Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared a cash prize of ₦10 million for Miss Isioma Sybil Nwosu, who is the overall best graduating student of Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2023/2024 academic year. Nwosu, a graduate from the Department of Biochemistry in the Faculty of Science, achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93.
The governor made this announcement during the 28th Convocation Ceremony of LASU, which took place at the Buba Marwa Auditorium on the Ojo campus. Sanwo-Olu, through his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, commended Nwosu for her exceptional academic achievement and encouraged other students to strive for similar excellence.
During the ceremony, various awards were given, including doctorate degrees, honorary doctorates, and the Distinguished Professorship to deserving candidates. Notable recipients included Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd), the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as well as former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Otunba Olufemi Pedro.
Marwa received a Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) for his significant contributions to infrastructure, security, and national progress, while Otunba Pedro was awarded a Doctor of Business (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his impact in banking, entrepreneurship, and national development. Additionally, Prof. Joseph Abayomi Omoniyi Olagunju was appointed as a Distinguished Professor.
In his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the vital importance of education in driving societal development. He urged Nigerian leaders to ensure that the nation’s educational system evolves to effectively address real-life challenges.
"Education serves as the foundation of our society. We need to promote a culture that appreciates knowledge and innovation just as much as we celebrate achievements in entertainment, fashion, or sports," he stated.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s dedication to empowering students in state-owned institutions and nurturing future leaders through strategic investments in infrastructure and student welfare. He referenced programs like the Job Initiative Lagos (JIL), which aims to improve the employability of final-year students, as part of the broader educational reforms under the THEMES+ agenda.
Reflecting on the graduation of 11,917 students, Sanwo-Olu characterized the occasion as a celebration of years of dedication and a stepping stone towards a future full of potential. He also praised the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for her innovative leadership and transformative reforms that have enhanced the university's standing both nationally and internationally.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello, while delivering her speech, expressed appreciation for the steadfast support provided by the Lagos State Government. She pointed out that 43 out of 44 academic programs at LASU received accreditation during the October–November 2023 evaluation. Moreover, she announced the introduction of postgraduate diploma and master’s programs under the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education, which for the first time includes international students.
Speaking at the event, the university’s Chancellor, Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to represent LASU well. He urged them to remain innovative, determined, and resilient as they strive for success.
A total of 11,917 graduates received different qualifications, comprising:
971 Diploma certificates125 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees37 Professional Doctoral Degrees
