By Ali Elias
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is gearing up for its 55th convocation ceremony, where Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc) degree. Scheduled to run from January 10 to January 17, the week-long event will celebrate the achievements of 16,409 graduating students and honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society.
Speaking at a pre-convocation briefing, UNILAG’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, stated that former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, will chair the occasion. She also announced that the 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 (NESG), at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala will be joined by two other distinguished individuals receiving honorary degrees: Mr. Fola Adeola, Co-Founder of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank Plc), and Mr. Kolawole Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group. Prof. Ogunsola explained that the recognition is for their exceptional contributions to scholarship, innovation, and societal development.
Out of the 16,409 graduates, 9,684 will receive first degrees and diplomas, while 6,659 will be awarded postgraduate degrees. Among the highlights, 561 students will graduate with first-class honors. Two exceptional students from the Faculty of Science, Mr. Damilare Adebakin and Mr. Samuel Badekale of the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, have set new records. Additionally, Olamide Emida, a student from the Faculty of Management Sciences, Department of Accounting, has been named the best graduating student in humanities with an impressive CGPA of 4.95.
Prof. Ogunsola also noted that the best Ph.D. thesis for 2025 in the sciences will be awarded to Adetoun Alaba Akitoye (Ph.D. Chemistry), while Eniola Ladipo will receive recognition for the best humanities thesis.
The convocation will include an exhibition of innovative projects by staff and students at the Senate Car Park and the commissioning of three major projects by the Pro-Chancellor, Wole Olanipekun, SAN. These projects include the Centre for Herbal Medicine, the Moremi Hall extension, and a state-of-the-art Learning Commons designed to promote collaborative learning.
Additionally, a groundbreaking ceremony for a new postgraduate studies building, donated by Chief Tunde Fanimokun to mark his 80th birthday, will also take place.
Prof. Ogunsola highlighted the institution’s commitment to honoring excellence, noting that two retired professors, Babajide Alo (Chemistry) and Olukayode Amund (Microbiology), will be conferred with the title of Professor Emeritus, while Prof. Victor Ariole (European Languages) will receive a gold medal for his continued contributions to academia and national development.
Prof. Ogunsola emphasized the significance of the convocation as a platform to celebrate achievements and inspire future excellence. “This event highlights the University of Lagos as a hub of innovation, scholarship, and societal impact,” she said.
With the conferment of honorary degrees, recognition of exceptional individuals, and celebration of record-breaking graduates, UNILAG’s 55th convocation promises to be a landmark event for the institution and the nation at large.