ULBS Celebrates Class of 2023, Honours Sets’ Overall Awardee

The atmosphere was electric as members of the Class of 2023 of the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS) were celebrated at a reception held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Mariott Hotel, Ikeja.

The event was a grand affair, with guests dressed to the nines and the air filled with excitement as the Overall Best of the Class, Mrs. Itakpe, Abiola Oluyemisi with a Cumulative Grade Point Average 4.84 was honoured. Various categories of awards were also given to several other members of the Class.

The momentous occasion was also an opportunity for the fresh graduates to be officially inducted into the Alumni Association of the University.

The event was witnessed by Management staff of the University, led by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunnsola, OON, FAS. These include the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services) Professor Lucian Obinna Chukwu; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research) Professor Bola Oboh; Acting Registrar; Mrs. Olakunle Makinde, and Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunlola Y. Adekunle; University Librarian, Professor Yetunde Zaid, to the event.

Other members and dignitaries who witnessed the event include: President, UNILAG Alumni Association Worldwide, Engr. Ife Oyedele, FNSE; Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Adeola Sulaiman; Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Abraham Osinubi; Director, GST, Professor Aderonke Lawal-Are; Director, Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Centre (ESDC), Professor Sunday Adebisi; Director ABS-CITS; Professor Hakeem Amuda; Mr. Abolade Akinwunmi amongst others.

In her address at the ceremony, Professor Ogunsola admonished the ULBS class of 2023 to reflect on their academic journey, acknowledge their hard work and dedication, and look forward to the promising future that awaits them in the professional world.

While emphasizing the university’s commitment to providing quality education and fostering a conducive learning environment, the university helmswoman used the occasion to appreciate the ULBS leadership for continually churning out global leaders that the university can be proud of.

“I am proud of the achievements of the ULBS as its latest feat highlights how dedicated and committed the faculty, and other members of staff have been in their delivery of the school’s mandate and mission”

The Executive Director of the School, Professor Mike Adebamowo in his address congratulated the graduating students. Sharing a verse drawn from the bible verse Ecclesiastes 7:8 “the end of a thing is better than its beginning” he opined that success could not have been achieved but for the unflinching support of the Management of the University as well as the School Advisory board.

Prof. Adebamowo highlighted some of the milestones achieved by the school since its establishment. These includes the admission of the ULBS into the membership of Business Graduates Association (BGA), London in August 2020.  Thus, becoming the first Business School in Nigeria to be admitted into the BGA membership. Similarly, the ULBS became the 4th Business School in Nigeria to be recognized by the Association of African Business Schools, Sandton, South Africa (AABS), following its admission into the Association on 12th May 2021.

The elated Overall best Graduating participant, Mrs. Itakpe Abiola Oluyemisi described her achievement as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of scholarly pursuits. She thanked her spouse whom she called a ‘good support system’ as well as her supervisor, Professor Adebisi for their different roles in ensuring her academic success.

Earlier, the Alumni President Worldwide, Engr. Ife Oyedele, FNSE charged members of the class of 2023 to contribute to the development of the University of Lagos.  He noted that the importance of staying connected cannot be overstated in today’s rapidly evolving world.

His words “As alumni, we have a responsibility to not only maintain our ties with each other but also to remain engaged with our alma mater. Our collective efforts can significantly impact the future of this institution and pave the way for the success of future generations of students.

I urge each one of you to actively participate in our association’s initiatives, events, and mentorship programs. By leveraging our diverse talents, experiences, and resources, we can create meaningful opportunities for current students and contribute to the continuous improvement of our alma mater”.

The University of Lagos Business School (ULBS) was established in 2013 to provide Executive Professional degree, Diploma and Certificates programmes specifically tailored to meet the challenges of today’s working world. However, it started operation in 2019, with the enrolment of its first set of participants in September, 2019.

Report: Bayo Salau

Photographs: Ayo Oloyede

Source: UNILAG