Miss Isioma Nwosu, the overall best student of Lagos State University for the 2023/2024 academic session, says she thought she had failed in life when she could not secure admission to study medicine and surgery.

Nwosu, who graduated with a cumulative grade point average of 4.93 from the Department of Biochemistry, made this known in her valedictory speech at the 28th convocation ceremony of LASU.

LASU awarded diplomas, degrees, and certificates at the event, which took place on its main campus in Ojo.

Nwosu said that she had never heard of biochemistry until LASU offered her admission to the course.

“In 2019, after graduating as the valedictorian of my secondary school, I faced a setback and had to rewrite UTME.

“A valedictorian writing UTME again? It was a bitter pill to swallow. My dream was to study medicine and surgery at the University of Ibadan.

“I fell just two points below the cut-off mark. The news of my repeat spread like a wildfire in my secondary school.

“I thought I had failed in life,” she said.

Nwosu said that she equally applied for medicine and surgery at LASU but was offered biochemistry.

“This time, I made LASU my first choice and, again, aiming for medicine and surgery.

“However, I was offered biochemistry, a course I had never heard of.

“My heart broke the second time,” she said.

She said that she could not embrace the course in her first year.

She said that some of her lecturers and friends, however, encouraged her to put in her best.

Nwosu advised students to study hard and be confident.

She also advised her fellow graduates to believe in themselves regardless of their grades.

“You completed this phase. You are resilient, capable and prepared for the future. The world is waiting for your greatness and manifestation.

“To everyone listening, never be afraid of having big dreams, your dreams are the seeds of greatness.

“Additionally, surround yourself with friends with values and equal visions and ambitions,” she said.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, charged the graduating students to ‘write their stories the way they want it to be told’.

“Do not submit your future to the uncertainties of life; instead, chart your own path with precision.

“I extend my warmest congratulations on your years of hard work and relentless pursuit of academic excellence,” she said.

She said the university was proud to confer diplomas and degrees on a total of 11,917 students who had been found worthy by the Senate of the university.

“They have demonstrated excellence in both character and learning and are therefore worthy of being awarded the certificate of this prestigious university.

“The ultimate goal is to use your knowledge and skill to drive meaningful change wherever you find yourselves,” she told the graduating students.

