From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
Lagos State University represented by six students of the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Sciences has emerged second best at the World Ocean Day Mundus Maris Competition.
The event was held virtually on 8th June, 2021, while award presentation ceremony for the outstanding awardees who represented the University took place on Monday, 5th July 2021 at the Chief SL Edu Lecture Hall, Main Campus, Ojo, with Vice President of Mundus Maris, Prof. Stella Williams, Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Adenike Boyo and Heads of other Departments in the Faculty in attendance.
Mundus Maris, organisers of the World Ocean Day competition, is a Non-Governmental Organization and a world recognised Body.
According to Dr. M.A Hammed, leader of the LASU team to the competition, “The unique thing about this year’s competition is that 10 countries all over the world participated, 61 submissions were sent and Lagos State University came 2nd in the competition, this is what we are celebrating today.”
The Dean Faculty of Science, Prof Adenike Boyo, who spoke on behalf of the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oyedamola Oke, in her opening speech, welcomed everyone and appreciated the organisers of the competition. She expressed her excitement at the success noting that LASU is building a reputation for winning international competitions. She further charged the student to do better next time and always make LASU proud.
The Head of department, Fisheries, Prof Shehu Akintola, on his part charged the students to go for the first position in future competitions: “Our students are showing a piece of what they can do at all levels. The next time, it will be LASU first.” He further introduced the Vice President of Mundus Maris, Prof Stella Williams, whom he described as a silent achiever.
Prof. Stella Williams, in her brief remarks, said that one of the objectives of Mundus Maris is to provide scientific and relevant indigenous knowledge and encourage artistic expression about the sea in order to promote its restoration. She went on to present prizes to the six students, including Akanbi Adeyemi Micheal, Adenekan Obadare, Adigun Mercy, Nkwor Precious, Ogundimu Fatimoh and Olamide Agbe Davies. They were led to the competition by Dr Hammed M.A.
This year marks the second time LASU will be participating in the World Ocean Day Competition, having taken part first in the 2020 edition.
Prof Ogungbe, HoD Physics; Prof Rahman, HoD Computer Science; Dr Mustapha, HoD Mathematics; Mr Ajepe, Chief Technologist, as well as students of the faculty also attended the programme.
