Meet Makoko scholars who defied odds to bag first class

Two remarkable individuals from the Makoko community in Lagos, Mustapha Oseni and Sisianu Melawakou, have achieved academic excellence by graduating with First-Class Honours from Benson Idahosa University in Edo State. Both students received scholarships through the Slum2School organization, which enabled them to gain formal education despite the challenges they faced.

Oseni, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.89 and was named the second-best graduating student in his department. Melawakou, on the other hand, graduated with a degree in Mass Communication, securing a CGPA of 4.57 and also finishing as the second-best in her department.

Beyond their impressive academic achievements, both graduates have already begun pursuing careers in their respective fields. Melawakou has expressed a keen interest in journalism and reporting, while Oseni has gained valuable professional experience in technology and product management. Oseni's LinkedIn profile lists him as a Product Management Intern at BeTechified, an ICT and Public Relations Intern at Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, and a Field and Programmes Intern at Slum2School Africa. He also serves as a Cowrywise Ambassador.

Both graduates have credited their success to the support they received from the Slum2School organization. Sisianu Melawakou's journey began in 2012 when she joined the organization's program at the age of eight. The organization's founder, Otto Orondaam, had been inspired to establish Slum2School after encountering her and many other children in similar circumstances. Orondaam described Melawakou's graduation as particularly fulfilling, given the challenges she had overcome, including the threat of early marriage.

Oseni's passion for technology and product management played a significant role in his educational journey. His interest led him to join Slum2School's digital learning program in 2018 and become one of its top learners. His final year was marked by a personal tragedy when he lost his mother, but he persevered and ultimately graduated as the second-best student in his department with a CGPA of 4.89.

The Slum2School organization, founded by Otto Orondaam, has been instrumental in providing education and opportunities to children from underserved communities. Orondaam expressed his gratitude for the university's management, including its Vice-Chancellor, Bishop Feb Idahosa, and other partners for their support throughout the scholars' academic journey.

He emphasized that when people believe in a child, invest in their dreams, and give them the opportunity to thrive, they transform not only one life but the future of entire families, communities, and generations.