By Gabriel Dike

University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos has made history as the institution has produced 231 First Class, out of the 12, 617 graduating students in the 2015/2016 academic year.

UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rahamon Bello told newsmen at a pre-convocation briefing, yesterday, that, “out of the first degree graduating students, 231 passed in the first class division, with the Faculty of Engineering topping the list with 46 first class graduating students. I,705 passed out in the Second Class Upper Division, 2,972 are in Second Class Lower Division, 1,372 in Third Class, 103 with Pass degree while 517 have degrees or diplomas that are not classified,’’ he said.

Two female students in faculties of Science and Engineering were among the 231 first class graduates.

They have 5.00 Grade Point Average (GPA) which the vice chancellor described as perfect scores.

“This year, we have two female students, Miss Bankole Taiwo from Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Miss Omotuyi, Oyindamola Ajoke from Department of System Engineering, Faculty of Engineering with perfect scores, Cumulative Grade Point Average CGPA of 5.00,’’ he said.

He said three eminent Nigerians, including Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Ekanemi, honoris causa in Public Administration; Prof. John Pepper Clark, D. Litt (honoris causa) and Prof. Ayodele Francis Ogunye, honoris causa in Engineering, would be honoured with honorary doctorate degrees.

Bello also disclosed that Prof. Osato Frank Giwa-Osagie would be honoured with Emeritus Professorship of UNILAG while four professors, Prof. Babajide Alo, Prof. Olukayode Amud, Prof. (Mrs.) Cecilia Igwilo and Prof. Jim Unah would become distinguished professors.

Meanwhile, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will deliver the  university’s convocation lecture.

The lecture entitled: “Building a Succession- Generation: Reflections on Values and Knowledge in Nation Building,” will hold at the main auditorium of the university, to be chaired by a former minister of Foreign Affairs, Major General Ike Nwachukwu (retd).

A letter from the university, signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rahamon Bello, said Fayemi’s nomination as guest lecturer was “informed by the established tradition of best practice in the university which extends such invitation to renowned scholars and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, who have distinguished themselves in their chosen career and/or in service to humanity.”