By Elizabeth Uwandu

Graduating with a  cumulative grade point average , CGPA, of 4.68, Mr. Arowosegbe Michael Aderibigbe became the cynosure of all eyes at the Lagos State University, LASU  2014/2015 convocation ceremony, yesterday.

The  biochemistry  graduate was  called three times to the podium to receive awards. He not only emerged as the overall best out of the 17,694 students that graduated, he also won the best  faculty graduating student award and the provost’s award for the best graduating student  for his exceptional performance.

Aderibigbe’s achievement confirms the assertion of the  Vice Chancellor of the school, Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, in his speech  that  the convocation had shown the victory of  knowledge and hardwork over indulgence.

The happy Aderibigbe told the audience that  his stay as student of the institution was  by chance and at the insistence of his father, who wanted him to study biochemistry as opposed  to his dream of studying  medicine and  surgery, at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.

The Oyo State indigene  and son of a former contract staff, attached to the school’s Campus Marshall  said: “I reluctantly chose LASU as my second choice in the 2011 UTME examination and almost ignored the post UTME that year because I had already written that of OAU, where I scored 278, with the hope to study medicine and surgery. So, the biochemistry I chose in LASU was to fulfil all righteousness and to please my father. Look at where that choice has brought me today!”

Appreciative of his father’s role in his life, Adebirigbe said: “Many of my friends and colleagues never knew my father was once a contract staff, attached to LASU Campus Marshall. As his son, I had witnessed him being stoned at a protest in my 100 level, I could not cry. He also had a major accident on  November 9, 2012, at  the school premises, which changed his life and left his limbs immobile initially. Although, he is currently recuperating.”

Despite these setbacks and his dad’s inability to get succour from appropriate authorities at the time of the bike accident; the three awards recipient said  his father remained his source of strength. “God bless you, Mr. Arowesegbe Ajibade Joseph. I draw strength from what you have gone through in life, and I am grateful for your sacrifice for me and my siblings. I also thank my mother and other siblings for their support.”

He also used the opportunity to thank those who contributed to his success story, and called on the Lagos State Government to do more for the school having begun a good work.

“I will like to appreciate the University authority for their tireless efforts to make this University the pride of the world, through the assistance and goodwill of Lagos State Government.

“Although, the new look of the institution gladdens our hearts. Mr. Governor, Sir, a lot needs to be done to enhance research and infrastructure development across all faculties.

“Our goal is to become the best university in Africa and this can be achieved in the nearest future, because we have some of the best brains in the world.”

While appreciating the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode for the new face of LASU, the  Vice Chancellor of the school, Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, gave  a break-down of the graduands as  6, 241 graduands from  full time programme  with  seven students making first class ,  1,040 made second class upper and 3,271 came out with second class lower, adding that 1,575  made third class and  206 with  pass degrees.

The VC also noted that, from the  External System, one student made first class, while 1,016 students made second class upper. The rest  6,990 made second class lower, while 767 made third class and 10 students made pass.

For diploma students, the helmsman said that  five students made distinction, 173 students,  44 made upper credit, 72 made lower credit, 10 made credit, 11 made merit and 31 made pass.