How I overcame hardship to excel — LASU best graduating student

Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide, the top graduating student from Lagos State University, shared his story of overcoming hardship to achieve academic excellence. Born in Lagos, he was sent home from his previous school in JSS3 due to unpaid fees. The family then relocated to Ota, Ogun State, due to severe financial difficulties.

Despite the challenges, Oluolamide excelled academically. He recounted how his school proprietor intervened by clearing his debts, granting him a full scholarship, and covering his WAEC and UTME fees. He also acknowledged the support of teachers like Master Timothy Chinedu and Mr Tayo Ajileye, who provided financial aid and extra lessons.

Oluolamide's academic journey began with a 4.81 grade point average in his first semester at LASU, but he was determined not to let that setback define his future. His sister's advice to focus on finishing strong rather than starting weak motivated him. The following semester, he achieved a 5.0 GPA, raising his cumulative GPA to 4.90.

Throughout his five-year journey in Aerospace Engineering, Oluolamide completed 81 courses, earning 77 As and only four Bs. He remained undeterred, completing 7 perfect 5.0 GPA semesters despite the significant physical and financial sacrifices. He credits his faith, the support of his Christian fellowship, and his teaching experience for playing a crucial role in his success.

In addition to his academic achievements, Oluolamide also contributed to his peers' success. He organized tutorials for his department, applying his teaching skills to help them better understand complex engineering concepts. His dedication paid off, and he was awarded the OPay Scholarship as the only engineering recipient and received a N10 million cash prize during the university's convocation ceremonies.