Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has gifted ₦10 million to Isioma Sybil Nwosu, the overall best graduating student of Lagos State University for the 2023/2024 academic year.

Nwosu, a Biochemistry graduate from the Faculty of Science, achieved an outstanding CGPA of 4.93. The announcement was made on Thursday during the university’s 28th Convocation Ceremony held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium in Ojo.

During the convocation ceremony, Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Distinguished Professorships were also conferred on distinguished personalities such as Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Otunba Olufemi Pedro.

Marwa, who previously held the position of military administrator in Lagos State, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree for his contributions to infrastructure, security, and national development.

Otunba Pedro was honoured with a Doctor of Business degree in recognition of his achievements in banking, entrepreneurship, and national development.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, stressed the crucial role education plays in the advancement of society.

“Education is the backbone of our society, and we must recognise its importance in addressing societal needs and human development,” he said.

He highlighted the need to value academic success just as highly as achievements in areas like entertainment, fashion, and sports.

“It’s our responsibility to foster a culture that hungers for knowledge and innovation,” the Governor said.

Sanwo-Olu restated his government’s commitment to uplifting students in state-owned tertiary institutions through targeted investments and enhanced infrastructure development.

“We are committed to providing more significant financial investment towards expanding infrastructure within and around, ensuring the safety and welfare of the staff and students of the University,” he added.

The Governor highlighted the THEMES+ agenda, stressing that education is a central focus of his administration. He cited programmes like the Job Initiative Lagos, which seeks to improve the job readiness of graduating students.

“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to improving the welfare of staff and students of this University, providing opportunities for educational advancement to indigenes and residents of our dear Lagos State,” he added.

LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, lauded the Lagos State Government for its consistent backing, describing the support as “truly exceptional.”

She revealed that during the October–November 2023 accreditation exercise, 43 out of the university’s 44 academic programmes received full accreditation.

Additionally, she noted that the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education had introduced new postgraduate programmes, which, for the first time, included international student enrolment.