The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has conferred 10,584 students with first degrees and diplomas, while 5,782 students were awarded postgraduate degrees from the School of Postgraduate Studies. An additional 140 graduates completed programmes at the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS).
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, disclosed this during the institution’s 56th convocation ceremonies, noting that the degree awards were spread across three days.
According to her, a total of 16,506 graduands took part in the ceremonies, comprising 10,584 undergraduates and diploma students, 5,782 postgraduate students, and 140 ULBS graduates.
Other highlights of the convocation included the conferment of emeritus professor status on two academics—James Olowokudejo of the Department of Botany and Duro Oni of the Department of Theatre Arts.
In addition, Akinsanya Osibogun, a scholar of medicine, was conferred with the title of distinguished professor, while two gold medals were awarded to Ayoka Olusakin, professor of Counselling Psychology, and Taiwo Ipaye, director of the Office of Advancement and former registrar, in recognition of their service to the university and the nation.
The university also conferred honorary doctorate degrees on two Nigerians. Jubril Tinubu received a Doctor of Business degree, while Kanu Agabi, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, was awarded a Doctor of Laws degree.
At the postgraduate level, the overall best PhD thesis award in Sciences was won by Haruna Abubakar (Civil and Environmental Engineering), while Beatrice Zuhunben (Educational Psychology) emerged best PhD thesis winner in Humanities. The best DBA thesis from ULBS was awarded to Oyeyemi Adebamowo.
Ogunsola also highlighted notable graduands, including Hammid Taju, who obtained a PhD in French at the age of 78, making him the oldest graduating student this year. Oba Sulaimon Adekunle Bamgbade, the Olofin of Isheri, also graduated with an MSc in Systems Engineering.
She noted that the university retained its joint first position in Nigeria in the 2026 Times Higher Education ranking, placing within the 801–1000 global band out of 2,191 institutions. The ranking, she said, showed UNILAG leading nationally in research quality and industry income.
Ogunsola thanked members of the university’s senate, staff, alumni, partners, and stakeholders for their continued support, noting that the institution remains focused on strengthening teaching, research, and community service.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
