By Olaide Ajibola, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE UNIVERSITY of Lagos (UNILAG) has once again highlighted its commitment to academic excellence, celebrating 18 all-female first-class graduates from the Department of Mass Communication for the 2023/2024 academic session.
The milestone achievement was announced during the first session of the university’s 55th Convocation ceremony held on Tuesday, where the graduates were recognised for their dedication, hard work, and resilience.
The institution announces that the outstanding graduates include:
Feranmi Abiola, Ahuruele Akani, Oyindamola Arikawe, Ifedayo Ayilaran, Demiladeogo Bankole, Olaide Bankole, Eniola Daramola, Faith Enang, Temiloluwa Igbinlade, Joy Imanah, Ifeoma Iwelunmor, Chelsea Jegede, Opeyemi Kareem, Eunice Obidi, Frances Odogu, Mofesola Olanrewaju, Funmilola Onabanjo, and Peace Onuoha.
In interviews with UNILAG SUN, the university’s official newspaper, some of the graduates shared their journeys and the challenges they overcame to achieve their remarkable results.
Peace Onuoha, one of the graduates, revealed that she had initially aspired to study law. However, upon enrolling in Mass Communication, she promised herself a first-class degree as a way to excel in her chosen field.
Despite juggling intense academic pressure with multiple projects and part-time jobs, she achieved her goal and secured an internship at a multinational company.
Similarly, Temiloluwa Igbinlade recounted the struggles she faced while transitioning from secondary school to university.
She also described how her faith and determination helped her navigate the academic and personal challenges that arose during her studies.
For Eunice Obidi, the key to success lay in discipline and prioritisation. She credited her strong focus and effective time management for her excellent academic performance.
During the convocation, UNILAG awarded degrees to a total of 16,590 students, including 9,865 first degrees and diplomas, and 6,659 postgraduate degrees.
Among the graduates, 106 students earned first-class honours, with 76 being female and 30 males.
The Faculty of Education produced its best graduate, Christian Uwagwu, who achieved a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.78.
Meanwhile, in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Ibrahim Sefiu emerged as the best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.82.
Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, used the occasion to highlight the university’s progress in innovation, infrastructure, and research.
She noted that the MED-AFRICA GMP Laboratory, housed within the Faculty of Pharmacy, remains a groundbreaking initiative.
The $450,000 facility, the first of its kind in West Africa, is dedicated to HIV prevention research.
Professor Ogunsola also mentioned the university’s World Bank-funded African Centre of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development, and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS).
She noted that the centre focuses on developing indigenous plants for medical applications and advancing drug research.
UNILAG’s focus on sustainability was further highlighted by the launch of its Green Air Initiative.
This project, the institution notes, has introduced eight electric buses to provide eco-friendly transportation for students and staff.
The university has also made significant strides in infrastructure development, with the commissioning of ultra-modern facilities such as the learning commons and the Moremi Hall extension.
Donations from notable benefactors, including Tunde Fanimokun’s N14.5 billion pledge for hostels and research centres, further strengthened the university’s growth.
Additionally, the Lagos State Government has supported the institution through various development projects aimed at transforming its landscape.
UNILAG’s Vice Chancellor further lauded the graduating students and faculty for their commitment to upholding the institution’s reputation as a hub of academic excellence.
She said the convocation ceremony served as a reminder of the university’s enduring legacy and its role in producing exceptional graduates who contribute meaningfully to society.
For the 18 first-class graduates from the Department of Mass Communication, she described their achievement as a feat that symbolises not only personal triumph but also the potential for excellence in Nigeria’s educational system when resilience and hard work are combined.
