President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his government is working hard to build a peaceful and successful country. He emphasized the importance of education in making Nigeria great.
Speaking at the 55th convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said unity is Nigeria’s greatest strength, and diversity is a blessing.
“We must work together to solve problems, grab opportunities, and build a Nigeria we can all be proud of,” he said at the event held in the university’s main hall.
The president highlighted his government’s big investments in education, including ₦3.52 trillion in the 2025 budget—the third-highest allocation after security and infrastructure.
He mentioned the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which gives interest-free loans to students who need financial help. Thousands of students have already benefited, and more will get help soon.
Other improvements include removing universities from the IPPIS salary platform and allowing them to hire staff independently.
Tinubu congratulated the graduating students, urging them to use their knowledge to help Nigeria grow. He also praised two honorary awardees, Mr. Kolawole Adesina of Sahara Power Group and Mr. Fola Adeola, co-founder of GTCO, for their contributions to education and the economy.
UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, shared that 16,409 students graduated this year. Among them, 561 earned First-Class honors, with two students—Damilare Haroun Adebakin and Samuel Akinade Badekale—achieving a perfect 5.0 CGPA.
Other top performers included Olamide Idris Emida (Accounting, 4.95 CGPA) and Adetoun Alaba Akitoye (Chemistry, best in doctoral studies).
Professors Babajide Alo and Olukayode Amund were honored as Emeritus Professors, while Professor Victor Ariole received a Gold Medal award.
Prof. Ogunsola thanked the Lagos State government, companies, philanthropists, and alumni for their support. She highlighted UNILAG’s progress in research, innovation, and infrastructure despite economic challenges.
The ceremony celebrated the hard work of students and staff while emphasizing education’s key role in Nigeria’s development.
