I used ChatGPT, Gemini to understand difficult courses — Babcock first-class graduate

Oluwadamilola Soji-Oderinde, a 20-year-old graduate of Babcock University, earned a first-class degree in Software Engineering with a remarkable CGPA of 4.52 during his time at the institution. In an interview with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, Soji-Oderinde discussed his academic journey and aspirations for the future.

Growing up in Maiduguri, Borno State, Soji-Oderinde found his childhood to be a peaceful and focused time spent on schooling, church, and home life. Despite his parents' academic background, they never took academics for granted, instilling a strong work ethic from his early years.

During his secondary school years, Soji-Oderinde was a passionate and extroverted student, excelling in academics and competing in various events. His choice of Software Engineering stemmed from a childhood fascination with computers and a desire to emulate tech entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg. This aspiration led him to explore web design and computer engineering during his secondary school years.

Soji-Oderinde gained admission to Babcock University in October 2022, driven by his passion for Software Engineering and the institution's lack of the course in his home state. He clarified that his interest in building customisable and accessible AI chatbots was influenced by the startup he was currently developing. He also expressed interest in creating MCP servers, similar to Paystack Index, which would enable AI agents to interact with external services seamlessly.

As he entered his third year at Babcock University, Soji-Oderinde began taking his goal of graduating with a First Class seriously. He set this goal intentionally and dedicated more time to studying, focusing on understanding course materials rather than merely memorising them. His study methods included active recall, answering past questions, and using AI tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Acad AI to generate quizzes and engage in discussions about his notes and slides.