The Landmark 29th and 30th Combined Convocation Ceremonies of Lagos State University
The 29th and 30th Combined Convocation Ceremonies of Lagos State University (LASU) concluded on a triumphant note, marking a historic milestone in the institution’s evolution. The multi-day event celebrated academic brilliance, institutional growth, and unprecedented public- and private-sector support aimed at boosting student welfare, research infrastructure, and graduate employability.
Major Benefactions and Strategic Industry Linkages
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The Dangote Foundation’s Infrastructure Commitment: Industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON—who was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Business (Honoris Causa) in Entrepreneurship, Industrial and Human Capital Development—announced through his representative, Hajia Fatima Aliko Dangote, a ₦600 million donation dedicated to constructing a modern hostel for female students to alleviate accommodation shortages.
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Direct Career Pathways for First-Class Talent: The Dangote Group guaranteed preferential employment consideration for all First-Class graduates in Engineering and Sciences upon completing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, providing a seamless transition into a corporate network spanning Nigeria and 11 other African nations.
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Long-Term Educational Investment: The Aliko Dangote Foundation reaffirmed its pledge to invest $70 million annually over the next decade across secondary and tertiary education, focusing on STEM education, teacher development, and technical vocational training.
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Lagos State Government Cash Awards: Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu awarded ₦20 million each (totalling ₦40 million) to the overall best graduating students across two academic cycles:
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Ayilara Lawal Olawale (Project Management, 2024/2025 Session) — 4.96 CGPA
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Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide (Aerospace Engineering, 2025/2026 Session) — 4.97 CGPA
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Academic Class Breakdown & Institutional Footprint
Historic Milestones and Executive Leadership Transitions
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Vice-Chancellor’s Legacy: Marking the conclusion of her distinguished five-year tenure, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello highlighted full accreditation for 31 of 37 academic programs evaluated, universal accreditation for all professional courses, and a massive surge in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from ₦3 billion in 2021 to ₦13 billion by late 2025.
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Pioneering Research Grants: Chancellor HRM Oba Dr. Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo (who received a Doctor of Business Administration during the proceedings) emphasized LASU’s position as the sole South-West recipient of a ₦3 billion TETFund Grant to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Cyber Sciences.
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Global Academic Partnerships: Pro-Chancellor Babatunde Ogala, SAN, unveiled an international academic and research partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago, expanding the university’s global footprint.
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Decentralized Celebration: For the first time in LASU’s history, a convocation ceremony was hosted directly on the LASU Epe Campus, celebrating graduates from the Faculties of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences.
Honorary doctorates were also conferred upon distinguished leaders Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR, and Mrs. Harriet-Ann Omobolanle (Bola) Adesola, synthesizing a ceremony that celebrated individual merit while laying a durable foundation for LASU’s continued global prominence.
