Trinity University (TU), Yaba, Lagos, has introduced three new awards to honour outstanding students in academic excellence, innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit.
Dr Samuel Adedoyin, TU Chancellor, announced this during the university’s third convocation ceremony, held on Friday in Lagos. The event also conferred an honorary doctorate on Mr Gabriel Ajayi, an architect.
The convocation, themed ‘Convoking a Galaxy of Stars: Empowered to Lead, Inspire to Serve’, saw 122 students graduate, including 28 first-class honours and 65 second-class upper division.
Adedoyin stated that the awards will be endowed in perpetuity. He said, “These awards aim to inspire and motivate others towards excellence in academics, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”
The Chancellor’s Prize for Overall Best Student is for the highest academic achiever. It reflects TU’s commitment to academic excellence and student achievement.
The second is the Chancellor’s Prize for Innovation, awarded to students or groups who create innovative solutions to real-world problems, encouraging creative and original thinking.
Designed to promote entrepreneurship, this award honours students pushing boundaries with inventive ideas, practical solutions, and imaginative approaches to problem-solving.
The third, the Chancellor’s Prize for Entrepreneurship, recognises students showing exceptional initiative and leadership in developing businesses, products, or services with real-world impact.
“This also encourages risk-taking and passion in business,” Adedoyin explained, urging students to embrace entrepreneurship and turn creative ideas into tangible ventures.
Prof. Clement Kolawole, TU Vice-Chancellor, described the graduates as equipped with knowledge, practical skills and character. He said they are fully prepared for the job market.
He added, “I’m confident the skills gained here will empower them to thrive globally and positively influence the world.”
Kolawole noted partnerships with Wissen Global (Swedish Embassy) on digital literacy and entrepreneurship, and Wavecrest College for training in hospitality, mixology, and event management.
He further disclosed that TU signed an MoU with Sound Mind Initiative to start a certificate programme in Addictive Science to help tackle the global drug crisis.
He urged alumni to support their alma mater. “Stay connected, contribute, and uphold the university’s mission and values,” he said.
Adebowale Tade, TU’s Board of Trustees Chairman, advised graduates to be excellent ambassadors, adding, “Education is not only for personal gain, but to impact others’ lives.
He charged them to “embrace godliness, academic excellence, professionalism, responsibility, integrity, leadership, and discipline — the core values of Trinity University.”
Animashaun Adedolapo, best graduating student of Mass Communication (CGPA 4.95), described his university journey as a “rollercoaster of triumphs, struggles, and surprises.”
He said, “We’re the Class of 2024, who began in 2020 — a time of lockdowns and uncertainty. Though afraid, we endured and emerged stronger.
“Our greatest test wasn’t exams, but surviving a pandemic. Today, we stand tall, proof that resilience overcomes adversity.”
Madaki Eric, another first-class Mass Communication graduate, said that he was thrilled. He credited his success to God, his parents and the institution’s support.
“I feel elated. Hard work and dedication paid off. I constantly monitored my performance each semester to ensure I stayed on track,” Eric stated.
