Sanwo-Olu Rewards LASU’s Best Graduating Student with ₦10 Million

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has awarded a ₦10 million cash prize to Isioma Sybil Nwosu, the overall best graduating student of Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2023/2024 academic session.

Nwosu, a Biochemistry graduate from the Faculty of Science, earned a remarkable Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93. The announcement was made during LASU’s 28th Convocation Ceremony held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium in Ojo.

The event also featured the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Distinguished Professorships on notable figures such as:

• Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), Chairman of the NDLEA, who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in Infrastructure, Security, and National Development.
• Otunba Olufemi Pedro, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business in Banking, Entrepreneurship, and National Development.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat emphasized the critical role of education in driving societal transformation.

“Education is the backbone of our society, and we must recognise its importance in addressing societal needs and human development,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also encouraged society to celebrate academic excellence with the same enthusiasm as achievements in entertainment, fashion, or sports, urging a shift towards a culture of knowledge and innovation.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and student welfare across Lagos State’s tertiary institutions. He cited projects under the THEMES+ agenda, including the Job Initiative Lagos, which seeks to improve the employability of students upon graduation.

“We are committed to providing greater investment in infrastructure and ensuring the safety and well-being of our university community,” he added.

LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, applauded the Lagos State Government’s continuous support, noting that 43 out of 44 academic programs were fully accredited during the last accreditation exercise.

She also announced the successful launch of new postgraduate programs under the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education, which now includes international students.

In his closing remarks, LASU Chancellor, Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), urged graduates to uphold the university’s reputation as they step into the world.

“You are not only representing yourselves but also your families, your university, and your state. Remain innovative and focused,” he charged.

A total of 11,917 students graduated, including:

• 971 Diploma holders
• 8,711 First-degree recipients
• 2,235 Postgraduate students
• 302 Postgraduate Diploma holders
• 1,132 Academic Masters
• 639 Professional Masters
• 125 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) recipients
• 37 holders of Professional Doctoral Degrees

The event marked yet another milestone in LASU’s journey towards academic excellence and global recognition.