How I overcame hardship to excel — LASU best graduating student

Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide, the overall best graduating student of Lagos State University for the 2025/2026 academic session, has shared his inspiring story of overcoming financial hardship and academic struggles to excel academically.

Born in Lagos but relocated to Sango-Ota, Ogun State due to severe financial difficulties, Oluolamide faced challenges from an early age. He recounted how he was sent home from his previous school in Lagos during his early school years (JSS3) due to unpaid fees. Financial hardship remained a persistent issue throughout his education, with Oluolamide often being sent home for school fees.

Despite the challenges, Oluolamide's dedication to his studies eventually caught the attention of his school proprietor, who cleared his debts, granted him a full scholarship through his final year, covered his WAEC fees, and supported his UTME fees. He also credits several teachers, including Master Timothy Chinedu and Mr Tayo Ajileye, who provided him with financial support and extra lessons during his difficult years.

Upon gaining admission to LASU, Oluolamide initially recorded a 4.81 grade point average in his first semester of 100L. However, his sister's advice to focus on finishing strong rather than starting weak proved to be a turning point. In his second semester, he achieved a perfect 5.0 grade point, which raised his CGPA to 4.90. Oluolamide maintained this level of excellence throughout his five years of studying Aerospace Engineering, completing 81 courses and earning 77 As and only four Bs.

His relentless dedication paid off, as Oluolamide finished his studies with an impressive 4.97 CGPA, making him LASU's overall best graduating student for the 2025/2026 academic session. This remarkable achievement earned him a significant N10 million cash prize at the university's convocation ceremonies.