lasuconscienceTaking a good look at it, convoking from school is not a big deal to some students. To some, it’s just a “thank God” moment of being out of school. The moment the feet are out of it, it’s a forever thing. However, to some students, it’s a great feat, especially if a great battle was fought to become the best or one of the best in school.
Being the best graduating student of a faculty in Lagos State University is no small feat. It truly embodies the saying “Against all odds.” Despite the many distractions that come with campus life, some individuals have managed to rise above them and excel, proving that with determination and focus, success is achievable.
Here, a few outstanding graduates shared their inspiring journey and how they have been able to navigate the campus for four years. To them, it’s no joke. Stay intrigued as we dive into their stories and learn from their experiences.
NWOSU ISIOMA SYBIL, OVERALL BEST GRADUATING STUDENT, DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY
The OBGS of Lagos State University, Miss Nwosu Isioma, from the Department of Biochemistry, who graduated with a 4.93 CGPA, has an interesting story to tell — one who deserves the phrase ‘from rejection to celebration.’
She said, “There are scholars and very intelligent people in my house. I always tell people that my intelligence is inborn; it’s already in my DNA. I was the BGS in primary school, BGS in secondary school, and now OBGS in university.”
Her journey into Biochemistry was a detour she never anticipated. “My aim was to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ibadan. But when I wrote the Post-UTME and the result came out, I was two points below the cut-off mark, so I had to take JAMB a second time.
I picked LASU as my first choice. I still wanted to study Medicine and Surgery, but I was given Biochemistry instead, and that was my first time ever hearing of a course called “Biochemistry.” I did some research about the course and finally accepted the admission. When I resumed, I still had this idea that I wasn’t meant to be here and that in 200 level I’d transfer to Medicine and Surgery.
But in one of my classes, then, Dr. Oseni said, “Most of you here didn’t get your choice of course, but why don’t you prove to LASU that you deserve your choice of course.” It was then I decided that if I’m going to do Biochemistry, I’d do it and do it well.”
Isioma embraced her course with fierce determination. What had initially seemed like a compromise turned into a platform for excellence. In a university setting where distractions are plentiful and balance is hard to maintain, she carved her own path with discipline. She didn’t just bury herself in textbooks — she lived the full LASU experience.
“I was involved in extracurricular activities. I was into politics, I was the speaker of my department, and I also had a social life. I attended parties and events,” she added.
Her study habits were simple yet profound. She believed in reading immediately, not later.
“Whatever I’m taught in school, I read it immediately. I don’t pile PDFs or notes; I read them as they come, and I read everything during the weekends. Before I sleep every day, I ask myself what I learnt that day, and if I can not answer, it’s like I wasted a whole 24 hours. So, to avoid that, I make sure I read as I’m taught.”
She advised students to read as they were being taught.
“If you have a class today and you’re taught three courses, read the PDFs or notes for the courses. Read them before you go to bed. By the time you do it every day and read everything during the weekends, there is no how you will see it in the exam and not remember,” she asserted.
UDOH ELSIE ABIDEMI, BGS, FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES
Udoh Elsie Abidemi emerged as the best graduating student of her faculty with a CGPA of 4.65.Like the saying goes, “Behind every glory is a story.”
Elsie faced some minor setbacks that may have affected her academics if not for the grit and hard work she portrayed. Elsie stayed very far from school and had to travel miles to get to class.
“I stayed at quite a distance from school, so it was always stressful, journeying to and from school. Some days, I would step out when there’s an important test and hear that there was a fight and there were either no buses or the drivers were charging outrageously, and somehow I had to find my way home. It was always very stressful.There were also financial constraints along the line, and I started to work while schooling, and that also added to the stress.
Academically, there was one semester when my entire department faced an issue with a course, and we didn’t get a grade throughout that academic year. When the result finally came out, it was a 3, which made my GP drop”.
Amid all that, Elsie found her proud moments.
“Finishing with a 5.0 GP in 100 level second semester. I realized that I was top of my class when our results were published publicly one time and being a recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s scholarship rebate program.”
Elsie’s motivation and drive were backed by the personal desire to succeed and make the labour of her family and friends worth it.”To students hoping to reach similar heights, never underestimate the value of people in your life. From family to lecturers to coursemates, value every relationship, and you will have a network of people willing to lend a hand to you whenever and wherever.”
