The Lawson Ayakoroma Educational Foundation (LAEF) has presented Prizes for Best Graduating Students to outstanding graduates of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, in recognition of academic excellence across selected disciplines.
The presentation took place on Saturday, June 20, 2025, during the University’s 1st Combined Convocation Ceremony, which brought together graduates from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graduating sets.
According to the Foundation, the awards were instituted to reward merit, promote academic excellence, and encourage students to pursue excellence in their academic and professional endeavours.
Award Categories and Recipients
Professor Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma Prize
Best Graduating Student – Theatre & Film Studies
• Gbalipre Gabrielle (CGPA: 3.88) – 2020/2021 Academic Session
• Bozy Bozy Ideri (CGPA: 3.79) – 2021/2022 Academic Session
• Ibu Genesis Isaiah (CGPA: 4.22) – 2022/2023 Academic Session
• Okubo Christiana (CGPA: 4.10) – 2023/2024 Academic Session
Ambassador Lawson Saimu Ayakoroma Prize
Best Graduating Student – Business Administration
• Okiyo Ebitei Pereladei Blessing (CGPA: 4.83) – 2020/2021 Academic Session
• Jephthah Ebi (CGPA: 4.46) – 2021/2022 Academic Session
• Egbegba Ebitimi Sarah (CGPA: 4.83) – 2022/2023 Academic Session
• Esewe Harriet Akuna (CGPA: 4.42) – 2023/2024 Academic Session
Ayakoroma Memorial Prize
Best Graduating Student – Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
• Michael (CGPA: 4.62) – 2020/2021 Academic Session
• Kindness (CGPA: 3.98) – 2022/2023 Academic Session
Ambassador Lawson Saimu Ayakoroma Prize
Best Graduating Student – Business Administration
• Okiyo Ebitei Pereladei Blessing (CGPA: 4.83) – 2020/2021 Academic Session
• Jephthah Ebi (CGPA: 4.46) – 2021/2022 Academic Session
• Egbegba Ebitimi Sarah (CGPA: 4.83) – 2022/2023 Academic Session
• Esewe Harriet Akuna (CGPA: 4.42) – 2023/2024 Academic Session
Commitment to Education in the Niger Delta
LAEF stated that the prizes reflect its commitment to supporting education, strengthening human capital development, and encouraging academic excellence across the Niger Delta region. The Foundation emphasised that recognising high-performing graduates plays a key role in motivating students and nurturing future leaders.
The Foundation reaffirmed its dedication to expanding educational support initiatives and strengthening partnerships with higher institutions to promote access, quality, and equity in education.
About Lawson Ayakoroma Educational Foundation (LAEF)
The Lawson Ayakoroma Educational Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving access to quality education, particularly in underserved communities across the Niger Delta, through scholarships, institutional support, and educational development programmes.
