The Governor of Lagos State and Visitor to Lagos State University (LASU), Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced a ₦20 million cash reward each for the University’s best graduating students for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions.

The Governor announced the financial reward in recognition of the outstanding academic achievements of the two graduates, who distinguished themselves as the overall best graduating students in their respective academic sessions.

The gesture is aimed at rewarding academic excellence, hard work and exceptional performance, while encouraging other students to pursue excellence in their academic and professional endeavours.

Who Are LASU’s Best Graduating Students?

The two graduates recognised under the Governor’s announcement are Ayilara Lawal Olawale and Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide.

Ayilara Lawal Olawale – 2024/2025 Best Graduating Student

Ayilara Lawal Olawale, a graduate of Project Management, emerged as the overall best graduating student for the 2024/2025 academic session.

He graduated with an impressive CGPA of 4.96, earning First Class Honours.

His outstanding academic performance placed him at the top of the graduating class and earned him recognition as LASU’s best graduating student for the session.

Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide – 2025/2026 Best Graduating Student

For the 2025/2026 academic session, Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide, a graduate of Aerospace Engineering, emerged as the overall best graduating student.

He recorded an outstanding CGPA of 4.97, graduating with First Class Honours.

His performance represents one of the highest levels of academic achievement recorded among the graduating students for the session.

₦40 Million Total Cash Reward

Under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s announcement, each of the two outstanding graduates will receive ₦20 million.

This means the total financial reward announced for the two LASU best graduating students is ₦40 million.

The reward represents a significant recognition of their academic achievements and is expected to provide meaningful support as they transition from university education into their professional careers.

Sanwo-Olu Promotes Academic Excellence

The Governor’s gesture highlights the Lagos State Government’s commitment to encouraging academic excellence and developing human capital through education.

By recognising students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, the government is also sending a message to young people that dedication, discipline and excellence can attract meaningful recognition.

The initiative is expected to motivate current LASU students and prospective university students to take their academic pursuits more seriously.

A Motivation for LASU Students

The financial reward is expected to serve as an additional motivation for students across LASU to strive for outstanding academic performance.

Beyond the monetary value, the recognition provides an opportunity to celebrate the importance of scholarship, discipline, perseverance and innovation.

The achievements of Ayilara Lawal Olawale and Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide demonstrate the level of academic excellence being produced by Lagos State University.

Their performances may also inspire future LASU students to set higher academic goals and work consistently towards achieving them.

Recognition of Outstanding Academic Performance

The decision to reward the best graduating students across two consecutive academic sessions also demonstrates the importance of recognising academic achievements beyond the classroom.

For the two graduates, the recognition comes at the beginning of their post-university journeys and could provide valuable financial support as they pursue further education, professional development, entrepreneurship or career opportunities.

The gesture also reinforces the broader importance of investing in young graduates and celebrating excellence within Nigeria’s higher education system.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s ₦20 million reward for each of LASU’s best graduating students has placed significant attention on the importance of academic excellence and student achievement.

Ayilara Lawal Olawale, the 2024/2025 best graduating student, achieved a 4.96 CGPA in Project Management, while Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide, the 2025/2026 best graduating student, recorded a 4.97 CGPA in Aerospace Engineering.

Both graduates earned First Class Honours and will receive ₦20 million each, bringing the total announced reward to ₦40 million.

The recognition is expected to encourage LASU students and other young Nigerians to pursue excellence, discipline, innovation and academic achievement.

Congratulations to both outstanding graduates on this remarkable recognition.