The Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has made history by producing 18 all-female first-class graduates for the 2023/2024 academic session.

This remarkable feat was unveiled during the award of first-degree honours at the university’s 55th convocation ceremony, which commenced on Tuesday.

The convocation, spanning three days, will see 16,590 students conferred with degrees and diplomas. Of this number, 9,865 will receive first degrees and diplomas, while 6,659 will be awarded postgraduate degrees. Additionally, 66 students will graduate from the UNILAG Business School (ULBS).

The exceptional Mass Communication graduates include Feranmi Abiola, Ahuruele Akani, Oyindamola Arikawe, Ifedayo Ayilaran, Demiladeogo Bankole, Olaide Bankole, Eniola Daramola, Faith Enang, Temiloluwa Igbinlade, Joy Imanah, Ifeoma Iwelunmor and Chelsea Jegede.

Others are Opeyemi Kareem, Eunice Obidi, Frances Odogu, Mofesola Olanrewaju, Funmilola Onabanjo and Peace Onuoha.

The university commended the graduates for their diligence and resilience in achieving academic excellence.

Speaking at the ceremony, UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, celebrated the university’s groundbreaking achievements in innovation, infrastructure, and academic excellence.

She highlighted the MED-AFRICA GMP Laboratory, the first of its kind in West Africa, located in the Faculty of Pharmacy. “The $450,000 state-of-the-art facility facilitates groundbreaking research on HIV prevention,” she said.

The Vice-Chancellor also mentioned the inauguration of the African Centre of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS), funded by the World Bank, and the launch of the Green Air Initiative, which introduced eight electric buses for campus transportation.

In addition, she acknowledged contributions to the university’s development, including Tunde Fanimokun’s N14.5 billion pledge for hostels and research centres, and support from the Lagos State Government for various projects.