Sanwo-Olu gifts LASU’s best graduating students N20m each

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared a cash award of N20 million each for the top graduating students of Lagos State University for the academic years 2024/2025 and 2025/2026.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during the combined convocation ceremonies for the 29th and 30th sessions, which took place at the main campus of LASU in Ojo.

As per a statement released on X by Sanwo-Olu's New Media aide, Jubril Gawat, the recipients of this award are Ayilara Olawale, who is recognized as the best graduating student for the 2024/2025 session, and Adebanjo Oluolamide, who achieved the same distinction for the 2025/2026 session.

Gawat stated, "The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. @jidesanwoolu, and Visitor of Lagos State University (LASU) today announced a cash gift of 20 million Naira (20,000,000) EACH for the Best Graduating Student(s) of the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 Session(s)."

Olawale, who pursued a degree in Project Management Technology, graduated with a CGPA of 4.96 and received First Class Honours, while Oluolamide, who studied Aerospace Engineering, achieved a CGPA of 4.97, also graduating with First Class Honours.

The statement indicated that the N20 million cash award would be given to each of the two graduates.

In a video accompanying the statement, Sanwo-Olu mentioned that the cash gift was a personal contribution from him.

“Ayilara Lawal Olawale and Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide, each one of you will earn 20 million naira each,” he said.

The announcement follows shortly after Oluolamide was awarded a separate cash prize of N10 million from the Sunbeth Excellence Partnership Programme for being recognized as the overall best graduating student of LASU for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, revealed the names of the two best graduating students in advance of the upcoming combined convocation ceremonies.

The university indicated that over 20,000 students are set to graduate from the two academic sessions, which includes 494 students who achieved first-class honors.

Olawale, who obtained a B.Tech (Honours) in Project Management Technology, attributed his success to divine grace.

“Grateful beyond words to graduate as the Best Graduating Student of Lagos State University, Ojo, for the 2024/2025 Session. Every victory was by Allah’s grace. Here’s to bigger dreams, impact, and a lifetime of excellence,” he wrote on X.

Oluolamide also celebrated his achievement, writing, “4.97 / 5.00 CGPA. First Class Honours in Aerospace Engineering at Lagos State University. Official Senate Approval.”

He added, “All glory to God for His grace, wisdom, and strength every step of the way. What God cannot do does not exist!”