Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a ₦10 million cash award for Miss Isioma Sybil Nwosu, who graduated top of her class at Lagos State University (LASU) with an outstanding 4.93 CGPA. The prize was presented during LASU’s 28th convocation ceremony at the Buba Marwa Auditorium in Ojo.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat praised Nwosu’s achievement in the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, calling her academic performance “truly exceptional.” Sanwo-Olu urged graduates to value education as a catalyst for innovation and societal progress, reminding them that excellence in the classroom is every bit as important as success in entertainment, fashion, or sports.
The ceremony also saw the conferment of honorary degrees. Brigadier‑General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, received a Doctor of Humane Letters (Infrastructure, Security and National Development), while former Deputy Governor Otunba Olufemi Pedro was awarded a Doctor of Business (Banking, Entrepreneurship and National Development). LASU Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji‑Bello herself was elevated to Distinguished Professor in recognition of her transformative leadership.
In his address, Governor Sanwo‑Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening state‑owned universities. He announced plans to increase funding for campus infrastructure, improve staff and student welfare, and expand programmes such as the Job Initiative Lagos (JIL) to prepare final‑year students for the workforce. “We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of problem‑solvers and leaders who will drive sustainable growth in Lagos State,” he said.
Prof. Olatunji‑Bello, in her remarks, thanked the state government for its “unwavering support,” highlighting that 43 of LASU’s 44 programmes received accreditation in late 2023. She also noted the launch of postgraduate diplomas and master’s programmes at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education, now open to international students.
Chancellor Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN) closed the ceremony by encouraging the 11,917 graduates—spanning diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees—to carry the LASU spirit of innovation into their future endeavors. “You represent your families, your university, and your state,” he said, “so go forth with creativity, focus, and pride.”