Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has rewarded two outstanding graduates of Lagos State University (LASU) with a cash gift of N20 million each for emerging as the institution’s best graduating students.
Sanwo-Olu made this known on Wednesday during LASU’s combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies at the university’s main campus in Ojo, Lagos.
The beneficiaries are Ayilara Lawal Olawale, who emerged as the best graduating student for the 2024/2025 academic session, and
Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide, who claimed the same honour for the 2025/2026 session.
The governor said the ?20 million award for each graduate was his personal donation.
“Ayilara Lawal Olawale and Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide, each one of you will earn 20 million naira each,” Sanwo-Olu said during the ceremony.
Olawale graduated with First Class Honours in Project Management Technology, recording an impressive 4.96 CGPA to emerge as the overall best graduating student for the 2024/2025 session.
Oluolamide also graduated with First Class Honours, earning a remarkable 4.97 CGPA in Aerospace Engineering to claim the top position for the 2025/2026 academic session.
For Oluolamide, the governor’s award adds to an already remarkable week.
Days before the convocation, he received another ?10 million cash prize from the Sunbeth Excellence Partnership Programme in recognition of his academic performance.
With the latest award from Sanwo-Olu, the Aerospace Engineering graduate has now received ?30 million in cash rewards within a matter of days.
LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, disclosed ahead of the convocation that more than 20,000 students graduated across the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions.
A total of 494 graduates finished with First Class Honours.
Olawale expressed gratitude for his achievement, attributing his success to God.
“Grateful beyond words to graduate as the Best Graduating Student of Lagos State University, Ojo, for the 2024/2025 Session,” he wrote.
Oluolamide also celebrated his achievement, highlighting his 4.97 CGPA and First Class degree in Aerospace Engineering.
Sanwo-Olu’s surprise cash awards have attracted widespread reactions, with Nigerians congratulating the graduates and praising their academic achievements.
For the two LASU scholars, years of hard work have now come with a significant financial reward — and a memorable graduation celebration.
