It was that time of year again—the season of mortarboards flying, parents shedding happy tears, and graduates taking their first steps into the real world armed with knowledge and big dreams for the future. The University of Lagos (UNILAG) recently pulled off one of the biggest and most epic graduation ceremonies with its 55th Convocation Ceremonies.
This year’s ceremony was a showcase of academic excellence, grit, and the power of resilience. It was an awe-inspiring and monumental event, with a whopping 16,409 graduates celebrated across various faculties and degrees. 9,684 students were admitted into first degrees and diplomas, 6,659 were awarded postgraduate degrees while 66 graduated from the UNILAG Business School (ULBS).
Shattering Records and Smashing CGPAs
The festivities kicked off on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, with 5,626 graduates receiving their degrees, diplomas, and certificates across the Faculties of Education, Social Sciences, Arts, Environmental Sciences, and Science.
Among these numbers, two exceptional individuals emerged as true champions of learning: Mr. Samuel Badekale and Mr. Haroun Adebakin of the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics. These legends achieved a perfect CGPA of 5.00. Yes, you read that right—5.00! Their achievement was a shining example of dedication, brilliance, and hard work. And honestly, I’m still wondering how they sailed through challenges and kept the flag flying.
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 4495 graduates strut their stuff, walking the stage with standing ovations and thunderous rounds of applause.
A total of 561 graduates bagged First Class degrees and distinctions.
One Day or Day One?
In her heartfelt speech, Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola gave all the applause to the Class of 2024 for sticking it out through thick and thin. Her advice? Embrace meritocracy, dream big, and actually start those projects you’ve been talking about, because the truth is “someday” is not a day of the week. As a colleague would say, “will today be your ONE DAY or DAY ONE?”, or something along those lines.
A Legacy of Learning
Beyond the degrees, distinctions, and applause, the 55th Convocation ceremony was a powerful reminder of what education represents: resilience, grit, discipline and the audacity to dream. These graduates faced hurdles, overcame challenges, and walked away not just with certificates but with the tools to shape their futures.
This story hits close to home because it aligns with what Verticul stands for: advancing learning, celebrating perseverance, and championing a future where education opens doors and breaks barriers.
What’s Next?
So, what’s next for you? As a fresh graduate, it’s never too early to take a step toward growth. If you’re ready to sharpen your skills and level up (and you really should be), check out The Graduates-In-Demand (GRIND) course, designed to give students, fresh graduates and entry-level professionals the edge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. You’ll learn from industry experts, discover how to push your limits, and create your own success story.
Congratulations to UNILAG’s Class of 2024! And to everyone else: the journey doesn’t stop here. Let’s keep learning, growing, and grinding.
