“I refused to allow my background to put me on the ground” – Sodiq Afolabi, UNILORIN first-class graduate

It was challenging, demanding, but incredibly rewarding.

Chemical Engineering at the University of Ilorin taught me that intelligence is only one part of excellence. I had to understand myself: when I learned best, how I absorbed information and which study methods worked for me.

Beyond academics, I became involved in leadership, volunteering, conferences, hackathons, research and different initiatives.

Especially in my final year, I found myself moving from one hackathon to another, sometimes returning with winnings, presenting at conferences and volunteering at different events.

It was exciting, but it also made the journey more demanding. I had to learn how to manage my time, priorities and energy effectively.

Looking back, those experiences made my university education richer. I was not only learning from textbooks; I was learning from people, challenges, competitions, failures and real-world experiences.

When You Gained Admission Into The Department, Did You See Yourself Graduating With a First Class?

Honestly, yes. I assured myself that I would because I believed it was achievable.

However, the journey tested that belief.

As the years progressed, I became involved in more activities and also had to work to support myself. During 200 Level, this significantly affected my academics, and my CGPA dropped to 4.23.

At 300 Level, I began the difficult process of bringing it back up. It was one of the hardest academic periods for me, but I changed my approach to preparation and gradually improved.

Then came my final year, when I was balancing academics with leadership, hackathons, conferences, volunteering and other opportunities.

I was determined not to allow these responsibilities to take away what I had worked for academically.

So when I finally graduated with a First Class, it meant much more than a grade to me. It was a reminder that the stress, sacrifices, adjustments, prayers and persistence were worth it.

Did You Ever Feel Like Giving Up, What Challenges Did You Face?

Yes, definitely.

One of my hardest moments came between 200 and 300 Level. After my academic performance dropped, I stopped the work I was doing to support myself because I wanted to concentrate on recovering academically.

But that created another challenge: how would I pay my tuition and other expenses?

There was a point where I genuinely felt that my education might come to an end. Mentally, I had already given up.

But God sent helpers when I needed them most. That experience taught me that sometimes, when you think the journey is over, help can come from places you never expected.

Later, the challenge became balancing academics with leadership, volunteering, conferences, hackathons and other opportunities.

My final year was particularly demanding, with several projects and responsibilities, but I never allowed myself to stop striving.

I knew I had to keep moving.

Despite These Challenges, What Kept You Going?

Two things always stayed in my mind: where I was coming from and where I wanted to go.

I refused to allow my background to put me on the ground. Instead, I allowed it to remind me that I had to aim for the top.

My faith, family, mentors, friends and the people who believed in me gave me strength. But I also developed a personal principle: I must strive, regardless of how difficult the journey becomes.

That mindset carried me through recovering my CGPA, leadership responsibilities, hackathons, competitions, conferences, volunteering and the demands of final year.

I learned that you may not always have perfect conditions, but you can choose how you respond to them.

Sometimes you adjust. Sometimes you sacrifice. Sometimes you ask for help. But above all, you keep moving.

For me, giving up was never the plan. I had a future I was determined to meet.

What Advice Do You Have For African Undergraduates Who Aspire For Academic Excellence?

First, believe that excellence is possible, but understand that it requires intentionality.

Know yourself, understand how you learn best, manage your time deliberately, ask for help and surround yourself with people who encourage growth. Do not wait until examinations to take your academics seriously.

But do not make grades your entire identity. Build skills. Take opportunities. Lead. Network. Volunteer. Create. Solve problems.

University should develop not only your intellect but also your capacity to contribute to society.

And when you experience setbacks, do not immediately conclude that your story is over. A bad semester, financial difficulty, failure or unexpected challenge can become part of the story that makes your success meaningful.

Most importantly, be a catalyst in your environment, not one who burns out, but one who keeps things moving.

You may not change Africa overnight, but you can start with your classroom, your department, your community and the people around you.

Keep striving. Keep growing. Keep moving. Your present circumstances do not have to determine the height of your future.

Sodiq Ayo Afolabi’s journey demonstrates that academic excellence can coexist with leadership, service, innovation and personal responsibility.

His path was not without setbacks; a decline in his CGPA, financial pressures and the demands of multiple commitments tested his resolve.

Yet, rather than allowing those challenges to define his outcome, he adjusted his approach, sought support and remained committed to his goal.

His story also offers a broader lesson for undergraduates: excellence is not simply about earning impressive grades.

It is about developing the discipline, resilience, skills and mindset required to create value beyond the classroom.

For Sodiq, the First Class represents not the end of his journey, but a foundation for a larger ambition, to build solutions that address real problems and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria, Africa and the world.

We all at Edugist wishes Sodiq all the best and more academic achievements.

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