Ayilara Lawal, a project management graduate, has been named the Best Graduating Student of Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2024/2025 academic session, achieving a first-class degree with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.96. He announced the milestone on LinkedIn in August 2026, expressing gratitude to his family, lecturers, and mentors.
Achievement Rooted in Discipline and Persistence
In his LinkedIn post, Lawal described the recognition as more than a title, emphasizing that it resulted from years of choosing consistency over comfort. He framed his success not as innate brilliance but as sustained effort, noting that academic success taught him lessons not formally scheduled in classrooms: pushing through when motivation fades, holding steady under pressure, and staying grounded when results arrive.
Lawal wrote: "Academic success is not simply about being the smartest person in the room. It is about consistency when motivation fades, courage when challenges arise, humility when success comes, and the willingness to keep learning even when the path becomes difficult."
Gratitude to Family, Lecturers, and Mentors
He attributed his achievement to faith, family, and community, thanking his parents for their sacrifices and prayers, which he said left their fingerprints all over the result. He also appreciated his lecturers, mentors, and colleagues who pushed him toward better versions of himself throughout his studies.
Lawal closed his post by framing graduation not as a finish line but as the opening of a larger responsibility, stating: "I leave LASU with gratitude in my heart, lessons in my mind, and a greater commitment to using knowledge, leadership, and service to make a meaningful difference."
Widespread Congratulations from Peers
The post drew warm responses from those who witnessed his journey. Stephanie Ejiogu commented: "Congratulations Lawal we are so proud of you." Bakare Noah added: "Congratulations Ayilara Lawal your back2back night classes didn't go in vain." Rasheedat Gbadamosi said: "Congratulations, Lawal! Here is to always being at the top."
In related news, UNILAG's best graduating student shared how he was rejected by the University of Ibadan, while another graduate staged a one-man protest over unemployment. Additionally, a previous LASU best graduating student opened up about her admission experience in an interview with Legit.ng, discussing her struggles and future goals.
