AFRICA | An exceptional Nigerian man graduates UNILAG with 5.00/5.00 first-class, breaks faculty’s 60-year-old record
An exceptional Nigerian man named Samuel Badekale has made history at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) by graduating with a perfect 5.00 CGPA in Cell Biology and Genetics.
This remarkable feat makes him the first male graduate in the Faculty of Science to achieve a perfect CGPA (joint) in the faculty’s 60-year history. Alongside his classmate, Samuel also earned the title of the 2023/2024 Academic Session Overall Best Graduating Student.
Sharing his story on LinkedIn, Samuel reflected on his journey, stating that when he began his studies at UNILAG six years ago, he had only one goal: to graduate with a perfect CGPA.
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Today, he not only achieved that dream but did so with exceptional success, leaving an indelible mark in the university’s history.
Samuel’s achievements extend far beyond academics. In 2022, he was selected from over 30,000 international applicants for the Millennium Campus Network (MCN) and United Nations Academic Impact Millennium Fellowship.
Samuel co-founded the Students’ Mental Health Advocates (SMA) initiative with his colleagues through this platform. SMA focused on raising mental health awareness among students through partnerships with the university’s counseling unit and outreach programs targeting orientation events and student hostels.
Recognizing the digital skills gap in his community, Samuel co-launched The SkillUp Initiative, which promotes digital literacy and underscores the value of education.
Under this initiative, Samuel and his team trained 82 students in Mushin, Lagos, and donated textbooks to empower the next generation of learners.
Building on his passion for social impact, Samuel and his co-founder secured a license to host TEDxIdiAraba, creating a platform to amplify inspiring stories of resilience and innovation within their community.
In addition to his social impact work, Samuel gained over a year of hands-on research experience during his undergraduate studies.
Some of his key accomplishments include Conducting research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), where he presented his work on the In Vitro Antisickling Activity of Crude Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Theobroma Cacao L. Stem Bark at the 2024 Annual International Conference of Health Advancement and Innovative Research.
This work earned him a nomination for the External Young Scientist Award.
Completing internships at institutions such as the Redeemer’s University (Department of Biological Sciences), the Redeemed Christian Church of God Department of Public Health, and NOBLEKINMAT Ltd.
Samuel also excelled in extracurricular activities. He coached his level’s football team, leading them to victory in both the HOD Cup and the Departmental All-Star Cup.
As Chief Editor of the department’s yearbook, Bioscope, which had been dormant for six years, Samuel successfully led a team that raised 50% of the required production budget through sponsorships.
Samuel expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported his journey. He thanked his mentors, the lecturers and staff of the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, his parents, family, and friends for their unwavering belief in him and his aspirations.
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