In a recent interview with PurpleWorld’s Sarah Adeyemo, renowned academic achiever Margaret Adenipekun shared her valuable insights on academic excellence.
In this exclusive conversation, Adenipekun discussed her proven strategies and practical tips designed to help students achieve their academic goals.
Drawing from her own experiences, Adenipekun offered advice on overcoming challenges and thriving in the modern educational landscape. Let’s delve into the key takeaways from this inspiring dialogue that can empower students to reach their full potential.
Hello, can we meet you?
Hi, my name is Margaret Adenipekun. I am an education focused YouTuber with my videos garnering over 20k views, and a recent graduate of law from Bowen University. I recently authored my first E-book. I am a 2025 bar aspirant and a co-founder of an education focused NGO- LearnED Initiative.
What inspired you to pursue a law degree?
Honestly, before I gained admission, I didn’t have any inspiration for studying law. Back then, I thought it was the most prestigious course to study in the university as an art student. Initially, I wanted to go to University of Ibadan but I was two points below the cut off mark, so I took JUPEB and made 16/16 point which provided me the opportunity to study law in any Nigerian university so I chose to study in Bowen university.
Can you share the study methods and strategies that contributed to your success in earning a first-class degree with a CGPA of 4.84 at Bowen University?
Active recalling really helped me. Trying to see if I can recall what I have read in few hours or days after reading it even when I’m doing something completely unrelated helped me a lot. Also, I jot when reading. It’s more like quizing myself after reading a page or half, and I do this by writing it down based on my understanding. Another thing that helped me was teaching my colleagues. I didn’t shy away from teaching my mates whenever they asked me to explain things to them.
Also, I stopped cramming. I can’t say ‘don’t cram’ because, honestly, there was a time it worked for me but what cramming did for me was to slow me down. It would take me hours to cram because I wanted my definitions and explanation to be exact. But when I started understanding, my reading pace was faster.
What challenges did you encounter while in school, and how did you overcome them?
Losing my Aunt to Cancer in 300-level. This was a big challenge because we were very close but God gave me the strength and courage to remain focused. I had to pray to God for it not to affect my studies so that I’d come out with a good result. Ironically, it was that semester I had no B in my 4-units courses, earning me a 4.95 GPA.
Another challenge I faced was gaining admission in 200 level. The reason for this was because I did A’level. For some weird reasons I felt like I was behind and the law was not for me. I even considered switching to political science without telling my parents, but I thank God I didn’t.
How did you balance academics with social life?
I was not part of the most social people in my class or set, so I think it was easy for me. As someone who was never involved in more than 3 societies/ associations every session, I think it was quite easy for me to balance. It is very important to know your strength and weaknesses so that you’d be able to place the perfect balance. This is important.
You’re not supposed to leave school with a bad result, neither are you supposed to pass through school without involving yourself in extracurricular activities. And for social events like the final year events and parties, I had my strategy for studying before I go or when I come back.
How did you stay organized and manage your time effectively?
I do this by planning and arranging my assignments properly and choosing associations I want to belong to at the beginning of the session. I also draw out a to-do list every day and intentionally sticking to it helped me manage my time effectively. I refused to give time to frivolities. I also put app limits on my social media.
What extracurricular activities were you involved in while in school?
I was very active in my college chamber Equity where I served as the
Assistant head of research (300lvl)
Assistant head of litigation. (400lvl)
Head of Debate and Oratory (500lvl)
Volunteered at The Evolving minds in 300lvl
General secretary for LEAD Conference (400lvl)
Assistant General Secretary (BOWEN female students fellowship)
Academic committee member (300 and 400lvl)
Member of Bowen Legal Clinic. (400 and 500lvl)
Teachers’ Training Coordinator for Sunday School Unit (500lvl)
I also participated in competitions and represented my school.
What role did mentorship or guidance play in your academic journey?
I have a mentor, but I’m not an ever-present mentee. You always have to chase me so I was not really into mentorships. But one major way it helped was in encouragement and in reminding me of the big picture that it is not just to have a 4.5; but a pretty high first class degree.
What skills did you develop or acquire during your undergraduate studies?
I acquired leadership skills because I headed class projects a lot, plus extracurricular leadership. I also developed my oratory skills by participating in about four oratory competitions and later becoming the head of oratory. I also developed other skills like good communication and relationship.
Were there times you almost give up on your goals?
No. There was never a time I almost gave up. Like I said earlier, I am quiet resilient. So when I am tired or overwhelmed, I take breaks, call my parents or friends, watch a movie or movies to relax, stop reading for like 3/4 days, then I pick myself back up. Yes I have been overwhelmed a couple of times but I never thought of giving up.
How has your academic journey impacted your personal growth and development?
It has helped me develop the habit of excellence such that anything I want to do, as little as arranging my room, I make sure it sparkles. Anything I want to do, I’d rather do it very well or not do it at all. It has also developed me in a way that I get to motivate others through platforms like: my E-book, my Initiative, my YouTube Channel, and one on one conversations with my younger ones. It has also made me realize that I love school, and I will get to the peak of my career.
What are your academic projections after achieving this feat?
Keep up with my YouTube Channel by motiving others into this excellent feat. My NGO, focuses on empowering children and to make them know the importance of education. I also will be going to law school next year and I intend to bag two masters degree after, and then a PH.D .
What advice would you give to students striving for academic excellence?
If you can think it, you can live it. This is what I always say, ‘Motivation is short termed while discipline is long termed’. After reading this interview, you might be motivated to start reading often, but it is discipline that will make you sit down on your study chair and read for as many hours as you need to. But the first thing you have to do is to see yourself achieving it; If you can’t picture it, then it can never be your reality. Also, academic excellence does not come from exam malpractice.
