PHOTOS: UNILAG graduates 16,409 as two achieve perfect 5.0 CGPA

The University of Lagos, on Monday, at its 55th Convocation, celebrated two exceptional scholars, Damilare Adebakin and Samuel Badekale, for achieving perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.0.

Both students hail from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics in the Faculty of Science.

TuzzBeat Online reported on January 8 that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, at a media brief highlighted the significance of this year’s convocation, which will run from Friday, January 10, to Sunday, January 19, 2025.

She revealed that the university would confer degrees and diplomas on 16,409 students, including 9,684 undergraduates and 6,659 postgraduates, while 66 students will graduate from the UNILAG Business School.

As Adebakin and Badekale took center stage, 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

It added that the convocation ceremonies were further enriched by the keynote lecture delivered by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Dr Oluwatayo Aduloju.

In his lecture titled “Universities as Hubs for Development and Wealth Creation,” Aduloju underscored the pivotal role universities play in shaping national progress, creating wealth, and enhancing global competitiveness.

Reflecting on the “spirit of convocation,” he described universities as institutions uniquely equipped to envision and chart the future, emphasising their evaluative and prescriptive roles in societal transformation.

“The relevance of universities transcends academics.

“They are the catalysts for driving change, fostering reflection, and inspiring innovation, serving as the bridge between intellectual capital and societal advancement,” Aduloju said.

His comparative analysis of Nigeria and Indonesia’s development trajectories highlighted actionable pathways for Nigerian universities to unlock their full potential.

The VC, in her welcome address, 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 lauded the Vice-Chancellor’s vision and leadership, describing the convocation as a beacon of intellectual excellence.

The day, according to the release, also witnessed the inauguration of projects, including the African Centre of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development, and Regulatory Science, a World Bank-supported initiative poised to revolutionise medical research in Africa.

Other projects included a 120-bed extension of Moremi Hall and the state-of-the-art Learning Commons, designed to enhance student engagement and collaborative research.