Morenikeji Adebanjo, 20-year-old graduate of Law from Baze University, has emerged as the overall best student at the institution’s 10th convocation ceremony.
With a cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.81 out of 4.0, Adebanjo outshone 388 undergraduate candidates, solidifying her place as a rising star.
The ceremony, held in Abuja on Saturday, witnessed Adebanjo expressing gratitude to her lecturers, family and the nurturing environment at Baze University for contributing to her success.
Her achievement, she emphasized, was a collective effort that transcended individual accolades.
Adebanjo said: “A lot actually inspired me. First is God, second is my family, and this achievement is not an individual feat but a collective accomplishment through Baze university, including my lecturers who were of great help to me. Sometimes, I go to meet them for extra explanation, and they take the time to really make me understand. I appreciate their efforts. It was a collective effort and I thank God for it.”
Looking ahead, she pledged to contribute positively to society, especially by mentoring undergraduates and utilizing the law as a catalyst for positive change.
Oseloka Zikora, a standout Mass Communication student, also shared the spotlight, securing the title of overall best in Master’s programme with a perfect 5.0 CGPA on a scale of 5.0 outperforming 225 candidates.
Roosevelt Ken-Ebeku, another graduating student, also president of the Student Union Government, urged his fellow graduates to share the values and lessons learned at the institution with the society at large, while applauding the management for providing a diverse range of social activities and noted that the 10th convocation marked a significant milestone in the industry’s history.
Addressing the gathering, acting vice-chancellor, Prof Kathleen Okafor, projected the university’s remarkable progress, boasting an increased number of academic programmes from 72 in 2022 to an impressive 102 in 2023. This comprehensive offering, he said, comprised 43 undergraduates courses, 41 post-graduates programmes and 18 PhD programmes.
Prof Okafor emphasized the crucial role of women in economic regeneration and urged universities to impart education that is relevant, ethical and addresses societal challenges.
Encouraging the graduating students to pursue self-development in their specialized disciplines and join professional associations to enhance their digital skills, she stressed the significance of being well-equipped for the demands of the modern workplaces.
The convocation then paid tribute to two distinguished Nigerians posthumously: the late Mrs Maryam Babangida who was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science degree, and the late Justice Mohammed Bello received an Honorary Doctor of Letter, respectively.
