In this inspiring interview with PurpleWorld, our correspondent Korede Badmus speaks with Abiola Ayokunle Joshua, also known as Vibrant, a Civil Engineering graduate from the University of Ilorin.
He shares his journey from dreaming of building structures as a young boy to becoming a student leader and winning an international award.
With passion, hard work, and a strong belief in himself, Vibrant talks about how he balanced academics with leadership, the power of mentorship, and his plans to keep making a global impact.
Can we meet you?
I’m Abiola Ayokunle Joshua, popularly known as Vibrant. I have an enthusiastic potential to excel in anything I do, with a passion for global impact. I’m also a graduate of the University of Ilorin.
Can you walk us through your academic journey at the University of Ilorin and also tell us what motivated you to study engineering?
I’ve always known what I would study which is Civil Engineering. I have had this dream since Primary 5 and 6 at Maryhill Convent School, Idi-Ape, Iwo Road, Ibadan. At first, I chose FUTA but was offered Agricultural Engineering, which I politely declined even though my mom wanted me to go for it. I did remedial (Pre-Degree) at Unilorin, aced the examination, and then proceeded to study Civil Engineering. What motivated me when I was younger was how buildings were constructed. Also, the work of Julius Berger really inspired me.
You came very close to graduating with a First Class. What do you think made the difference, and how did you handle that emotionally?
My goal of pursuing a First Class started when I was in 200L. When I saw my final result which happens to be a strong Second Class Upper (2:1), I cried my heart out. But the next day, I accepted it. I accepted it because I know that I gave it my best.
How did you balance academic demands with your many leadership responsibilities?
My priorities came first. I wrote down all responsibilities that mattered to me and ensured I do the tasks one by one as each demanded. It wasn’t easy at all. I also made sure to get proper rest and prayed for God’s strength. I’m super glad I excellently gave my very best both academically and in leadership.
You won the NSBE Golden Torch Award. How did you feel about it?
I felt super excited and grateful! As the first international awardee from Nigeria is a great honor, and it embodies my commitment to excellence and to doing my very BEST for NSBE, both at home and abroad.
What first attracted you to the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)?
I was a member of NSBE in 200L. I still remember seeing NSBE flyer at Block 8, close to the Mechanical Engineering Library. My predecessor and one of my mentors, Ogundele Oluwaleke, got me better acquainted with the mission and vision of NSBE. I later served as the Chapter Secretary while he was serving as Chapter President.
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of the largest student-governed organizations in the world whose primary duty is to look after the welfare of Black engineers in the academic world and beyond. The mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.
Can you tell us a bit about specific programs or initiatives you led that contributed to this award?
What we did was to tailor all our programs to NSBE’s mission. We organized an Academic Excellence Symposium, Technical Writing Workshop, a Mentorship Program, an Internship Symposium for 300 & 400L students, and a webinar on Challenges and Opportunities for Black Engineers in the Tech Industry. These programs increased our membership by 35%, made our chapter one of the most active in Nigeria, and empowered students academically and professionally across disciplines.
How did being a student leader at NSBE UNILORIN shape your personal growth and leadership skills?
It made me a better person—I became more committed to my goals. Time commitment was a lesson I learned, especially because I had other responsibilities plus my final year project. I learned to take responsibility as a leader for all of my actions. It also taught me resilience, the power of collaboration, and teamwork. I also had the best and most supportive executives.
What do you think made your contributions stand out at an international level?
While serving as the President of NSBE UNILORIN we had a 35% increase in membership, organized highly impactful programs and also enriched engineers with intelligence, talent, and vision.
What was it like seeing your presence felt even in your absence, as you mentioned in one of your posts?
It was so strong. I felt like I was actually at the award ceremony. The joy and celebration of honor at the mention of my name—Ayokunle Abiola—brought so much joy to me.
Has this award changed how you view yourself or your future in any way?
Yes, very much. It has made me see the possibilities of being the best at what I do. Local excellence is needed for global relevance. To get to that top stage or height, you must start from somewhere and be excellent at it. It’ll be recognized sooner or later, no matter what! My future is extremely bright. I see myself growing and getting more wins. I mean, I’ve gotten access to more opportunities as a result of this award.
What role did mentorship play in your journey?
Mentorship played important role in my growth. It helped me avoid mistakes, think critically, and work more efficiently than others did. I’m grateful to my predecessor, Ogundele Oluwaleke, Engr. Olasunkanmi Famofo, and many other individuals who supported me and shaped my growth.
How do you deal with burnout, especially juggling multiple roles?
I enjoy watching movies every Sunday to relax, and sleep, too. After any stressful activity, I prioritize my rest. I also pray to God for His strength and favor to make things easy for me, and he never fails!
In your opinion, what’s the most underrated skill for students who want to make an impact?
Being loud about your achievements. It is not overhyping; it is knowing your worth and the value you carry. Celebrate your little wins, because they’ll always build up to something bigger and better as you grow and learn. Also, leverage social media and communication skills for impact. Always have evidence of any impact you make.
How did being a Black engineering student in Nigeria shape your global vision?
It made me build myself to be a good representative of my country anywhere I find myself. My talents, skills, and knowledge are valid for the global world to take interest in.
How do you plan to continue contributing to NSBE at the global level?
I’m doing that already. I serve as the Region 1 West African Zone (WAZ) Programs Chair, in which I oversee all WAZ programs. I’m currently the Marketing Manager at NSBE Rwanda, where I contribute my creative skills.
If you were to write a book about your undergraduate experience, what would the title be and why?
Win in your mind and you will win in reality. This is the summary of my personal journey, which is why I made it one of my personal mantras. I also could have named it Local Excellence for Global Relevance, too.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently during your undergraduate years?
To be honest, I’m super proud of all I did during my undergraduate years. I wouldn’t have done anything differently. It was all a perfect fit!
What’s your advice to students reading this?
Let me share with them my personal mantras — I call them DYF, meaning “Don’t You Forget.”
- If you are scared to do it, do it scared.
- Win in your mind, and you will win in your reality.
- We don’t grow when things are easy. We grow when we face challenges.
- Don’t be lazy.
- The story you tell yourself becomes your reality.
If you can take note of these in any aspect of life as a student, your efforts will not go unnoticed. Keep showing up, your reward is on the way.
Any final word for students reading this?
You are capable of creating an impact far beyond your imagination. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Take that leap, embrace challenges, and watch yourself grow.
Once again, win in your mind and you will win in reality!
