Despite crises, we’re proud of our certificates — LASU graduates

In recent times, many critics have raised doubt over the quality of graduates being churned out by the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo because of crises rocking the institution. But the graduates of the university have risen in stout defence of their alma mater, saying, against all odds, LASU is still one of the best universities in the country.

At the 19th convocation ceremony of the university held last week, the fresh graduates told National Mirror that they would be bold to display their certificates anywhere in the world. And interestingly, just like any other university, the university this year produced some first class from the total 11,791 graduates churned out. They were 12 in all at the first degree level and they were being described by the university as geniuses.
Idowu Ajayi from Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering who did not only win the University Prize as the overall best graduate but also win the Faculty and Tunji Bello’s Prizes, as well as Anderson Anuforo from the College of Medicine and Adebola Vincent from Faculty of Law who equally won their respective faculty prize are among them.
Also, those with post graduate degrees were equally happy to be products of the institution. They were beaming with smiles and shared the moment with their family members who graced the occasion. Abosede Olateju, a 37-year- old civil servant told National Mirror that although, she was sceptical about the quality of training to get when coming to LASU due to various crises rocking the school, she eventually left the institution fully- loaded with skill and Knowledge that will make her more effective at work and other endeavours.
Olateju, who had her first degree from the University of Ibadan and currently working with the Lagos State Management Authority (LAWMA), explained that students in LASU like their counterparts elsewhere would come out of school equipped but only when they are not allowed anything to distract them. LASU lecturers according to her are as good like their counterparts elsewhere in the country.
“They teach well and students who are serious with their studies will come out with good grades and better informed. It is not enough to castigate a school and its products based on crises.
Every university, especially the government-owned in the country has its own one crisis or another to battle with. I know what I am talking about because I had my first degree from UI,” she stressed. She however noted that “as a civil servant, it wasn’t easy to combine schooling with office works.
The task required a lot of sacrifice and I thank God that I am able to make it.” Agreeing with Olateju, another graduand who had his first degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Mr. Ige Onala said as far as he is concerned, LASU’s products are of equal standard with their peers in various fields of endeavours.
According to him, “I believe that with my post graduate diploma certificate from LASU, I should be able to move up the ladder at work and other places it is requested.”
If not for old age which he said was no longer on his side, the 50 something years old graduate would have loved to come to LASU for further studies. One of the PhD graduands at the event, Dr. Moruf Oladimeji, who is a lecturer at Michael Otedola College for Primary Education, MOCPED, Epe, Lagos, said he was particularly happy to have come to LASU for his programme. “Now with my PhD in Business Administration and International Business, I can go places.”
The story is similar from one gradaund to another. Meanwhile, the university’s authorities pointed out that, despite the crises, the university had not lost its relevance in the comity of nation’s universities.
The vice-chancellor, Prof. John Obafunwa noted that the 30-year-old institution does not derail from pursuing excellence, which is the hallmark of its founding fathers. He explained that now with the massive infrastructural development that is taking place in the institution coupled with the reversal of school fees and commitment of workers and students, the university will be the first to reckon with in the country in the nearest future.
He however not contended with the university’s current 48th position in the country according to the Spain-based international research organisation, Cybermetrics Laboratory in its latest rating of world universities.

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