Nigeria’s renowned industrialist and billionaire philanthropist, Prince (Dr) Samuel Adeoyin, has expressed his desire to do more for humanity and help in the development of the society.
This is as he thanked God Almighty for making it possible for him to realise his vision of touching the lives of many Nigerians.
Dr Adedoyin spoke at the 27th convocation ceremony of the Lagos State University, LASU, where he was conferred with Doctor of Letters in Commerce, Industry and National Development on Thursday at the Buba Marwa Auditorium on the school’s campus in Ojo local government area.
Adedoyin, an indigene of Agbamu area of Kwara State and owner of Doyin Group of Companies, thanked the management of LASU for the honour, saying that age was no barrier to success.
He promised to continue to do his best for humanity having recently donated an ICT Centre to the academic institution.
His words: “I thank God Almighty for being here today for the honour. I thank God for what He has done in my life and for making it possible for me to realise my vision and do much more.
“Age is no barrier to success. Even at this age, I pray that God will give me the opportunity to do more. I will continue to do more for the institution by the grace of God.
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“Though things might be difficult in Nigeria today, God will make it easy for us. With determination and with the fear of God, we will move forward. Through this government, Nigeria will rise again and God will bless all of us together.”
While delivering his speech at the event, the governor of Lagos State and Visitor to the institution, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, commended Prince Adedoyin and others that were honoured as well as the students who had graduated earlier in the week; and those who graduated with doctorate degrees in several fields during the ceremony.
Sanwo-Olu stated that the graduation event was the fourth he would be attending as governor, and expressed delight that LASU had continued to live up to the high expectations of its founding fathers.
The governor said that the products of the institution had continued to excel in learning and character, and recalled that 10 out of 13 newly sworn-in high court judges in the state were graduates of LASU.
“LASU has attracted local and international recognitions and it’s the best state-owned university in Nigeria and 9th best in the country.
“Recently, we got approval for 20 new academic programmes and the university has sustained uninterrupted academic session. I urge all the undergraduates in the school to remain diligent and be hardworking as there are greater heights to achieve.
“Your being here is not about academic learning alone, but also about personal discovery and you need to ignite your passion in all that you do,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that education was a major tool to address human challenges and needs, adding that the Lagos government was committed to empowering the students in all its universities to unlock their potentials.
He also promised that the state government would provide finance for infrastructure in the universities in the state, especially in LASU, and partner with the private sector on the institution.
Earlier in her speech, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, said that 11, 195 students graduated from the institution in the year, which she said had made significant progress since she assumed office in September 2021.
Professor Olatunji-Bello stated that the university had been elevated to the third most subscribed university in Nigeria, best state university in Nigeria and 9th best in the country.
“We strengthened our research and trained our staff in intellectual property management. LASU has consistently been the best in West Africa in sustainability and the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment approved five trade marks for the university.
“LASU won three awards at the Nigerian Information Technology Awards, and was awarded as the Most Digitally Advanced State University in Nigeria.
“We have expanded our infrastructural base with Femi Gbajabiamlia Centre, LASU Laboratory and Prince Samuel Adedoyin ICT Centre. We provided a conducive environment for the students and staff to excel,” the VC said.
Honoured alongside Prince (Dr) Samuel Adedoyin were Prince (Dr) Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, who was honoured with Doctor of Literature, History, Education and Community Development, as well as Professor Amidu Olalekan Sanni and Professor Martins Anetekhai, both former lecturers in the institution, who were honoured as “Emeritus Professors.”
