Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has awarded a ₦10 million cash prize to Isioma Sybil Nwosu, the best graduating student of Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2023/2024 academic session. Nwosu, a Biochemistry graduate, finished with a remarkable Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93, an achievement that earned her the prestigious recognition during LASU’s 28th Convocation Ceremony.
The announcement was made on Thursday, April 11, 2025, at the convocation ceremony held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium in Ojo, Lagos. Nwosu’s outstanding academic performance not only set her apart as the best among her peers but also exemplified the university’s commitment to excellence in education.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was present at the ceremony, congratulated the university for producing such an exceptional graduate. He noted that Isioma Nwosu’s success reflects the quality of education provided at LASU and praised her for her hard work and dedication to her studies.
“As a state, we are proud of your academic achievements, and we recognize the effort and discipline that it takes to attain such a high level of academic excellence,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said. “This ₦10 million is a token of appreciation for your hard work, and we hope it will serve as a motivation for you and others to continue excelling in your future endeavours.”
Isioma Nwosu, visibly excited and grateful, expressed her gratitude to the governor for the recognition. She described her academic journey as one filled with challenges, but she credited her success to perseverance, hard work, and the support of her family and mentors.
“I dedicate this achievement to my family, my professors, and all those who supported me throughout my academic journey,” Nwosu said, adding that the recognition would inspire her to continue striving for success in her future career.
The 28th Convocation Ceremony also saw the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Distinguished Professorships on several distinguished individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole. Among the honorees were Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Otunba Olufemi Pedro, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State.
Brigadier-General Marwa, who has been at the forefront of efforts to combat drug abuse in Nigeria, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree in recognition of his remarkable contributions to national security and public health. His leadership in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse has earned him widespread acclaim both in Nigeria and internationally.
Former Deputy Governor Otunba Pedro was also recognized for his outstanding contributions to public service, especially in the areas of governance, economic development, and community service in Lagos State. His leadership and dedication to the development of the state have made a lasting impact on its progress over the years.
Governor Sanwo-Olu used the occasion of the convocation to reiterate his administration’s commitment to improving the education sector in Lagos State. He highlighted several initiatives aimed at providing quality education, including investments in infrastructure, scholarships, and the strengthening of academic partnerships with international institutions.
“We are committed to building a Lagos where education is accessible to all, where our children and young people can achieve their full potential,” the governor said. “The future of Lagos depends on the quality of education we provide today. I believe that through investment in education, we will continue to empower our young people and ensure a bright future for the state.”
The governor also announced that his administration would continue to collaborate with institutions like LASU to create more opportunities for students, both in the academic and extracurricular fields, to thrive.
The convocation ceremony served as a testament to the hard work and resilience of LASU students, faculty, and staff. In his speech, LASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, expressed pride in the university’s continued growth and the success of its students. He noted that despite the challenges faced by universities in Nigeria, LASU has remained focused on maintaining academic standards and offering students the best possible education.
“Today is a celebration of the hard work of our students, faculty, and staff who have contributed to the growth and development of this university,” Professor Olatunji-Bello said. “LASU has proven to be a leading institution of higher learning in Nigeria, and we will continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of education.”
He also emphasized the importance of research and innovation, calling on graduates to use their knowledge to contribute to society. “As you leave here today, remember that your education is not just for personal success but for the greater good of our society. We look forward to seeing how you will make an impact in your chosen fields.”
As the best graduating student of LASU, Isioma Nwosu’s future looks incredibly bright. With her remarkable CGPA and the financial reward from Governor Sanwo-Olu, she is well-positioned to continue her academic and professional journey. Her success serves as an inspiration to future LASU students and demonstrates the potential that exists within the university.
Nwosu plans to further her studies and pursue a career in Biochemistry, with a specific focus on research and development in healthcare. She expressed her hopes of contributing to the advancement of science in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of disease prevention and treatment.
“Receiving this award has fueled my passion to continue working hard and making a meaningful impact in my field,” Nwosu said. “I am determined to use my education to contribute to the development of healthcare in Nigeria and to make a positive difference in the lives of people.”
