Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
For Ayilara Olawale, graduating from Lagos State University was never just about crossing a stage. It was the culmination of a journey defined by discipline, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence that has now earned him the title of the university's overall best graduating student for the 2024/2025 academic session. The Lagos State University (LASU) announced the Project Management Technology graduate as its top scholar on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, during a press briefing ahead of the institution's combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies, revealing that Olawale achieved an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.96 and graduated with First Class Honours.
The announcement of Olawale's achievement was made by LASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who also disclosed that the university would graduate more than 20,000 students across the two academic sessions. Among these, 494 students bagged First Class honours, while Olawale stood out as the brightest of the 7,621 first-degree graduates from the 2024/2025 session. His feat was matched in the subsequent session by Samuel Adebanjo Oluolamide of the Department of Aerospace Engineering, who claimed the top spot for the 2025/2026 session with an even more impressive CGPA of 4.97. Both scholars have been celebrated as exceptional talents, with their near-perfect academic performances shocking the university community.
Olawale's journey to academic excellence was not a stroke of luck. In November 2025, after completing his degree, he reflected on the experience as one that tested his ability to remain focused through difficult moments. "It's a journey filled with discipline, sustainability, endurance and perseverance," he wrote. Beyond the classroom, he was also a graduate of the Project1500 initiative and an alumnus of the Millennium Fellowship, LASU Cohort, demonstrating that his commitment to growth extended beyond the lecture halls.
Reacting to the recognition, Olawale took to his X handle, attributing his success to divine grace. "Grateful beyond words to graduate as the Best Graduating Student of Lagos State University, Ojo, for the 2024/2025 Session. Every victory was by Allah's grace. Here's to bigger dreams, impact, and a lifetime of excellence," he wrote. His words echoed the sentiment of his fellow top graduate, Adebanjo, who also dedicated his achievement to God, saying, "All glory to God for His grace, wisdom, and strength every step of the way. What God cannot do does not exist!"
The combined convocation ceremonies, scheduled from August 14 to 23, will see thousands of graduates receive their degrees, with prominent figures such as Aliko Dangote expected to be honoured. But for Ayilara Olawale, the moment represents more than just a ceremony. It is the beginning of a new chapter, one that he has already signalled with a simple but powerful message: "Here's to bigger dreams, impact, and a lifetime of excellence". His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of faith, and the belief that excellence is not an accident but a choice made every day. As he steps into the world beyond LASU, he carries with him not just a degree, but a legacy of discipline and determination that will inspire generations to come.
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