The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Lagos State, has commended the state governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for rewarding the overall best graduating students of Lagos State University (LASU) with N20 million each for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions.
In a personally signed statement by the chairman, Comrade Quadri Odewunmi, the students’ body described the gesture as a significant demonstration of the governor’s commitment to promoting academic excellence, rewarding hard work, and inspiring young Lagosians to pursue excellence in their educational journey.
Odewunmi, in the statement made available to Theliberationnews noted that: “At a time when many students are confronted with financial pressures and other challenges, publicly recognizing outstanding academic achievement sends a powerful message that excellence is valued and that the efforts of students are seen and appreciated by the government.”
He added saying: “NANS JCC Lagos particularly celebrates the beneficiaries, Ayilara Lawal Olawale, who emerged as the overall best graduating student for the 2024/2025 session with a 4.96 CGPA, and Adebanjo Samuel Ololamide, who emerged as the overall best graduating student for the 2025/2026 session with a 4.97 CGPA. Their achievements are worthy of celebration and emulation.
However, while commending the Governor for this commendable initiative, NANS JCC Lagos called for the extension of a similar reward scheme to outstanding graduating students across all tertiary institutions owned by the Lagos State Government.
“Lagos State is home to several institutions producing brilliant and exceptional young Nigerians. Students of LASUED, LASUSTECH, YABATECH, Lagos State College of Nursing, Lagos State College of Health Technology, Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, and other tertiary institutions across the State deserve equal opportunities for recognition when they distinguish themselves academically.
“We therefore appeal to the Lagos State Government to institutionalize an Annual Lagos State Award for Academic Excellence, covering outstanding students across the various state-owned tertiary institutions. Such a policy would create healthy academic competition, motivate students to strive for excellence, and further strengthen the State’s human capital development agenda.
“As the umbrella body representing students across tertiary institutions in Lagos State, NANS JCC Lagos remains committed to supporting policies and initiatives that place students, education and human capital development at the centre of governance.
“We once again appreciate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for this remarkable gesture and urge the Lagos State Government to make the reward for academic excellence broader, more inclusive and sustainable across the State’s tertiary education system. Rewarding excellence today is an investment in the leaders and professionals of tomorrow,” the statement concluded.
