There were days I ate eba with palm-oil, and some nights I slept on empty stomach while I was in school— Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, first class graduate narrates her journey towards academics excellence to PurpleWorld.
A student and an entrepreneur, Ojo Rhoda Ayanfeoluwa, bags a first class degree with a Cumulative Grade Point of 4.79 in Agricultural Economics and Extension from the
Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo state (former Ondo State University of Science and Technology). She speaks to Korede Badmus, PurpleWorld correspondence, on how she was able to overcome challenges while she was in school.
Can we know you?
My name is Ojo Rhoda Ayanfeoluwa. My state of origin is Ekiti, but I reside in Ibadan with my parents.
What motivated you to pursue academic excellence and strive for a first class degree?
What motivated me was my family. I took it upon myself to make some research about my family lineage and I noticed that no one in my family lineage had ever achieved a first-class result. So this became one of my motivations that I need to break the record.
Were there any specific challenges or obstacles you faced during your studies, and how did you overcome them?
Yes, there were challenges and obstacles. During my early years in school, I was admitted to a state university where I paid a sum of one hundred and fifty thousand naira, aside from other expenses. It was hard for me because I came from a humble background. There were days I ate Eba with palm-oil, and some nights I slept on empty stomach. At times, I would trek miles from my hostel to the campus where I was receiving lectures because I did not have hundred naira transport fare. These moments were challenging for me and these continued in my second year, but when I got to 300 level, I took up a teaching occupation, and started teaching as a part-time teacher; I taught C.R.S and computer for a while. Aside from teaching, I also worked at a JAMB (Joint Admission Matriculation Board) center; this was how I maneuvered my way. So, while I was a student, I was also able to save some certain amounts of money which I used to start up a cyber cafe.
Did you hold any political positions in school?
No, I didn’t. But I held in my campus fellowship.
Did you engage in any extracurricular activities or pursue additional learning opportunities that you believe enhanced your academic performance?
I did not engage in any extracurricular activities, I only engaged in personal development, here are things that aided my personal development: volunteering, and attending programmes. Also, I used to go for training on graphics design, and I learnt data analysis from some of my lecturers and from some experts. This is how I was able to write some papers and also publish them both locally and internationally.
Can you share any memorable experiences or milestones from your journey to achieving first-class honors?
One of my memorable experiences was when I received a call from the department. I was in 100 level and was a bit scared when I received the call. I was amazed when I got to hear my result, which was first class, and this made my lecturers to give me their supports. So, this is one of my memorable experiences that I will never forget.
What role did mentorship or support from your lecturers, peers or family members play in your academic success? I could remember my dad told me that when he was in the university, he wished that he came out with something good, he came out with second class lower, and my mom also came out with something lesser than that. My parents are preachers of academic excellence. They both have been a great support system to me. And also, my lecturers are supportive.
Were you at any point worried that you might not graduate with first class after all your hard work?
No. I started with first class, so I knew I would graduate with first class.
What would you describe as your most challenging moment on campus?
My most challenging moment on campus was my final year when I was writing my project. It was not easy combining research work, academic studies, and business responsibilities simultaneously. But I thank God everything worked out well for me.
What was the worst grade you had at the university?
My lowest grade was C. I had it when I was in 100 level first semester, and that was the first and the last time I had C.
Can you tell us the strategies or studying habits that you believe contributed to your success in achieving first class honours?
Setting goals is important. Before one can think of first class, one must have a defined goal. Once you already know what you want, then you start to work towards it. For me, I always set short term goals each semester. I write them out and paste them on my walls. After that, I would ask myself questions on what it will cost me to achieve the goals and how to achieve them.
How did you feel when you saw your final result?
It was a mixed feeling, actually, because I knew that I could have done better, but I felt fulfilled.
What impact did making first class degree have on you?
It reminds me that my dreams are valid. I have always dreamt of graduating with a first-class degree, and this reemphasized that my dreams are valid.
What advice would you give to students aspiring to achieve academic excellence and aiming for a first class degree?
The advice I give to students is to start well. The foundation matters a lot. Starting with a good grade will be an added advantage. Another thing is, having a strong reason. If you want to come out with a first class degree, ask yourself why you want to come out with that. Mine was because I wanted to make my parents proud, to make myself proud, and as well make some people around me proud, and I also wanted to break some records. Having a strong why make you not to get discouraged when challenges set in.
Inspiring!