The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Distance Learning Institute (DLI) Alumni Association has rewarded its best-graduating students for the 2023/2024 session.
To encourage academic excellence, the association awarded ₦50,000 each to six outstanding graduates across various programmes, including Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Economics, and Education.
This marks the first time in the institute’s history that best graduating students are receiving such recognition, an initiative driven by the alumni body.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the DLI Alumni Association, Mr Olawoyin Oluwafemi, emphasised the need for government to embrace digital learning solutions to reduce the financial burden and operational challenges associated with traditional classroom education.
“I urge the government to focus more on digitalisation for academic improvement and reduce reliance on physical education due to its high costs.
“Digital learning reduces both cost and stress, so more must be done to enhance digital infrastructure in the education sector,” Oluwafemi stated.
He highlighted how digital transformation could revolutionise distance learning programmes, making learning more accessible and cost-effective for students nationwide.
Echoing this sentiment, the pioneer chairman of the association, Dr John Adeleke, stressed the importance of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation among Nigerian students.
He also called on the government to create platforms where students can develop and showcase their skills, ultimately driving economic growth.
“I want to urge the government to create opportunities for entrepreneurship and creativity. Our students need the chance to showcase their skills. When Nigerians travel abroad, they excel because the environment is right. The same success can happen here if government creates an enabling environment for them to thrive.”
Adeleke emphasised that empowering students with entrepreneurial skills would not only reduce unemployment, but also inspire innovation and self-reliance.
“This is the first time in DLI’s history that best graduating students in each programme are receiving awards. It’s an initiative from the alumni association, marking our first effort in giving back.”
We will continue to support future graduates and strengthen the alumni network to foster a culture of giving back to the institution,” Oluwafemi stated.
The best graduating students were Innocent Edewede, Accounting; Biachi Ifeanyi, Business Administration; Nwachukwu Chidinma, Economics; Abazuonu Christiana, Education Biology; Shepherd Kehinde, Public Administration; and Alabe Olamilekan, Innovation Management.
