The University of Lagos (UNILAG) held its 55th Convocation ceremony on Monday, honoring 16,409 graduates, including two exceptional scholars, Damilare Adebakin and Samuel Badekale, who achieved a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0.
The duo, both from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics in the Faculty of Science, were celebrated for their academic excellence at the event held in the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium. Applause resounded as they were recognized for their determination and academic rigor.
Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, highlighted the significance of the event, which spanned from January 10 to January 19, 2025. She disclosed that degrees and diplomas were conferred on 16,409 students, including 9,684 undergraduates, 6,659 postgraduates, and 66 graduates of the UNILAG Business School.
Keynote Lecture by NESG CEO
The convocation was enriched by a keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Oluwatayo Aduloju, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). In his address titled “Universities as Hubs for Development and Wealth Creation,” Dr. Aduloju emphasized the critical role universities play in fostering national development and global competitiveness.
“Universities are the catalysts for driving change, fostering reflection, and inspiring innovation, serving as the bridge between intellectual capital and societal advancement,” he said. He also presented a comparative analysis of Nigeria and Indonesia’s development, offering actionable insights to unlock the potential of Nigerian universities.
Leadership and Innovation Celebrated
In her welcome address, Prof. Ogunsola reaffirmed UNILAG’s commitment to producing well-equipped graduates and advancing knowledge.
“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 Dr. Aduloju’s multidisciplinary approach to addressing socio-economic challenges.
Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, who chaired the event, described the lecture as “timely and profound.” He stressed the need for universities to align their objectives with industry and government to foster innovation and drive national progress.
Inauguration of New Projects
The ceremony also witnessed the inauguration of transformative projects, including the African Centre of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development, and Regulatory Science, a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at advancing medical research in Africa.
Other projects unveiled included a 120-bed extension of Moremi Hall and the state-of-the-art Learning Commons, both designed to enhance student engagement and collaborative research.
The Pro-Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun, praised the Vice-Chancellor’s vision, describing the convocation as a beacon of intellectual excellence and a testament to UNILAG’s leadership in education.
