The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has reaffirmed its position as a global launchpad for success, as its Best Graduating Student, David Akanmu, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Knight-Hennessy Scholarship.

This achievement marks a significant milestone, as UNILAG is the only African university among the 60 institutions represented in the 2024 cohort of 90 scholars.

According to the announcement by the Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University, David Akanmu is one of only five Africans selected, and the sole representative from an African-based university.

He will join the seventh and largest cohort of scholars since the award’s inception, pursuing a Ph.D. in Energy Science and Engineering at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

David Akanmu’s achievement is particularly noteworthy, as he graduated with a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0 in Civil Engineering at UNILAG’s 54th Convocation Ceremonies in January 2024.

He becomes the third UNILAG graduate to receive this prestigious award.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is a multidisciplinary, multicultural graduate fellowship that spans all seven schools at Stanford University.

Scholars receive up to three years of financial support to pursue graduate studies while engaging in experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders addressing complex global challenges.

Selection is based on demonstrated independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

The University of Lagos community, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola, congratulates David Akanmu on this outstanding achievement.

Applications for the 2025 cohort will open on June 1, 2024, and close on October 9, 2024.