Former Emir chairs Convocation Lecture as LASU graduates 8,959 students, 1st Class 76

Success Damian:

Dethroned Emir of Kano and former Central Bank Governor, Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed Lamido Sanusi has been chosen to chair the 24th Convocation Lecture of the Lagos State University, (LASU).

Also a total number of 8959 students have also satisfactorily completed their studies and qualified for graduation from the World Class University for the 2018/2019 Academic session, out of the number, 76 students made First Class in their various faculties.

The Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN; NPOM) made the disclosures on Friday at the Convocation Press Conference to usher in activities for the 24th Convocation holding between Friday, 20th and Friday, 27^th March, 2020 at different venues within and outside the University. 

“A total of 8,959 will receive their degrees, diplomas and certificates at this year's Convocation. Of this number, 6,485 will receive First Degrees and Diplomas while 2,620 students will receive Higher Degrees as approved by the University Senate; 76 graduands will also be awarded First Class Honours in various Faculties of the University.” 

He also revealed the name of the overall best graduating student. “I am happy to announce that the Best Graduating Student for 2018/2019 Academic Session (at this Convocation) is Shotunde Oladimeji Idris from the Business Administration Department, Faculty of Management Sciences with Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.95. This is a huge achievement and we are very proud of him. It is instructive that Shotunde and another of his colleague, Kehinde Adebiyi, have just written a book titled “Nature Pays Diligence”. It is a compendium that chronicles their experience of the last four years,” Fagbohun stated.

Fagbohun said that the 2020 convocation event will run for eight days “The ceremonies this year will run for Eight days starting with today's Convocation Press Conference, the Convocation Cup Competition for Staff on Friday, 20th March, 2020 at the LASU Sports Centre, Main Campus and Day 2, 20th March, 2020 will be concluded with the Jumat Service.

“Sunday, 22nd March, 2020 is the Day three of the Ceremonies when we will gather at the Chapel of Light (University Chapel) for a special Thanksgiving Service. The traditional Convocation festival, the Coconut Breaking Ceremony, will set the stage for the Day Four (4) of the Convocation activities on Monday, 23rd March, 2020.”

According to Fagbohun, this year’s convocation lecture is titled ‘The future of developing economies in a digital world’ to be delivered by Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, President, African Export-Import Bank Afreximbank and will also be followed by the award of doctorate degrees and Conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees on six Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavour.

Recipients of the award include Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu, OON- Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (Youth Improvement, Female Education, Youth Empowerment and Girls Back to School Scheme); H.E Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire- Honorary Doctor of Arts (Poverty Alleviation and Technology Incubation); Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola – Honorary Doctor of Science (Aviation Services and Community Integration) and Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke (Rtd.)- Honorary Doctor of Law (Court Process Improvement Schemes and Probate Registry Customization), among other recipients.

He spoke about the infrastructural development ongoing in the institution “Across the landscape of our University Campuses are construction projects at varying degrees of completion. These constructions are a pointer to the massive infrastructural development being witnessed by the University. Some of the recently completed facilities include the Africa Centre of Excellence Building funded by Tetfund; Primary Healthcare Centre donated by Federal Government of Nigeria (awaiting opening) (SGD Project); Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies Building (Tetfund); Ultramodern CBT centre financed on a PPP arrangement with Providus Bank; Alumni Association Secretariat constructed by the LASU Alumni Association.” 

Fagbohun stated that one of the gains of peace and inclusive governance in the University is that well meaning individuals and organizations are now validating the University by committing their resources through donations of facilities and endowment for her development.

On staff and students attainments he said, “The remarkable achievements of our staff and students in the last one year supports the assertion that when there is an enabling environment, a lot of potentials can be realized in life.

“Lagos State University contingent once again emerged the Best School Delegation at the 12th Nigerian International Institutions Model United Nations (NITIMUN) Conference in Abuja in December, 2019  winning the competition for a record 4th time in a roll and winning several laurels in the process;  Tolani Odukoya, a 400L student of Medicine and Surgery, Lagos State University College of Medicine, was selected as one of the participants for the Harvard Crossroad Emerging Leaders Programme; among others,” Fagbohun said.