Idowu Araoluwa, Editor, LASU Conscience
Abdulquadri Ajeniya Oluwagbemiga, popularly known as “Jack of all stages,” is a 500 level-law student, an award-winning debater, public speaker, event host, and an all-round creative. Some students chase grades, others chase growth, but in some way, Quadri manages to do both. During our candid interview with him, he revealed how he discovered his passion for public speaking and disclosed the way he has been able to juggle his creativity with his academics and personal life. Read on to discover what makes Jack of all stages one of the most dynamic voices on campus, today.
Can you please tell us a bit about yourself? “I like to think that I’m cool, but awkward, sometimes. I’m a member of the official public speaking society of LASU-the LASU debate society. When my name is heard, it resounds that I’m a Muslim, debater, event host, and public speaker.
You’re popularly known as “Jack of all stages.” Can you highlight the few things you do on these stages?
”I call myself the Jack of all stages because of public speaking. I’m involved in many aspects that public speaking entails, including debate; event hosting; poetry, power point presentation; moot representation, and more. I desire to do more in the nearest future.”
How did you discover your passion for public speaking?
”I enjoy hearing people speak. When I was in primary school, I used to look forward to a debate competition that used to be aired on LTV. I’d run home from school on Wednesdays just to watch the program. However, I had the opportunity to speak before a small crowd when I was in primary 3, but I got emotional and started crying. Another time, I was presenting “Hadith” for Eid Maulud, and I cried again. I knew I liked public speaking at the time but I had to overcome crying everytime I was to speak. I can’t remember when It changed but I know that was how it started.”
How have you been able to juggle your academics with public speaking, amongst the many other activities you engage in?
“I’d say Public speaking is a life skill. It is not necessarily a problem. Juggling classes with my public speaking activities may be a thing, but I try to manage the situations well. There are times that I might have to meet a lecturer to excuse myself from important classes, and many times I speak with the Head of Course (HOC). Apart from that, my academic life doesn’t clash with public speaking. My academics is not always what I’m doing whenever I’m not on stage, so they really don’t clash. I don’t consider myself a “scholar,” but I’m mastering balance.”
What has been your major challenge as a student?
“My major challenge is understanding things and situations. My difficulty with understanding involves not knowing which materials to read, which tutorials to attend, and whether or not I should use past questions to study. I’m prone to get lost sometimes, and it is usually hard to get used to the change that comes with each session. This has nothing to do with public speaking. If I do well or otherwise in my academics, I know it’s really not because I did or did not do public speaking.”
Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?
”I have an unending rivalry with writing and simple English tenses. I don’t like writing but I do it because I need to. I also make mistakes with little words like the present tense, past tense, singular and plural. I also enjoy watching reality shows like Big brother Naija, Beauty pageants, Love Island, and talent competitions like Cowbellpedia. I’m very much a self aware person.”
Do you intend practicing Law, or you see yourself on global stages?”
“Both. I intend going to the court room, but also explore public speaking. I hope that Law will take me to global stages.”
How would you describe yourself in three words?
“I’m Versatile, Humane, and Evolving. I think I’m Versatile because I can do many things. Humane, because I am compassionate about people and understand everyone for who they are. Lastly, I’m Evolving because I’m progressive, continuously learning, and becoming.”
What’s the one impression of you that people have that is really not true?
”People tend to think that I’m strict, and in some cases, proud. Impression of me is not always black, neither is it always white. I believe it is based on the situation I’m in, when they first met me. They tend to realize that I’m jovial and playful, later on.”
What advice do you have for students who want to explore talents outside their fields?
”Firstly, I’d say that it is totally fine. You just need to have a clear vision of what you want do, and where you want to be in the next 5 years. Before you make the decision, you need to have clarity, and learn balance. Everything is possible. If you want to do it, you can do it. Best of luck!”
In a world where many students struggle to find balance, Abdulquadri is a proof that passion and purpose can walk hand in hand. ‘Jack of all Stages’ isn’t just a name, it’s a story of steady growth, self discovery, and the courage to stand out.
Abiola Kilanko, Editor, LASU Conscience
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