The Lagos State University (LASU) has continued to demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to not only producing world class graduates but ensure they get due recognition and reward. Thus, celebrating and promoting excellence resonates with the leadership of the institution, this was evident at its 28th convocation ceremony. DAMOLA KOLA-DARE was there.
The 28th convocation ceremony of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, was a definition of pomp, class and remarkable panache. Right from the announcement at the press conference, the excitement was palpable, and till the grand finale, it was nothing short of a spectacle. It will go down in the history of the university as one of the best convocation ceremonies held: it was an assemblage of some of the biggest names across the education sector,political sphere, adding stardust to the occasion.
The dignitaries who graced the occasion starting from the convocation lecture included the lecturer himself, the Education Minister,Dr Tunji Alausa,All Progressives Congress APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA Chairman Brig-Gen.Buba Marwa(retd), an erstwhile Lagos State Governor Mr Femi Pedro, Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and his wife, Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education Mr Tolani Sule, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) boss, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Distinguished Prof. Peter Okebukola, eminent royal fathers including Oba Rilwan Akiolu, who was represented by white cap chiefs, among others.
The convocation lecture was the tip of the iceberg as the Education Minister held the audience spellbound with his presentation entitled: “Patriotism, Citizenship, and National Ownership: The Imperative of Collective Responsibility for Nigeria’s Future.”
Alausa, who stressed the need to clear the clouds of negativity in the country, noted that a patriot does not speak ill of Nigeria without offering solutions.
He said true patriotism requires sacrifice—whether in service to the nation, through volunteerism, or in making choices that prioritise national progress over personal or sectional interests.
The minister described it as willing to endure short-term difficulties for long-term national benefits, as seen in the transformation that the current government of President Bola Tinubu is undertaking. He assured that the Renewed Hope Agenda is primarily making efforts to invest in the country’s future.
His words:”While acknowledging the nation’s flaws, patriotic citizens work to change negative narratives by showcasing the country’s potential and achievements. This includes promoting Nigerian culture, supporting indigenous businesses, and representing the nation positively on global platforms.
“Patriotism is not just about words but about action. It is about demonstrating love for the country through responsible citizenship, ethical leadership, national unity, and active participation in development. A truly patriotic Nigerian is one who, despite the challenges, remains committed to making Nigeria a better place for future generations.”
While urging citizens to be dedicated to national development, Alausa said: “Citizenship is not just about enjoying rights; it is about actively participating in the growth and governance of the nation. A responsible citizen does not only demand accountability from leaders but also contributes positively to national development. National ownership requires collective effort in preserving a country’s resources, institutions, and unity. For a nation to thrive, every citizen must embrace both their rights and responsibilities, ensuring that their actions contribute to a better and stronger country.”
He described youths as architects of Nigeria’s future, stressing that the graduates are the heartbeat of Nigeria’s future. He said with over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, the youth hold unprecedented power to influence the nation’s direction.
The minister noted that it was time to reverse the tide of brain drain by creating opportunities that inspire young Nigerians to stay, contribute, and lead within the nation.
Ganduje, chairman of the event, highlighted the president’s plan to establish skill acquisition centres in the six geopolitical zones that would make graduates self-reliant.
He hailed the Tinubu administration for the Student Loan Scheme and for provision of infrastructure and facilities, as well as capacity building towards meeting the global standards in the delivery of education.
Ganduje said: “There is no gainsaying that education remains the all-time solution to the myriad of challenges facing mankind. In the current global race, therefore, there is no place for ignorance. I believe in this circumstance, no investment can be too much to make in education.
“It is for this reason that I commend the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the commitment to the education sector in the area of expansion of opportunities for the citizenry,establishment of more tertiary institutions, provision of infrastructure and facilities, as well as capacity building towards meeting the global standards and in the delivery of education.
“It is my belief that we need to renew national pride and patriotism and see our diversities as a strong bond and strength that should unite us rather than a tool that divides us. I believe the Nigeria Project is still an achievable one while doing our businesses with all sincerity and honesty.
“I have this hope that going forward, there shall be a renewed national patriotism, sense of belonging from the north to the south, from the east to the west, and by this Nigeria shall rise again.
We should rise to the responsibilities of true citizenship and restore the glory of our nation’s founding fathers, because, ultimately, our most promising path to national reawakening is to begin to think less of ourselves as individuals and tribesmen but rise collectively to the responsibilities of true citizenship.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, praised Tinubu and the minister of education for the decision to return the teaching of history to schools,saying it is a crucial step towards healing generational wounds and ensuring that young people understand the rich, complex story of the nation, a story that will empower them to engage with one another and with Nigeria’s future in a more informed, respectful, and united manner.
While emphasising the importance of patriotism in her address on the convocation lecture, Olatunji-Bello said:
“Nigeria is not just a geographical entity; it is our shared home, built on the sacrifices of our past heroes and sustained by our collective efforts.
“True patriotism, citizenship and collective ownership is not just in words or possessing the green passport, it is about how we contribute to the peace, progress, and prosperity of our nation.
“Looking at the realities of our nation today, I believe that there has never been a more critical time in our history, since the dark days of the civil war, when we must come together to reignite the spirit of Patriotism, Citizenship, National Ownership, and Collective Responsibility for our beloved Nigeria. The future of this great nation lies not in the hands of a few, but in the hearts of every Nigerian, especially our young people, who hold the power to shape the course of our destiny.
