Kazeem Owoseni
Oba Adeshina Suleiman Okikiola Raji Ashade, the Oniba of Iba Kingdom in Lagos State, which housed the Lagos State University, on Sunday, hosted the latest best-graduating student of LASU and forty-year record breaker of 5.0 CGPA in the school, Aminat Yusuf.
The current record holder of LASU’S 26th (combined) convocation ceremonies and 40th anniversary of LASU, also received a gift of N2m for her record-laying feat in the institution, from the traditional ruler, during the event.
Speaking at the feast, the monarch whose kingdom is one of the host communities of LASU, disclosed that Aminat’s accomplishment was being celebrated not only to open doors of such greatness for his children but also to serve as an inspiration to young people in the kingdom that hard work truly pays.
The traditional ruler who will also be awarded the Honorary Doctorate Degree at the University’s Convocation, commended Aminat for achieving the feat and also prayed for her before carrying out a gesture that left many attendees astonished.
However, the gift of N2m from the king was the second reward she will be receiving since she broke the record. A sum of N500,000 had earlier been awarded to her by the University Management on Wednesday, 14th June, being the first of many rewards to appreciate her extraordinary performance, and more are still expected to surface soon.
However, her parents who were among other traditional rulers and chiefs, members of the University Management and other family members at the event, could not help crying for the unexpected gift for the girl.
The Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, also expressed her gratitude to God for making the day a reality and extended her appreciation to the Oniba for his numerous contributions to the development of the institution, a situation that informed his conferment with the Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Senate of the University.
Also speaking at the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, where Aminat graduated, Prof. Kareem Olatoye, extolled her virtues as a diligent, consistent and determined lady who should be a role model to other young people.
The Dean also thanked the VC for providing a conducive environment for Aminat and her type to excel in their academic pursuits.
A member of the Governing Council of the institution and a prominent son of Iba Kingdom, Hon. Tolani Sule, who had earlier spoken at the event, stated that the programme was organised to celebrate excellence and to thank the record breaker for being an inspiration to others.
He, however, appreciated the University Management for facilitating a smooth rapport between the kingdom and the university.
Other dignitaries who attended the event were the former Commissioner for Transport, Dr Kayode Opeifa and Chief (Mrs.) Besides Fagbohun also commended Aminat for their success in her academic pursuit.
Among the dignitaries present were The kings of the Akesan and Isolo Kingdoms, traditional rulers from surrounding communities, officials of the University and members of the Oniba’s immediate and extended families were also at the event.
The record breaker will join over Ten Thousand others who would be conferred with the Award of Diplomas, First Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters Degree on Wednesday, 21st June 2023 at the Convocation Ceremonies of the University.
