By Zaynab Adesina and Sumayyah Adelopo
Muslim students of the University of Lagos recorded remarkable academic feats at the institution’s 56th Convocation Ceremonies, with several emerging as the best graduating students in their departments and earning First Class honours across multiple faculties.
Muslim News gathered that Muslim students at UNILAG have consistently distinguished themselves academically over the years, a trend once again evident at the convocation held between Tuesday, January 20 and Thursday, January 22.
As at the time of filing this report, no fewer than 50 Muslim students graduated with First Class degrees across various departments.
Pictures of some of the graduates were displayed with the caption “Meet the First Class Muslim Graduates 2024/2025” boldly printed on a large banner at the university mosque.
The banner, designed by the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) UNILAG chapter, was meant to celebrate the achievements of its members.
The leadership of the Muslim community on campus, however, revealed that the actual number of First Class graduates among Muslim students is higher than the figures captured in the display.
Speaking with Muslim News, Staff Adviser, Prof. Shakirudeen Odunuga commended the graduates for making the Ummah proud, noting that their success is a source of joy for themselves and their families.
Prof. Odunuga added that several Muslim students with First Class degrees were not included in the display. “They are more than fifty,” he said, explaining that some students preferred not to have their names or pictures mentioned.
He emphasized that the achievements reflect dedication, perseverance, and a strong commitment to both academic and spiritual growth.
The convocation highlighted the breadth of disciplines in which Muslim students excelled, spanning Engineering, Management Sciences, Education, Environmental Sciences, Arts, Law, and Science.
Among the top achievers were Feyisayo Yusuf (Actuarial Science) with a CGPA of 4.92, Umamah Tajudeen Abike (Insurance) with 4.90, Mustapha Tunde (Accounting, Management Sciences) with 4.77, Adewuyi Sheriff Abiola (Surveying and Geoinformatics Engineering) with 4.74, and Khadijah Ireoluwa Yusuff (Employment Relations and Human Resource Management) with 4.71.
‘Build on your success with faith and integrity,’ Amir MSSN UNILAG urges graduates
In an emotional address, Amir of MSSN UNILAG, Abdulsalam Muhammad, congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold the values that have shaped their journey. “A journey that begins must indeed come to an end, and this moment is not merely an end, but a conclusion marked by excellence and purpose,” he said. 
He highlighted the diversity of the graduates’ accomplishments. “Among you are those who have committed large portions of the Qur’an to memory, those who have attained depth and distinction in their fields of study, and others who have excelled through character, leadership, service, and resilience. Each of you represents a unique form of excellence, and all of it is worthy of celebration,” he added.
Amir Muhammad reminded students that graduation is not the ultimate destination but a foundation for future growth. “Carry forward the values of faith, discipline, and integrity that have shaped you. Let your knowledge be guided by wisdom, and let your success always be anchored in the consciousness of Allah,” he said.
He sought Allah’s guidance and blessings for the graduates, praying that their efforts be rewarded in this life and the hereafter, and that they serve as ambassadors of Islam wherever their paths may lead. Concluding his address, he extended heartfelt congratulations, saying, “May Allah increase you in goodness and accept all your striving.”
MSSN Lagos congratulates UNILAG Muslim graduates
Also speaking, Amir of MSSN Lagos State Area Unit, Mal Kamoldeen Abiona, lauded the graduates for bringing pride to the Society and the wider Muslim community in Lagos State. He noted that the UNILAG chapter of MSSN operates under his administration.
“On behalf of MSSN Lagos State Area Unit, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim graduates, Class of 2024/2025. Your dedication and perseverance have brought you this remarkable achievement, and we are immensely proud of you. May Allah make this the beginning of greater things in your life,” he said.
Mal Abiona particularly commended those who graduated with First Class honours, describing their achievement as a testament to hard work and commitment to excellence. He encouraged graduates to remain guided by faith and integrity as they transition from academics to the labour market.
“With the solid foundation MSSN has helped you build through guidance and mentorship, you are well-prepared to pursue successful careers, maintain dignity, and establish pious families aligned with Islamic values,” he said.
He also urged graduates to give back to the Society that nurtured them. “As you rise to higher places, In Shaa Allah, do not forget to support MSSN and extend guidance to those coming behind you,” he added, stressing the importance of perseverance, integrity, and continuous learning.
Concluding his speech, Mal Abiona sought Allah’s guidance and blessings upon the graduates, praying that their future endeavours be rewarded in both this life and the hereafter.
He reaffirmed the unity and strength of MSSN UNILAG, the Council of Higher Institutions Lagos, and MSSN Lagos State Area Unit.
Mal Abiona’s address highlighted MSSN Lagos’ commitment to supporting students academically, spiritually, and morally, and underscored the Society’s role in shaping disciplined and high-achieving Muslim graduates across Lagos State.
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