The Alumni Association of the Distance Learning Institute (DLI), University of Lagos, has presented cash awards of ₦50,000 each to six outstanding graduating students in recognition of their academic excellence. The presentation took place on Wednesday during the institute’s convocation ceremony, held at the DLI auditorium of the university.
The beneficiaries of the alumni awards were drawn from different academic programmes offered by the institute. They include Fadipe Olanrewaju from Accounting, Fagbore Omotola from Biology Education, Adefuye Motunrayo from Business Administration, Molokwu Innocent from Economics, Ajayi Oluwatosin from Mathematics Education, and Olowu Yusuf from Public Administration.
Among the award recipients, Fadipe Olanrewaju stood out as the overall best graduating student, having achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.87. His performance earned him special recognition during the ceremony, drawing applause from fellow graduands, lecturers, alumni members, and invited guests.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the DLI Alumni Association, Oluwafemi Olawoyin, explained that the cash donations were instituted to encourage excellence and reward the best graduating student in each academic programme. He noted that the initiative was part of the alumni body’s commitment to supporting the institute and motivating current students.
Olawoyin acknowledged public concerns about whether ₦50,000 was sufficient as a reward for academic excellence, especially for students who had distinguished themselves under demanding academic conditions. Responding to such concerns, he assured that the association had plans to review and increase the award amounts in subsequent sessions.
According to him, the alumni association is still in its rebuilding phase, having been re-inaugurated about a year ago. He described the convocation awards as the second edition of the initiative, stressing that growth and improvement remain central to the association’s agenda.
“Part of our agenda is to make sure that we’re improving every session,” Olawoyin said. “The more money the alumni give, the more inclusiveness we’re getting from people, the more people are understanding that they need to give back to their alma mater, and the more financial confidence the association will have to do better.”
He further revealed that the long-term vision of the alumni body is to significantly scale up the awards. “Obviously, we’re looking at making it a million and above for each student. It’s not too much. They deserve it,” he added, drawing positive reactions from the audience.
The convocation ceremony also featured other recognitions, including the presentation of the DLI Director’s Award to a distinguished entrepreneur for the 2024/2025 academic session. The award, presented in the form of a plaque, was aimed at celebrating outstanding contributions and excellence beyond the classroom.
The Director of the Distance Learning Institute, Prof. Risikat Dauda, used the occasion to commend the best graduating student, Fadipe Olanrewaju, describing his achievement as a model of academic discipline and professional excellence. She praised his consistency and determination throughout his academic journey at the institute.
Prof. Dauda disclosed that Fadipe joined the Bachelor of Science programme in Accounting at the 300-level as a Direct Entry student during the 2021/2022 academic session. Despite the compressed timeline, she said he distinguished himself academically and professionally.
Providing further insight into his background, the DLI Director noted that Fadipe graduated with distinction in both his National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes. She added that he was also a beneficiary of a scholarship from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and qualified as an Associate Chartered Accountant in 2020.
Beyond academics, Prof. Dauda highlighted Fadipe’s professional achievements, noting his role as Finance Coordinator at Tenax Marine Limited, a marine logistics company based in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State. She explained that his ability to provide strategic financial insights and ensure regulatory compliance demonstrated a strong blend of academic knowledge and practical expertise.
She further described him as diligent, disciplined, and supportive, noting that he consistently showed a willingness to make positive contributions wherever he found himself. According to her, such qualities set him apart and made his recognition at the convocation well deserved.
The awards, observers say, underscore the growing role of alumni associations in celebrating excellence and strengthening ties between graduates and their institutions, while also reinforcing the culture of merit and recognition within Nigeria’s higher education system.
