How UNILAG’s Mass Communication Department Made History With 18 All-Female First Class Graduates

18 All-Female First-Class Graduates

History was made during the 2023/2024 graduation of the University of Lagos as the Department of Mass Communication produced 18 all-female first-class graduates, a first in the department’s 59-year history.

The 18 females who bagged first class were praised and applauded for their remarkable feat during the school’s 55th convocation, which was held recently.

The 18 outstanding first-class graduates include Feranmi Abiola, Ahuruele Akani, Oyindamola Arikawe, Ifedayo Ayilaran, Demiladeogo Bankole, Olaide Bankole, Eniola Daramola, Faith Enang, Temiloluwa Igbinlade, Joy Imanah, Ifeoma Iwelunmor, Chelsea Jegede, Opeyemi Kareem, Eunice Obidi, Frances Odogu, Mofesola Olanrewaju, Funmilola Onabanjo, and Peace Onuoha.

The university commended the students for their exceptional academic achievements, emphasizing their hard work, dedication, and resilience.

In her remarks, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola praised the university’s groundbreaking accomplishments in infrastructure, innovation, and academic excellence.

Some of the graduates had this to say about their feat.

Chelsea Jegede, Data Analyst and Founder of Selfless Heart Foundation, said:

 “The journey had its challenges, but I saw each one as an opportunity to shine even brighter. I’ve always believed that the path to greatness is never the smoothest or most convenient, but with Christ in me, I approached every obstacle knowing I would win. There were moments when things felt overwhelming, but over time, I learned to handle challenges one at a time.

I’m incredibly proud of all I achieved during my time at Unilag. I successfully balanced my academics with running a thriving makeup business, building my career, running an NGO, serving as a student executive, and actively participating in ministry—all while maintaining a balanced social life. It was hard work, but I knew “I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

For Peace Onuoha, a photographer, product manager, and digital media specialist, she wanted to study law and was given mass communication instead. She also juggled two jobs and other projects with her degree but was determined to finish with a first class.

In her words:

“I always wanted to study law, but when that didn’t happen, I quietly promised myself that I wouldn’t leave Mass Communication without a first-class degree. That was all the motivation I needed.

I never stayed in the hostel; I juggled two jobs, commuted daily, and kept up with a photography internship. My time at school was anything but easy. Balancing school with creative and entrepreneurial projects was intense, but in my final year, things got even more exciting when I landed an internship at a multinational company. I managed campaigns, covered events, and interviewed Ministers, Senators, and top executives, applying what I had learned in class and through my experiences.

Despite the pressure, I never missed classes or deadlines. I had to master time management and stay on top of everything, even if it meant working late into the night. When things got overwhelming, I leaned on God for strength and direction. His guidance was my anchor. My proudest achievement”. 

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