NAN

Cross Section of Secondary School Students who attended Polaris Bank’s IWD Seminar held in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria – March 24, 2025 – Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment through its International Women’s Day (IWD) Seminar, themed: “Accelerating Action: Breaking Barriers & Creating Equal Opportunities”. The event provided a platform for thought leaders, professionals, and advocates to emphasize the urgent need to accelerate action towards gender equality by breaking barriers and creating equal opportunities for women across all sectors. Speaking at the event, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Mrs. Abimbola Ozomah conveyed greetings from the Managing Director/CEO, Management, and Staff of the Bank, highlighting the importance of the day. “International Women’s Day is a moment to recognize the remarkable achievements, contributions, and struggles of women throughout history and across all sectors of society. However, it is also a call to action. This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ urges us to take swift and decisive steps toward achieving gender equality by breaking down systemic barriers and biases that hinder women’s progress.”
Reinforcing Polaris Bank’s commitment to gender inclusivity, Mrs. Ozomah, stated, “At Polaris Bank, we believe that real progress happens when organizations go beyond conversation and actively implement policies that support women’s growth. Empowering women and ensuring their inclusion in every sphere of society, is at the core of our values. This seminar is part of our broader mission to create an inclusive and equitable society for all.”
The seminar featured an insightful conversation with industry experts who shared practical strategies for overcoming systemic barriers, fostering leadership opportunities, and enhancing financial inclusion for women.
In her experience sharing session, Ayaba M. Ayo-Joseph, a Non-Executive Director with Polaris Bank, advocated that women should be supportive of each other, stating, “We as women should help each other and not bring each other down. These efforts should not be restricted to just International Women’s Day or a day just in March. This should be practiced all the time. She also shared 8 Ways to Accelerate Action for women’s empowerment.
Economic independence for women, stepping out into leadership roles as we need more women in leadership positions, advocating for gender-friendly workspaces, being a mentor to uplift others, practicing self-care, creating safe spaces for women, collaborating with other women to build strength in unity, and being digitally savvy to leverage technology for growth. She concluded her session with a powerful reminder to womenfolk saying: “The change we wish to see starts with us. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries and support each other as we go.”
Mrs. Subulade Giwa-Amu, a Non-Executive Director, Polaris Bank, stated the role of character and purpose in achieving success, saying, “Success is built on character, resilience, and purpose. Challenges will arise, but integrity is the key to overcoming them.” She also highlighted the importance of financial independence and self-investment, adding, “Financial independence starts with vision and focus. Work-life balance is essential, but prioritization is crucial at different stages of life.”
She further advised women to continuously invest in themselves, saying, “Invest in yourself, continuous learning and personal growth are non-negotiable for success.” Speaking on women’s empowerment, she urged collaboration over competition: “There is room for everyone at the top. Women must support and uplift each other, rather than compete unnecessarily.”
Tolulope Makinwa-Adeniyi, Executive Director, Muazu Africa, reiterated the power of relationships and personal development: “Relationships are invaluable. Express admiration, nurture connections, and build a network that will open doors for you.” She also encouraged personal growth, saying, “Do the hard things, growth comes from embracing challenges, stepping out of comfort zones, and pushing beyond limitations.”
She further stressed the importance of Mastery, stating, “Mastery is power. Stay ahead by continuously upgrading your skills, embracing new technologies, and refining your expertise”. Calling for a mindset shift, especially amongst the school girls from the five selected schools in Lagos state present at the event. She remarked, “The ‘Cinderella Complex’ must end—women don’t need to be saved; they need to take charge of their own destinies.”
Ndidi Ukaonu, MD/CEO of Parthian Partners, called for action over conversation: “It’s time to move beyond discussions about gender equality and start implementing real change.” She encouraged individuals to define their impact and take ownership of their success, challenging them to ask, “What am I known for? What legacy am I building? How am I contributing to change?”
She also reinforced the need for confidence and taking initiative, saying, “Stop waiting for permission to be great—own your power and walk in it.” Closing with a rallying call, she urged participants to, “Accelerate action, break barriers, and create opportunities. The world is waiting for you to step up. The time is now”.
Polaris Bank remains steadfast in its mission to drive change, ensuring that women are not only heard but also empowered to lead.

Nigeria foremost Businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Ibraheem Dende Egungbohun (IBD) has called on government at all levels to continue to make vocational and technical education more attractive to youths in order for the Country to meet up with the global industrial challenges.Alhaji Egungbohun made the call while speaking to Journalists after he was conferred with the Ogun State Institute of Technology, OGITECH, Igbesa fellowship award.Represented by his spouse, Chief Egungbohun also challenged government to make technical and vocational education more enticing to the youths to solve the challenge of unemployment.He noted that many developed countries now prioritize vocational and technical education as against issues that are not beneficial to the youths while also saying that the move would make the youth self-reliant.His words, “It is only through vocational and technical education that the youth can get entrepreneurial knowledge to stand and work on their own. Government should then make it more enticing to the youth. It is the way forward for this country to end this youthful restfulness.”He commended the Ogun State government for placing high premium on Education and the current revitalisation of technical colleges across the State through the rehabilitation among other interventions.He further stressed the need for the government at all levels to place more emphasis on the establishment of skill acquisition centers for the school graduates to learn vocations in addition to their certificates.According to him, the move will reduce the over dependence on white-collar jobs among the youths in the country.Stressing the importance of technical and vocational education for the youths in the society, the business mogul explained that for a country to achieve technological advancement and economic development, there was urgent need for government to pay premium attention to Polytechnic education and make it more practical in approachHe appreciated the Rector and other management of Ogun State Institute of Technology Igbesa for bestowing on him the highest honour of the School while promising to do more in uplifting the less privilege in the society.Alhaji Egungbohun said government alone cannot fund education, he challenged other well to do in the society to adopt a school in the State and make a meaningful impact in such school.