Sanwo-Olu gives scholarship, N10m to best graduating LASU students

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a cash prize of N5 million to Oladimeji Idris Shotunde and Olusola Aanu Olabanjo, who emerged as Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo best graduating students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.95 and 5.0

He also announced a scholarship award to Oladimeji Idris Shotunde.

The governor made this known yesterday during the investiture of chancellor and award of doctoral degrees at the 24th convocation.

Sanwo-Olu, connected to the event through Zoom, installed Prof. Gbolahan Elias as the fifth chancellor.

Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Education Commissioner Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo were present.

The governor hailed the university for rising above the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to exercise its mandate.

“I am conscious of the need to invest resources that will fuel entrepreneurship and provide quality education. The quality of graduates will eventually determine the future of our society. In that respect, we are embarking on a number of projects, including a new Faculty of Education building,” he said.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, though absent, was conferred with an honorary doctoral degree for her contributions to the development of humanity through people-oriented schemes.

Outgoing Vice Chancellor Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN), praised the governor for his support.

“When the Coronavirus pandemic broke out in the country, it was with the support of our amiable Visitor that we were able to go virtual. You also provided our institution with a Governing Council made up of brilliant minds, who make running the university seamless.

“Mr. Governor also ensured the completion of projects and when there was agitation for the payment of the new minimum wage last October, promptly, you intervened and today, the foundation of an 8,230 bed space hostel accommodation for students was laid,” he said.

The Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo, hailed Fagbohun and his team for raising the bar of excellence in LASU.

“I find it hard to describe the Vice-Chancellor as the outgoing VC. He has done well and I see him as a sort of a statesman in the academic community,” he said.

Some eminent Nigerians were also conferred with honorary doctoral degrees in fields.

They included Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals; Oba Otudeko, entrepreneur and philanthropist; and Justice Opeyemi Oke.

Prof. Martins Anetekhai was made a Distinguished Professor of the institution.