“Don’t allow yourself to be defined by your comfort zone. Put yourself in places where you feel uncomfortable, indulge yourself in your academics, and as much as possible, don’t be your own limitation,” she said. Additionally, don’t try to figure it all out by yourself. Trust God and the people who are willing to help, and of course, there’s no hack — read. Elsie’s story isn’t just one of academic excellence; it’s one of perseverance, purpose, and people.
EMEKA SOLUDO FAVOUR, BEST GRADUATING STUDENT, FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
Emeka Soludo, emerged as the Best Graduating Student (BGS) of the Faculty of Management Sciences with a CGPA of 4.85.Emeka’s story is a testament to perseverance and resilience. He had a very chaotic study habit, having to commute from Ayobo to LASU daily from his 100 level until he graduated.
“Majority of my time was spent commuting. I spent most of my time at midnight and in the library to study. Shout out to our librarian from FMS for harbouring my colleagues and me even when it was already her closing time.
I had many moments where I was on the brink of falling out of first class due to the high possibility of missing exams, largely because of the uncertainties on the road when headed to school. This one, I believe, stands out the most: after writing FMS 401 on a Monday, I suspected already that my phone had been misplaced, and unfortunately, it took less than 30 minutes to confirm my fears. I found myself facing unpreparedness for Wednesday and Thursday exams. Thanks to my big brother’s sacrifice, on Tuesday, I tried to replace it and got a new SIM card, as all my materials for the coming exams were embedded there.
I struggled and was finally settled by 7 p.m. before the next exam. My only grace was that the exam started by 3 p.m. It was my favourite lecturer’s course, Dr. Shoyebo, which was always known to be thorough. I prepared all through that night and left for school at 7 a.m. the next morning and studied till the exam time.”
He also advised students who aim to succeed in their academic journey.
“It’s simple. There is reading, and there is knowing. Always choose knowing, for in the long run, it’s what matters,” he said.
KOLAWALE BOLUWATIFE EMMANUEL, BEST GRADUATING STUDENT, FACULTY OF LAW
Kolawale Boluwatife Emmanuel emerged as the best graduating student with a 4.68 CGPA, Faculty of Law.
Boluwatife’s academic journey is a testament to his determination, dedication, and diligence.
He took the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) three times in pursuit of his dream course; he transitioned from the Faculty of Arts to the Faculty of Law in his second year in school.
“I knew what I wanted, and I was ready to stick to it.”
His journey wasn’t exactly a smooth one. He dealt with financial constraints and had to do multiple jobs while learning. “I taught after secondary school. I taught at ICAN tutorial centres, I hosted events, I was doing some ghostwriting — I was doing everything I could do to get some money.”
Boluwatife wasn’t only a law student. He also participated in extracurricular activities. He was a leader in different organisations and spaces like LASU Debate Society, Law Association, and LASUSU Court of Appeal.
“God really helped me, I couldn’t have done it alone without Him. Secondly, I learnt how to prioritise appropriately, and I found a way to properly use my time such that I appropriated every moment and time to what was most important in order of priority.”
According to him, he didn’t have an organised study pattern while in school.
“I couldn’t start reading early because of all the things I got involved in back at the university level. A lot of times, I had to begin studying just a month or a month and a half to the exam.
Regardless, I was able to find the reading pattern that suited me. I read over everything I needed to read like I was reading a newspaper. While reading, I took notes and made sure my notes were exhaustive so that when I was reading, I wouldn’t have to go back to my textbook. I have a first reading where I take all my notes, and the second reading, I use those notes to prepare,” he added.
He reminds students that extracurricular activities are not as important as their grades.
“Academics are the entire reason for your presence in the university. It would be unwise to sacrifice them on the altar of extracurriculars. Take care of your academics first.”
These testimonies are proof that hard work, perseverance, discipline, and the right attitude pay off in every journey in life. As students, irrespective of your level or current CGPA, know that you can make it — and you surely will.
Also, being a student and engaging in extracurricular activities is a plus. Do not be a triangular student. Be you and make an impact while still in school. We are rooting for you.
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Idowu Araoluwa, Correspondent, LASU Conscience
