The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, is set to graduate 16,409 students at its 55th convocation ceremony. Among them, two exceptional students from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, will graduate with a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0, the highest academic honor.
At a media briefing on Wednesday, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola provided details about the upcoming events. The convocation ceremonies will begin on Friday, January 10, 2025, with a Jumaat service and end on Sunday, January 19, 2025, with a thanksgiving service.
Speaking on the academic achievements, Prof. Ogunsola stated:
“The overall best-graduating student position is shared by two students, Damilare Adebakin and Samuel Badekale, from the Faculty of Science, Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, with a perfect score of 5.0.”
The Vice-Chancellor also outlined the breakdown of graduating students:
- 9,684 students will receive first degrees and diplomas.
- 6,659 students will be awarded postgraduate degrees.
- 66 students will graduate from the UNILAG Business School.
Key Highlights of the Convocation Week
On Monday, January 13, at noon, a convocation lecture titled “Universities as Hubs for Development and Wealth Creation” will be delivered by Dr. Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group. The lecture, chaired by former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, aims to explore the funding of tertiary education and its role in economic and social development.
Prof. Ogunsola expressed optimism about the lecture, saying:
“We are looking forward to a very thought-provoking lecture that will add to the discussion on funding tertiary education and positioning universities as drivers of development.”
Additionally, three distinguished Nigerians will be honored with the prestigious honorary Doctor of Science degree:
- Fola Adeola, co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank.
- Engr. Kolawole Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group.
- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
The week’s activities will include:
- January 13: Groundbreaking ceremony for the School of Postgraduate Studies building, a donation by Chief Tunde Fanimokun to mark his 80th birthday.
- January 14–16: Award ceremonies for degrees, diplomas, and certificates across various faculties, culminating in the postgraduate awards on January 16.
- January 17: A convocation play, Langbodo by Wale Ogunyemi.
- January 19: A thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Christ Our Light to officially close the convocation week.
This convocation marks a significant milestone for UNILAG, celebrating academic excellence, innovation, and community impact.
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