The governor of Lagos State and visitor to Lagos State University, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has lauded the institution for upholding its legacy of academic distinction and consistency.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave this commendation at the grand finale of the 28th Convocation Ceremony held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Ojo Campus.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, also announced the award of 10 Million Naira to Nwosu Isioma Sybil as Best Graduating Student of the 2023/2024 Academic Session, hailing her achievement as a symbol of resilience, brilliance and academic excellence.
He commended LASU for aligning with the strategic vision of the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, which places a premium on education and human capital development.
“This ceremony is not only a celebration of academic achievement but a reaffirmation of our commitment to education as the backbone of sustainable development,” Sanwo-Olu said. “LASU has shown unwavering dedication to producing graduates who are critical thinkers and nation builders.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu outlined key infrastructure projects driven by the state government, including an 8,200-bed student hostel developed via a public-private partnership, a new main library touted as the largest in West Africa, and ongoing construction of the LASU Technology Hub, a new Faculty of Education building and the nearly completed 280-bed Ojo General Hospital.
The administration also launched several student-focused initiatives, such as the Job Initiative Lagos (JIL), aimed at equipping final-year students with employability skills.
In response to current economic challenges, the Governor noted that the university’s subvention had been increased to ensure timely salaries and financial obligations, while palliatives were distributed to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to facilitating access to the National Student Loan Scheme for Lagos State students.
The Governor called on philanthropists and stakeholders to invest in LASU’s future through endowments and infrastructural support, emphasizing that contributions to education are the most impactful investments in society.
“This convocation is not the end but a stepping stone to greater achievements,” Sanwo-Olu concluded. “Let us continue to elevate LASU as a citadel of excellence and a cornerstone of our state’s development.”
In her welcome address, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, highlighted the academic and infrastructural strides of the university since her appointment in 2021.
She emphasized the institution’s improved rankings, citing its status as the 4th best university in Nigeria and 2nd best public university, according to the Times Higher Education 2024 ranking.
Professor Olatunji-Bello noted that the convocation ceremonies had been held consistently for four years, a reflection of institutional stability and commitment to academic calendar integrity.
She highlighted that a total of 11,917 graduates from the 2023/2024 academic session were conferred with degrees and diplomas, including 971 Diploma holders, 8,711 First Degree recipients, and 2,235 Postgraduate awardees. Among the First Degree graduates were 192 First Class holders, signaling LASU’s strong academic standards.
The best-graduating student, NWOSU Isioma Sybil from the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, emerged with a remarkable Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93.
The university also conferred honorary doctorate degrees on two distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their service to Lagos State and the nation. Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), received the Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) for his contributions to infrastructure, security, and national development.
Blacktalker reports that former Deputy Governor Otunba Olufemi Olusegun Pedro was honored with the Doctor of Business (Honoris Causa) for his pivotal role in strengthening Lagos State’s economic framework and boosting its internally generated revenue.