Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has awarded a cash gift of N10 million to Isioma Sybil Nwosu, the best graduating student of Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2023/2024 academic session. Nwosu, a graduate of Biochemistry from the Faculty of Science, completed her studies with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93.
The announcement of the award was made during LASU’s 28th Convocation Ceremony, which took place at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Ojo, Lagos, on Thursday. This year’s convocation saw the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Distinguished Professorships to several distinguished individuals, including the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), and former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Otunba Olufemi Pedro, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to society.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, emphasized the central role that education plays in the development of society. He described education as the “backbone” of societal advancement and urged that academic excellence should be celebrated with the same enthusiasm as achievements in fields like entertainment, sports, and fashion.
“Education is the backbone of our society, and we must recognise its importance in addressing societal needs and human development,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said in his speech. “It’s our responsibility to foster a culture that hungers for knowledge and innovation,” he added, underscoring the need for greater societal value for academic success.
In his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Lagos State. He highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving the education sector, including substantial investments in infrastructure within state-owned tertiary institutions, aimed at ensuring the safety and welfare of students and staff. He particularly emphasized the administration’s goal of building an enabling environment that fosters academic excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Sanwo-Olu further referenced the THEMES+ agenda, which is centered around the themes of Traffic Management, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st-Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Governance. According to the Governor, education is a key pillar of his administration's agenda, with focused investments in strategic areas to drive sustainable development in the state.
As part of his commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the Job Initiative Lagos, a programme designed to improve the employability of final-year students. This initiative aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive job market.
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded his address by reiterating his administration’s dedication to ensuring that students in Lagos State universities receive the support they need to excel in their academic and professional careers. He emphasized that his administration would continue to prioritize education as a means of empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
The convocation ceremony, which also witnessed the recognition of several notable individuals, concluded on a high note, with students, faculty, and dignitaries celebrating the achievements of the graduating class of 2023/2024.
About Isioma Sybil Nwosu
Isioma Sybil Nwosu, the best graduating student of LASU, earned her degree in Biochemistry from the Faculty of Science. With a remarkable CGPA of 4.93, Nwosu has set a high standard for academic excellence at the university. Her outstanding performance has earned her recognition from both the university and the Lagos State Government, making her a source of inspiration to other students. Her achievement was celebrated during the convocation, where she received her well-deserved N10 million cash gift from the Governor.
Honorary Awards at the Convocation
In addition to Nwosu’s recognition, the convocation ceremony featured the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Distinguished Professorships on several eminent personalities, including:
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Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.): Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, who was honored for his dedication to fighting drug abuse and his significant contributions to national security.
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Otunba Olufemi Pedro: Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, who was recognized for his distinguished public service and contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State.
The conferral of these honors was a testament to the individuals' outstanding contributions to their respective fields and to the society at large.
Sanwo-Olu’s Commitment to Education and Youth Empowerment
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s speech highlighted the Lagos State Government’s focus on ensuring that its students are not only academically competent but also well-prepared for the future job market. Through initiatives like the Job Initiative Lagos, the administration seeks to provide students with valuable skills, training, and opportunities that will enhance their employability and support their transition into professional careers.
As part of the commitment to student welfare, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that investments in educational infrastructure, as well as the welfare of staff and students, will continue to be a priority. This includes plans to expand and modernize facilities at state-owned universities, ensuring that students have access to top-notch academic and extracurricular resources.
The Governor’s remarks served as a reminder that his administration’s commitment to education remains unwavering, as he continues to prioritize the sector as a cornerstone of Lagos State’s long-term development goals.
The convocation ceremony marked another significant milestone in LASU’s history, showcasing the university’s commitment to academic excellence and societal impact. As the best graduating student of LASU’s 2023/2024 session, Isioma Sybil Nwosu’s achievement will inspire many students to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.