“The older generation, with all our imperfections, has managed to keep the fabric of this nation intact, preserving the dreams and hopes of generations before us. But now, the torch is being passed to young people in their 40s, 30s, and 20s, the emerging leaders of this nation. You are the ones who must rise to the occasion, who must safeguard this nation in the face of threats to its unity, peace, and progress. Yes, our nation has its challenges. Our fault lines are visible, but let us not forget that our nationhood runs deep woven through our history, our culture, and our shared dreams. We are more than our divisions.
“Look back at the vision that birthed initiatives like the National Youth Service Corps, a vision rooted in national unity, in fostering brotherhood across every region, in building a shared identity. While reforms may be needed to make the programme relevant to the times we live in (and I urge the government to look into that), its core purpose remains as vital as ever. It is a call to all of us to embrace one another, to build a stronger, more united Nigeria.
“Secondly, I would also like to touch on what I consider a grave disservice to our sense of patriotism and collective responsibility, the removal of history from the curriculum in our primary and secondary schools. When we lack a sense of our past, then our future is endangered. So much harm has been done to our young generation, the Gen-Z who passed through schools at a time when history was expunged from the curriculum. Some of such harms are evident in the pitiful even dangerous narratives that pervade the social media space, the ethnic-induced abuses, trolling and verbal attacks on individuals and groups that has become the hallmark of social media engagement amongst others.
“ And it is on this note that I salute president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the minister of education for the bold decision to return the teaching of history to schools.
This is a crucial step towards healing these generational wounds and ensuring that our young people understand the rich, complex story of our nation, a story that will empower them to engage with one another and with Nigeria’s future in a more informed, respectful, and united manner.”
Addressing graduates at the award of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees at the Buba Marwa Auditorium on the main campus, the VC enjoined them to utilise the knowledge and skill gained to drive meaningful change in whatever area of life they find themselves in.
The VC said:”Our university has provided you with a solid foundation of knowledge, excellence, and discipline to actualise your God-given unique potential. As you embark on this new chapter, I challenge you to write your own story the way you want it to be told; don’t submit your future to the uncertainties of life, instead chat your own paths with precision.
“Being world class doesn’t necessarily mean being a finished work but instead, it denotes a strong foundation, immense potential and unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
“Graduating today doesn’t mean you have arrived; earning a university degree is not an end in itself but rather a means to an end. As I foresee it, the ultimate goal is to use your knowledge and skill to drive meaningful change wherever you find yourselves.”
She urged them to continue to invest in themselves, saying the biggest investment they can make is not in shares or gold but in themselves.
Olatunji-Bello thanked faculty and staff for their dedication in nurturing the graduates from the moment of their admission to the time of graduation.
The overall best graduating student, Nwosu Isioma Sybil, who got a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93, noted that the journey was not smooth at all.
She said: “My dream was to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ibadan, but I fell just two points short of the cut-off mark. I eventually registered for JAMB again.
“This time, I chose Lagos State University (LASU) as my first choice, again aiming for Medicine and Surgery, However, when the admission list came out, I was offered Biochemistry, a course I had never even heard of. My heart broke a second time.
“Even in my 100-Level, I struggled to accept it, every time I saw Medical students, I pictured myself among them.”
But one of her lecturers made her accept the situation. Then, she determined to be the best overall graduating student.
The lecturer said: “Some of you weren’t given your preferred course. But instead of lamenting, why not prove to the university that you deserve something even greater?”
That statement had a great effect on her,and today she achieved her aim.
Nwosu thanked her mother, lecturers and friends for their support.
She urged her peers to never be afraid to dream big, adding their dreams are the seeds of greatness. She advised them to surround themselves with friends with values, vision and ambition.
Her brilliance brought her good fortune as the Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu gifted her N10 million as LASU’s best.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, reiterated the commitment of his administration to providing quality education for youths at the award of Doctoral Degrees (PhD) and conferment of honorary doctorate,the grand finale of the event.
e Visitor who hailed the Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello for her visionary leadership, expressed delight at LASU’s commitment to achieving excellence, producing graduates who can drive human and societal development.
“Our administration is dedicated to empowering students in state-owned tertiary institutions, nurturing innovative thinkers, problem-solvers, and great leaders who will bring about sustainable, transformative change and growth to our state, “ he added.
The VC, Olatunji-Bello, who highlighted her achievements since she assumed office, reiterated her commitment to taking the institution to enviable heights.
She thanked the governor and members of staff for support and cooperation.
An erstwhile Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Chairman Brigadier Gen. Buba Marwa were conferred with honorary doctorate of Business (Banking, Entrepreneurship and National Development) Honoris Causa and honorary doctorate of Humane Letters [Infrastructure, Security and National Development], Honoris Causa, respectively.
Prof. Joseph Abayomi Olagunju was also conferred with the title of distinguished professor.
A total of 11,917 students were conferred with diplomas and first degrees, just as 192 bagged first class.
The 28th convocation featured a range of activities starting with a press briefing on April 3, followed by sports competition for staff, special jumat service, special thanksgiving service,coconut breaking and cultural festival,among others. It hàs come and gone, but the beautiful memories created would linger ìn the hearts of everyone and the university community.
