Professor.
Speaking, during the ceremony, which produced 11,917 graduates from different faculties and departments in the Lagos State University, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat reiterated the need for Nigerian leaders to give relevance to the nation’s educational system and make it effective by providing innovative solutions to real life problems.
He stated: ‘Education is the backbone of our society, and we must recognize its importance in addressing societal needs and human development. As leaders, we must ensure our educational system remains relevant and effective in providing innovative solutions to real-life problem.’
He also harped on the need for academic excellence in society, noting that leaders must remind the youths that excelling in education is just as valuable as success in the entertainment industry, sports, or fashion, stressing the need to foster a culture that thirsts for knowledge and innovation.
He further stated that his administration is dedicated to empowering students in state institutions and nurturing innovative thinkers and problem solvers, as well as great leaders who will provide sustainable, transformative change and growth to Lagos State.
He maintained that in order to achieve this and build on past successes, the government is prepared to provide more significant financial investment towards expanding infrastructure within and around and ensuring the safety and welfare of the staff and students of the university.
He highlighted that the theme of the ceremony prioritizes education in the state, averring that the government has fostered innovative thinkers, problem solvers and great leaders through access to various youth development programs and initiatives for students, such as the Job Initiative Lagos (JIL), a job employability initiative organized for final year students.
Hear him: ‘These efforts demonstrate our commitment to improving the welfare of staff and students of this University, providing opportunities for educational advancement to indigenes and residents of our dear Lagos State. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the welfare of the staff and students of the University is prioritized. This, we believe, will ensure that LASU thrives for the benefit of the surrounding community, the State, and Nigeria as well.’
