The Lagos State Baptist Students Alumni Association has rewarded 11 first-class graduates of the fellowship with N500,000 each for their academic excellence and commitment to Christian values.
The awards were handed out at the fellowship’s 40th Refreshing Conference, held at Shepherd Hill Baptist Church in Obanikoro, Lagos. Fellowship president Sunday Oguntola told attendees that no amount of money could truly compensate the graduates for the long nights and sacrifices behind their results, describing the cash gift instead as a gesture of gratitude.
He emphasized the recipients achieved their results through hard work, honesty and reliance on God, noting that they did not resort to examination malpractice or other unethical means to attain first-class honours.“This is just a token to say we appreciate you for representing academic excellence and godliness,” he said.
Oguntola encouraged other students in the fellowship not to be discouraged if they weren’t currently on track for similar honors, pointing out that many past honorees started college with weaker grades before improving over time.
He framed the fellowship’s broader message as one of possibility that consistent effort and reliance on faith can lead not just to academic success, but to success in life more broadly.Among the honorees was Oluwatimilehin Olalere, who graduated from the University of Lagos with a 4.6 CGPA in Accounting.
Olalere said achieving the feat was not easy, noting that he studied diligently, paid attention during lectures and made effective use of tests and other academic assessments,, adding that he never seriously considered giving up despite the difficulty of maintaining his pace.
Fellow recipient Alade Ololade, who graduated with a 4.51 CGPA from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, said achieving first class hadn’t actually been her plan, she’d deliberately avoided fixating on competing with classmates. She also disclosed that she balanced her studies with running her business and serving as a member of the fellowship, calling the balancing act genuinely difficult.
Hadizat Giwa