Ogun State Celebrates Academic Excellence: UNILAG’s 5.0 CGPA Graduates Honored with N10 Million Each
In a remarkable display of academic excellence, two outstanding students from Ogun State, Samuel Akinade Badekale and Damilare Haroun Adebakin, have made history by graduating from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) with a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0. Their exceptional achievement has not gone unnoticed, as they have been honored by the Ogun State government with a cash reward of N10 million each and appointed as Education Ambassadors.
The Journey to Academic Excellence
Samuel Akinade Badekale, a native of Ijebu-Ilese, and Damilare Haroun Adebakin, from Abeokuta, both pursued a degree in Cell Biology and Genetics at UNILAG. Their dedication, discipline, and hard work culminated in an extraordinary accomplishment that saw them recognized as the overall best-graduating students during UNILAG’s 55th convocation ceremony.
While Badekale consistently maintained a strong academic foundation, Adebakin’s journey was marked by resilience. Initially aspiring to study Medicine and Surgery, he faced four unsuccessful admission attempts before choosing Cell Biology and Genetics. Despite the setbacks, he remained determined and ultimately emerged as one of the best graduates in Nigeria.
Recognition by Governor Abiodun
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in recognition of their outstanding performance, hosted the scholars at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He praised them for bringing honor to the state and serving as an inspiration to other students. As a token of appreciation, he awarded each of them N10 million and appointed them as Education Ambassadors for Ogun State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun emphasized his administration’s commitment to rewarding excellence and motivating young individuals to strive for academic success. He noted that their achievements serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement for students across the state.
Beyond Academics: A Passion for Impact
Beyond excelling in their studies, both graduates have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to personal development. Adebakin, for instance, was actively involved in extracurricular activities, serving as the captain of his class and departmental football teams. He also co-founded TechBio, a platform that provides free data science training to students.
Badekale, on the other hand, has been a mentor to fellow students, encouraging them to prioritize their education while balancing social activities. Both scholars have expressed their gratitude to their families, lecturers, and peers who supported them throughout their academic journey.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As Education Ambassadors, Badekale and Adebakin will work closely with students in Ogun State, sharing their experiences and motivating others to strive for excellence. Their story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and determination.
Governor Abiodun’s gesture reinforces the importance of recognizing and rewarding academic brilliance, ensuring that young Nigerians continue to aspire for greatness in their educational pursuits.
Their success story is a reminder that with dedication, perseverance, and the right support system, outstanding achievements are within reach. The future indeed looks bright for these brilliant minds, and their impact is bound to be felt for years to come.
At Samedug, we celebrate and share inspiring success stories like this to motivate students and young professionals. Stay connected with us for more stories of excellence and opportunities to advance your education.
