Lagos State University (LASU) marked its 28th convocation ceremony on Monday with a traditional coconut-breaking event aimed at fostering peace and progress within the institution. The ceremony, which took place at the university’s main campus in Ojo, Lagos, saw the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, lead prayers for the well-being of students, staff, and all stakeholders.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello emphasized the cultural and symbolic importance of the coconut-breaking ceremony, describing it as a reflection of the collective journey of the university and a significant part of LASU’s cultural heritage. “This ceremony serves as an opportunity for us to offer prayers for the well-being of our staff, students, and the entire university community,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor, who expressed pride in the tradition, noted that the event also symbolizes new knowledge, growth, and deeper understanding. She stressed that it is a reminder of the university’s enduring values of resilience, hard work, and perseverance.
“This event holds a special place in my heart as it marks my fourth coconut-breaking ceremony since assuming office,” Prof. Olatunji-Bello shared. “It reflects the cultural identity of Lagos State and upholds the values that LASU cherishes. As we break the coconut today, we break through barriers, and we renew our commitment to the journey ahead.”
She also took the opportunity to advise graduates, urging them to carry the lessons of resilience and hard work learned from the tradition into their future endeavors. “The rewards of our labor may not always be immediate, but they will come when we persevere,” she added.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended the collaboration between the National Board and the LASU Alumni Association, which helped organize the second LASU Alumni Homecoming in December 2024. She expressed gratitude for their collective efforts and appealed to the alumni to continue leveraging their networks to secure funding and grants for the university’s research initiatives.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello urged the alumni to invest in LASU’s growth, emphasizing that their support would be deeply appreciated and rewarded. “Your investments will contribute to the continued success of this institution, and I have no doubt that they will be blessed,” she stated.
The National President of LASU Alumni, Mr. Norisson Quakers, who was represented by Prof. Basirat Oladipupo, also spoke at the ceremony. He highlighted the historical significance of the coconut to LASU, noting that the tradition of coconut breaking had been a part of the university’s culture since its inception, particularly given LASU’s location along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, an area historically associated with coconut cultivation.
Quakers emphasized the alumni’s commitment to the university’s development, assuring the Vice-Chancellor that they would continue to contribute meaningfully to LASU’s growth. “Alumni is more than just attending ceremonies,” he stated. “We are committed to addressing any challenges and ensuring the continued progress of this institution.”
The coconut-breaking ceremony is not only a cultural event but also a commemoration of the establishment of the first coconut plantation in Nigeria by the Roman Catholic Mission on Topo Island in Badagry in 1876.
The event was attended by university staff, students, and distinguished guests from sister institutions, who all celebrated the significance of the occasion and the tradition of unity and cultural pride it represents.
