… Have minimum 4.0 CGPA

By Emmanuel Edukugho

Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo, has rewarded 545 students with scholarships for their diligence and hardwork at an award ceremony inside the MBA Auditorium on main campus last Friday, presided over by Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello. She recalled in an address during the occasion that the university annual award for scholars was introduced by the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Professor Lateef Akanni Hussein who believes in hardwork and merit. The award is given to all students who have attained a minimum of 4.0 in their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) at the end of every session.

“The purpose of this is to encourage and motivate our students in the university to face their studies and create room for healthy rivalry among brilliant and intelligent students. It will be an understatement to say that a reasonable number of previous and present recipients are born without silver spoons.”

It was pointed out by her that some of them have managed to secure admission into the system after labouring so hard and have also been sponsoring their studies from meager income that they make from petty trades and works.

Professor Olatunji-Bello gave the number o the awardees as 545, out of which 24 of them are receiving this award for the fourth time, 48 for the third time, 61 receiving it for the second time, 296 awardees getting the award for the first time while 116 are beneficiaries.

The Acting Vice Chancellor told the excited awardees who thronged the Auditorium that what they are collecting today may be very meager, saying, “but believe me; you are writing your names in gold for history to always remember you, he added: “If the university has decided to give you N25,000.00 and requested you not to pay for tuition fee for each session you win this award, believe, this is still little to what your diligence and hardwork will give you in future.”

Apparently referring to the controversial uncomplimentary profile of the institution in the past, she declared: “Gone are the days when Lagos state University students are noted for strikes and violence, today our noble students are recommended for their diligence, hardwork and impeccable character.”

Noting that one of the graduates was among few NYSC members honoured by the Federal Government for his contribution to community development in his place of primary assignment in 2010, and many of LASU students had also enjoyed on-the-spot employment opportunities during convocations.

While she acknowledged that the institution is facing recent challenges, despite, “Lagos State University is ranked the best state university and the tenth among one hundred and seventeen universities in Nigeria.”

Dr. (Mrs.) B.B. Idowu, Acting Dean of Students, in her brief remarks, congratulated the awardees, charged them to continue to be in good standing all through their stay in the university. She announced the introduction of a new anthem “to boost our morale” which the originator, a student of English Language came out to sing for the first time, applauded by all present.

Mr. Emmanuel Ogunkoya, a student of Chemical and Polymer Engineering with 4.78 CGPA. Responding on behalf of the awardees, described LASU as being located in the state of acquatic splendour, excellence, academic achievements, with respect for human rights and justice. While thanking his HOD for being the best student, he advised others to put in their best to excel also. He promised to be more diligent in his studies and maintain high academic standard.

Another outstanding scholar, Miss Chinwe Onyeziri with 4.76 CGPA from Microbiology Department, felt honoured and privileged, humbled to be called upon to speak to these beautiful students.

“I didn’t do it alone, many people helped me, encouraged, supported by all. The award is rare in the university system and I appreciate LASU management. It’s no small feat, not small money involved.”

She asked the university scholars not to rest on their oars, become forces to be reckoned with and distinguish yourselves.

Professor Olatunji-Bello later shook hands with the scholars one by one, urging them to have a goal, forge ahead and achieve that goal.

She described Chinwe, who had won several prizes in the past, as “a good ambassador of this university and I am proud of her. The Acting VC added: “Don’t relent on your efforts.”