The University of Lagos recently held its 55th Convocation, a momentous occasion that celebrated the academic achievements of its students. During the ceremony, two exceptional scholars, Damilare Adebakin and Samuel Badekale, were recognized for their outstanding academic performance, having achieved a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0. Both students are from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics in the Faculty of Science, and their remarkable feat is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
The convocation, which took place from Friday, January 10, to Wednesday, January 15, was a significant event that marked the culmination of the students’ academic journey. According to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who addressed the media on January 8, the university would confer degrees and diplomas on a total of 16,409 students. This includes 9,684 undergraduates and 6,659 postgraduates, as well as 66 students who would be graduating from the UNILAG Business School.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the significance of this year’s convocation, emphasizing the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its role in shaping the future of its students.
As Adebakin and Badekale took center stage at the occasion, applause echoed across the J. F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, a testament to the power of determination and academic rigour, a Monday statement by the varsity’s communication unit revealed on its website.
NESG boss convocation lecture
The convocation ceremonies at the University of Lagos were taken to the next level by a keynote lecture from Dr. Oluwatayo Aduloju, the CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group. His lecture, titled “Universities as Hubs for Development and Wealth Creation,” highlighted the pivotal role universities play in shaping national progress, fostering wealth creation, and enhancing global competitiveness.
Dr. Aduloju emphasized that universities are uniquely equipped to envision and chart the future, and that they serve as a bridge between intellectual capital and societal advancement. He also drew comparisons between Nigeria and Indonesia’s development trajectories, pointing out actionable pathways for Nigerian universities to unlock their full potential.
The lecture was well-received, with the Vice-Chancellor praising Dr. Aduloju’s multidisciplinary approach to solving complex socio-economic challenges.
The VC also celebrated the achievements of the graduates and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Our societal contract demands that we produce manpower fit for purpose, generate knowledge to solve pressing issues, and develop technology to shape the future,” she stated, commending Aduloju’s multidisciplinary approach to solving complex socio-economic challenges.
Chairing the event, former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, described the convocation lecture as timely and profound.
“Universities must realign their objectives to foster synergy between academia, industry, and government. This alignment will drive the innovation and progress our nation desperately needs,” he noted.
Projects commissioned
The Pro-Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun, also commended the Vice-Chancellor’s vision and leadership, describing the convocation as a shining example of intellectual excellence. The day also marked the inauguration of several notable projects, including the African Centre of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development, and Regulatory Science, a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at transforming medical research in Africa.
Furthermore, the university unveiled a 120-bed extension of Moremi Hall and the cutting-edge Learning Commons, designed to enhance student collaboration and research capabilities. These projects underscore the university’s dedication to innovation and excellence.
