It was a joyful moment though with touches of tears on the faces of all in attendant during the 22nd convocation ceremony of the Lagos State University LASU held yesterday at the main campus at Iyana -Iba Ojo. Among dignitaries who grace the occasion was the Lagos state Governor Akinwunmi Ambode
The Governor was moved to tears with the touching story of the best graduating student Faud Adetoro Ogunsanya Ambode who finished with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.78 in Business Administration despite health challenges.
The governor gave Ogunsanya N5 million, pledging to sponsor his postgraduate studies in any school of his choice worldwide. Ambode said he rewarded Ogunsanya for his doggedness, despite the health challenges that delayed his education. Ambode said he had a similar story.
He said: “The Lagos State government does not generally give scholarship anymore, but your story is too compelling and is a reflection of my own story. I will adopt and sponsor you anywhere you want to go for your Master’s. I will personally be responsible for it.
“In addition, for emerging the overall best student, I will give you N5 million. An occasion as this deserves serious attention as the education of our youths is paramount to us.”
In his valedictory speech, Ogunsanya told how cataract in both eyes affected his performance in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and delayed his education.
The 24-year-old, who lost his father in 2015, said he had to do a second surgery to remove the defect when the first failed before he was able to make his ‘O’ Level papers.
“I eventually had a successful surgery at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan (Oyo State capital) before sitting for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and getting admission into LASU. I wanted to study Accounting, but at that time the course was not accredited and Business Administration was available. So, I had to grab it. Today, see where that impromptu decision has brought me,” he said.
Ogunsanya said Nigerian graduates had a lot to offer, urging employers to give them a chance.
LASU’s Chancellor Justice Adesola Oguntade, who is Nigeria’s High Commissioner in the United Kingdom (UK), advised the graduating students to provide solutions to the nation’s problems.
He said: “Presently, our world has many problems and challenges, such as insecurity, unemployment, terrorism, among others. Use your knowledge to change the world. Create a change that you will be proud to leave for the next generation. Keep your eye on integrity. It is paramount, and will help you in leadership. Be courageous. Follow your instinct, embrace collaboration and do not allow failure to stop you.”
Also, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olanrewaju Fagbohun, attested to the quality of graduates the university had produced.
He said they had been thoroughly baked in knowledge and character.
Over 29,000 diploma, first degree and postgraduate students, who finished in the 2016/2017 academic session, graduated at the event.
