The Department of Zoology, Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has honoured some staff and students who have distinguished themselves by dint of hard work and academic excellence over the past years, particularly during the immediate past 2020/2021 academic session. 

It was indeed a joyous day of reward for brilliance and exceptional performance for the deserving awardees during the epoch-making event which took place on Friday, April 28, 2023 at the College of Health Sciences Auditorium, Adankolo Campus. The award-giving ceremony attracted the presence of Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, leaders of the Students' Union, staff, and students from within and outside the Department.

While delivering his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi who was ably represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor M.S. Audu, commended the Department for the initiative in organizing the event, saying that the gesture would go a long way in boosting the staff and students' morale and spur them to do more. He specifically applauded the efforts of the Head of the Department, Professor Jacqueline A. Badaki for the innovative idea aimed at encouraging and motivating staff and students of the Department.

Professor Audu on behalf of the University Management appreciated the Department and the HOD for setting the pace, urging all other Departments and Units to emulate and key into the idea in order to inculcate the culture of discipline, hard work, excellence, and productivity within the University.

The names of the honorees and their respective awards are as follows:

1. Dr. Joy Cecilia Atawodi - Most Dependable Academic Staff

2. Mr. Mathew Adamu - Most Dependable and Innovative Technologist

3. Juwon Victor Okunola - Best Performing Student in 100L 2020/2021 Academic Session

4. Grace Onoja - Best Performing Student in 200L 2020/2021 Academic Session

5. Shefawu Onize Anako - Best Performing Student in Animal Biology (ZOO101) 2020/2021 Academic Session

6. Shekirah Oyiza Ishaq - Best Performing Student in Vertebrata (ZOO201) 2020/2021 Academic Session

7. Ruth Elamah - Best Performing Student in Vertebrata (ZOO202) 2020/2021 Academic Session

During the memorable occasion, Sunday Emmanuel, a first-class student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.65, presented a paper entitled "Study Tips to Guarantee Success in Examination" in which he admonished the students to take their studies with all seriousness as it is the only route to academic excellence and outstanding performance during examinations. He encouraged them to work with time, participate in group reading and ensure constant review of what has been taught in class.

Similarly, one of the outstanding students and awardees, Ruth Elamah, presented the second lecture entitled "Entrepreneurship in Zoology." The Best Performing Student in Vertebrata (ZOO202) for the 2020/2021 Academic Session lectured the students on snail business and fishery, assuring that the knowledge would enable them to become self-employed and even employers of labour after their graduation if properly put to use. 

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Director of Academic Planning (DAP), Professor Hadi Suberu; Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Benjamin Mopah Dauda (who also joined the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in presenting the awards); among others, while the vote of thanks was taken by the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Rebecca A. Okojie who was equally represented by Mr. Abdullahi Abubakar, Deputy Registrar (Council Affairs).

Other highlights of the auspicious event included the donation of a notice board and a suggestion box by the students of the Department, just as Alhaji the comedian took over the microphone to dose out some rib-cracking jokes that left the audience gasping for air in a breathtaking performance that brightened the ambience of the Auditorium.

It would be recalled that earlier in February, during the first Senate meeting for the year 2023 which was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, the University Management honoured some outstanding staff with Merit Awards. The awardees, which cut across academic and mostly non-academic staff, were recognized for excellence, selfless service, and dedication to their duties.

Congratulations! Click to see more pictures here

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