Adebanjo Oluolamide, a First-Class Honours graduate in Aerospace Engineering from Lagos State University (LASU), has received a total of ₦30 million in cash prizes after being named the university's overall best graduating student for the 2025/2026 academic session. He achieved a near-perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.97 out of 5.00.
Recognition at LASU's Combined Convocation Ceremonies
Oluolamide's recognition came during LASU's combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies, which covered both the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions. The awards were presented in two instalments. He first received ₦10 million from the Sunbeth Excellence Partnership Programme (SEPP) at the undergraduate convocation held on Monday, August 17, at the Olatunji Bello Auditorium on the Epe Campus. Days later, at the postgraduate ceremony, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced an additional ₦20 million for him, bringing his total prize money to ₦30 million.
The best graduating student for the previous 2024/2025 session, Ayilara Olawale of the Department of Project Management, was also recognised. Olawale completed his programme with a 4.96 CGPA and First-Class Honours, and received a ₦20 million prize from the governor.
20,604 Students Graduate as Olatunji-Bello Wraps Up Tenure
The convocation also marked a significant milestone for LASU Vice Chancellor Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, whose five-year tenure is expected to end within the month. She was conferred the rank of Distinguished Professor during the ceremonies, alongside scholar Rafiu Okuneye of the Department of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education. Olatunji-Bello announced that 20,604 students graduated across diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes for the two combined sessions. Of these, 494 earned First Class Honours. Reflecting on her tenure, she said LASU's Internally Generated Revenue grew from ₦3 billion in September 2021 to ₦13 billion by September 2025. The university also secured full accreditation for 43 of 44 programmes in a recent accreditation exercise, while 17 new programmes received full accreditation in 2026.
Honorary Degrees and Governor's Charge to Graduates
LASU's Governing Council conferred honorary doctorate degrees on three prominent Nigerians: banker and technocrat Akin Kekere-Ekun, corporate executive Harriet-Ann Adesola, and industrialist Aliko Dangote. All three were recognised for their contributions to national development, business, and public service. Addressing the graduating students, Governor Sanwo-Olu warned against treating their degrees as a final destination. "Degrees can open doors, but only service builds your name," he said. He further urged graduates to demonstrate competence, character, and a commitment to service in their careers.
