28th Convocation: Olatunji-Bello Urges LASU Grads to Craft Their Own Legacies

LAGOS Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), has urged recent graduates from this prestigious institution to author the future narrative of their lives as they wish it to be recounted globally.

Despite this, she offered the new eaglets maternal guidance to transform the knowledge and abilities instilled in them by the organization into fuel for significant transformation in their personal pursuits across the world.

The graceful vice-chancellor, with her majestic bearing, issued a warning during her address at the conferral of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and master’s degrees at the institution's 28th convocation ceremony on Wednesday at the Buba Marwa Auditorium located on the Ojo Main Campus.

With a profound air of contentment, the VC remarked:

Your university has equipped you with a strong base of knowledge, excellence, and discipline to fulfill your individual potential as intended by a higher power. As you begin this fresh phase, I encourage you to craft your narrative precisely as you wish it to be recounted; do not leave your destiny at the mercy of life’s unpredictabilities, but rather carve out your own path with accuracy.

Being world-class isn't always about being perfected; rather, it signifies having a solid base, great promise, and an unwavering commitment to achieving greatness.

"Receiving your diploma today signifies that you've embarked on a journey, not that you’ve reached your destination; obtaining a college degree is merely a tool for future endeavors," emphasized Olatunji-Bello.

"As I see it, the main objective is to utilize your expertise and abilities to bring about significant changes wherever you may be," the VC enthusiastically expressed.

She likewise advised the graduates to continue investing in themselves, emphasizing that their greatest investment should be in personal growth rather than in stocks or gold.

Olatunji-Bello expressed deep gratitude towards the faculty and staff for their unwavering commitment in fostering the development of the graduates from enrollment through commencement.

During her farewell address, Nwosu Isioma Sybil, who achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93 to become the top student in the class of 2023/2024, reflected on how challenging their academic path had been from the start.

She remembered feeling crushed at the 300 level when her CGPA fell from 4.97 to 4.94.

"My friendships were like a lifeline for me. After checking my LIDC portal and seeing my very first and sole '3' in the grades, my cumulative grade point average fell from 4.97 to 4.94. This hit me hard emotionally. I reached out to both Dr. Awote and some close friends; without saying much, they understood immediately how upset I was. Crying helped release some of those emotions, but more importantly, their support kept me going—they wouldn’t allow me to quit," shared Nwosu.

She subsequently expressed gratitude to her mother, professors, and friends for their backing.

She encouraged her colleagues not to let fear hinder their ability to dream ambitiously, emphasizing that these dreams are the roots of exceptional achievements. She also recommended surrounding oneself with friends who possess strong morals, clear visions, and high aspirations.

In total, 11,917 students received their diplomas and bachelor’s degrees, including 192 who graduated at the top of their classes with first-class honors.

In the meantime, tomorrow,Thursday,will see the culmination of the convocation with the presentation of doctoral degrees,honorary titles,and special recognitions to distinguished individuals from academic,corporate,and industrial sectors.

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