*Photo L-R: Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello ( Vice Chancellor), Oba Ashade, Aminat Yusuf*
In what could be described as a confirmation of the words of the Holy Bible in Proverbs 22:29, which says, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men (KJV)”, Aminat Yusuf, the genius Law scholar who emerged the Best Graduating Student in the 40year history of Lagos State University with a perfect CGPA of 5.0 in the ongoing 26th Convocation Ceremonies of the University, was on Sunday, 18th June 2023, hosted by the traditional ruler of Iba Kingdom, Oba Adeshina Suleiman Okikiola Raji Ashade, the Oniba Ekun of Iba, to celebrate her uncommon feat.
According to the revered king, whose kingdom is one of the host communities of LASU, Aminat’s feat was being celebrated not only to open doors of such greatness for his own children, but also to serve as an inspiration to young people in the kingdom that hard work truly pays.
The Oniba, who is also set to be awarded the Honorary Doctorate Degree at the University’s Convocation, commended Aminat for achieving the feat and prayed for her before carrying out a gesture that left many attendees at the event, including the girl’s parents, momentarily stunned.
With the Five Hundred Thousand Naira awarded to her by the University Management on Wednesday, 14th June being the first of the windfall to greet her extraordinary performance, the second public harvest of the fruit of her hard work arrived when the Oniba presented her with a cheque of Two Million Naira in the presence of other traditional rulers and chiefs, members of the University Management and family members of the girl who had attended the event.
Unable to contain their joy, Aminat and her parents, who had escorted her to the King’s palace, wept for joy in what is sure to be the second of many largesse to follow in the coming days.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, expressed her gratitude to God for making the day a reality and extended her appreciation to the Oniba for his numerous contributions to the development of LASU, a situation that informed his conferment with the Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Senate of the University.
On the invitation of the VC, dean of the Faculty of Law, from where Aminat graduated, Prof. Kareem Olatoye, extolled her virtues as a diligent, consistent and tenacious lady who should be a role model to other young people. He also thanked the VC for providing a conducive environment for Aminat and her ilk to succeed.
Earlier in the event, a member of the Governing Council of LASU and prominent son of Iba Kingdom, Hon. Tolani Sule, had stated that the programme was organised to celebrate excellence and to thank the record breaker for being an inspiration to others. He thanked the University Management for facilitating a smooth rapport between the kingdom and the university. Some other notable guests including former Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Kayode Opeifa and Chief (Mrs.) Yeside Fagbohun also added their voices in congratulating Aminat.
The kings of Akesan and Isolo Kingdoms, traditional rulers from surrounding communities, officials of the University and members of the Oniba’s immediate and extended families were also at the event.
Aminat Yusuf will join over Ten Thousand others who would be conferred with the Award of Diplomas, First Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters Degree on Wednesday, 21st June 2023 at the Convocation Ceremonies of the University.
* Credit: Lagos State University Info.official page.
