LASU Holds Coconut-Breaking Ritual For Peace, And Progress.
As part of its 28th convocation celebrations, Lagos State University (LASU) on Monday, April 7, 2025, hosted its traditional coconut-breaking ceremony — a culturally rich event that symbolises unity, spiritual reflection, and the institution’s deep-rooted heritage.
Held at the university’s main campus in Ojo, the morning ceremony was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who was joined by senior management staff, students, alumni representatives, and guests from other academic institutions.
The symbolic act of breaking coconuts was accompanied by prayers for peace, unity, and the university’s continued progress. In her address, Prof. Olatunji-Bello emphasised the significance of the ritual, describing it as “more than tradition — it is a reflection of our resilience, pursuit of knowledge, and the rewards of perseverance.”
“Today, as we break the coconut, we break through barriers,” she said. “This moment marks a collective journey, a reflection of our cultural pride, and our aspirations as a forward-moving academic institution.”
The coconut-breaking festival is a longstanding tradition at LASU, deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of Lagos State, particularly the Badagry region where the university is located. It has evolved into a platform for collective prayer, gratitude, and reaffirmation of shared values among the LASU community.
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Highlighting the event’s significance, the vice-chancellor noted that the tradition fosters unity and hope, reminding students and staff that consistent effort, though sometimes slow to yield results, will eventually bear fruit.
The LASU Alumni Association lent strong support to the event. Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the National President, Mr Norisson Quakers, Professor Basirat Oladipupo affirmed the alumni’s ongoing commitment to the university’s growth.
“This tradition is tied to our identity,” Prof. Oladipupo said. “The coconut, a key symbol in our heritage, represents not just culture but values. We are proud to participate, but more importantly, we are committed to making tangible contributions — through research funding, institutional support, and more.”
In a poignant historical reflection, the event also commemorated Nigeria’s first coconut plantation, established in 1876 on Topo Island in Badagry — a nod to the region’s agricultural and cultural legacy.
As the convocation week continues, the coconut-breaking ceremony stands as a testament to LASU’s commitment to tradition, unity, and academic excellence — a blend of culture and progress.
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Content Credit: Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola
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