NIGERIA: UNILAG Set To Graduate 16,409 Students, Celebrates Two with Perfect 5.0 CGPAs

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The University of Lagos, Akoka, is set to graduate two students with a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.0, the overall best graduating at its 55th convocation ceremony.

The first-class graduates are from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, announced at a press briefing on Wednesday that the convocation ceremony will commence on Friday, January 10, and conclude with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, January 19, 2024.

She said, “The overall best-graduating student position is shared by two students, Damilare Adebakin and Samuel Badekale, from the Faculty of Science, Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, with a perfect score of 5.0.”

She further noted that the university would graduate 16,409 students, with 9,684 students receiving first degrees and diplomas, 6,659 will be awarded postgraduate degrees, and 66 will graduate from UNILAG Business School.

The Vice-Chancellor added that on Monday, Jan 13, Dr Tayo Aduloju, the CEO of Nigeria Economic Summit Group, will deliver a convocation lecture titled ‘Universities as Hubs for Development and Wealth Creation.’ at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium.

The Former Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, will chair the session to explore tertiary education’s role in driving economic growth.

“We are looking forward to a very thought-provoking lecture that will add to the discussion on funding tertiary education and positioning them as economic and social development drivers. We are privileged to have as Chairman, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, CON, SAN, former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works, whose clarity in addressing issues was pivotal to innovative reforms and development of our country,” she stated.

She added that honorary Doctor of Science degrees will be conferred on three distinguished individuals: Co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank, Fola Adeola, and Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Engr: Kolawole Adesina, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The convocation week will also feature other notable events, such as the groundbreaking ceremony for the School of Postgraduate Studies building on January 13, a project donated by Chief Tunde Fanimokun to celebrate his 80th birthday.

Convocation activities, including award ceremonies across faculties, are scheduled from January 14 to January 16, with the grand finale being a play titled Langbodo by Wale Ogunyemi on January 17.

The ceremonies will end on January 19 with a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Christ Our Light, UNILAG.