So Inspiring! Son of Security Guard Emerges LASU’s Best Graduating Student

Michael Arowosegbe, the son of a contract security man, emerged the overall best graduating student of the Lagos State University (LASU) Ojoo, on Wednesday, 25th of May, 2016 during the institution’s 20th convocation ceremony.

According to Vanguard, the 24-year-old student who hails from Awe, Oyo State, obtained a First Class in Biochemistry, graduated with a 4.86 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

Aderibigbe was called 3 times to the podium to receive awards. He not only emerged as the overall best out of the 17,694 students that graduated, he also won the best  faculty graduating student award and the provost’s award for the best graduating student  for his exceptional performance.

He told the audience that  his stay as a student of the institution was by chance and at the insistence of his father, who wanted him to study biochemistry as opposed to his dream of studying medicine and surgery, at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Speaking of his father’s role in his achievement, he said:

”I reluctantly chose LASU as my second choice in the 2011 UTME examination and almost ignored the post UTME that year because I had already written that of OAU, where I scored 278, with the hope to study medicine and surgery.

”So, the biochemistry I chose in LASU was to fulfil all righteousness and to please my father. Look at where that choice has brought me today!

”Many of my friends and colleagues never knew my father was once a contract staff, attached to LASU Campus Marshall.

”As his son, I had witnessed him being stoned at a protest in my 100 level, I could not cry. He also had a major accident on  November 9, 2012, at  the school premises, which changed his life and left his limbs immobile initially. Although, he is currently recuperating.”

Appreciating his dad’s effort, he said: ”God bless you, Mr. Arowesegbe Ajibade Joseph. I draw strength from what you have gone through in life, and I am grateful for your sacrifice for me and my siblings. I also thank my mother and other siblings for their support.”

He also used the opportunity to thank those who contributed to his success story and called on the Lagos State Government to do more for the school having begun a good work.

”I will like to appreciate the University authority for their tireless efforts to make this University the pride of the world, through the assistance and goodwill of Lagos State Government.

”Although, the new look of the institution gladdens our hearts. Mr. Governor, Sir, a lot needs to be done to enhance research and infrastructure development across all faculties.

”Our goal is to become the best university in Africa and this can be achieved in the nearest future because we have some of the best brains in the world.”

Photo credit: Vanguard