Meet Mary Olayinka Oladokun, The Best Graduating Student At 46th Convocation Of The Obafemi Awolowo University

By Ayomide Emmanuel

Mary Olayinka Oladokun, is the overall best graduating student of the Obafemi Awolowo University in the 2019/2020 academic session, having finished with a CGPA of 4.92 from the Department of Microbiology. She tells OAU Peeps News Agency in an exclusive interview about what it took her to come on top.

Can we meet you ma?

I am Mary Olayinka Oladokun

You were pronounced the overall best graduating student during this year's convocation. What CGPA did you graduate with

I graduated with a CGPA of 4.92

Wow... That's awesome. When you wanted to enter the university, did you choose Microbiology?

I was devastated. I never really thought about the course microbiology.

What was the course that you chose initially?

Medicine

Oooh, were there plan to change to your preferred course?

I wanted to but you know most of these things deal with connection. I had no connections.

And looking back now ma, would you say making that decision was good?

Yes, I would say so.

We would also love to know, outside academics, were you involved in any other thing?

I was in technical subgroup in BSF

Meaning you have to be available in every of the fellowship meeting?

I attended majority of the fellowship meetings not every

Was there a time you held any leadership position while on campus as a student either in your class, department, faculty or fellowship?

During my final year, I was the project group leader

Did you take any decision as a fresh student then that helped you in the course of your study?

Not really. I was just determined to do the best I could.

That’s impressive. One would naturally think you are a genius or that it runs in the family?

😂

I believe leading of your mates in classes didn't start in OAU

It started kind of in OAU. In primary school and secondary school I was not always the best. It fluctuated.

Wow, that's encouraging.. Did you hear stories about Obafemi Awolowo University that could be discouraging when you resumed school?

Yes o. There are always stories you hear from your mates and seniors about some courses that would make you feel like this is the end. I can't pass this particular subject.

So what was your reaction to this?

At first I always got scared but later on I decided to place it on God's hand and just do my best

Was it in your plan to be the best graduating student when you got admission?

Not at all

What was your CGPA in Part 1?

I did JUPEB so I entered part 2

Okay! What was your lowest grade?

B

Shana

😂. It was just God's grace

Exactly the answer i was expecting😂

How did you feel when you got to know you graduated as the best student?

I was very surprised and happy because it was very unexpected.

Apart from being the Best Graduating Student, you won other prizes, what are they?

I won 4 best graduating student in the faculty o science prize, two from my department

Can you name them?

No, I can't

Okay

What is your advice to the current crop of undergraduates especially the fresh ones among them?

They should trust in God, understand themselves especially their strengths and weaknesses.

Have you received any job offer since you graduated as a result of your sterling performance?

Not yet o.

Congratulations once again Mary and we appreciate you for your time, what is your words to the OAU Peeps crew?

Thank you all for giving me an audience.

On behalf of the OAU Peeps News Agency, I wish you the best in your future endeavours.

Thank you very much.

Meet Babajide Oni, The Best Graduating Student At 42nd Convocation Of The Obafemi Awolowo University

Oni Babajide David

An interview of Mr Oni Babajide, best graduating student at the 42nd Annual Convocation ceremony of the Obafemi Awolowo University carried out by OAU Peeps News Agency.

OAU Peeps: Good day Mr Oni, please do introduce yourself.

Babajide Oni: My name is Oni Babajide David, a graduate of the Department of Agricultural Economics of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

OAU Peeps: Alright, thank you very much Mr Oni but I think you were quite modest with the introduction, considering the fact that you were the best graduating student at the recently concluded 42nd Convocation of the Obafemi Awolowo University. Perhaps you could shed more light on this and also on your educational background in general.

Babajide Oni: Yes, I love modesty in everything I do. Being the best graduating student for the 2014/2015 session in OAU is not by my power but a function of team work and of God who made it happen.
As regards my educational background, I was just a normal average student all throughout my secondary school days, but everything changed when I decided to beat the best and be the best.

OAU Peeps: Interesting, and when exactly did you make this life-changing decision sir?

Babajide Oni: I made that decision in the year 2011 after listening to a message by the General overseer of my church in person of Dr. D.K Olukoya on 'Beating the best and being the best.'

OAU Peeps: Interesting. You are a graduate of Agricultural Economics. We would like to ask Sir, was this your original choice when you came into the Obafemi Awolowo University and if not, when exactly did it change?

Babajide Oni: No, it wasn't. I chose medicine and surgery as first choice but I picked OAU as my second choice of institution. I actually asked for a stethoscope and I was given a hoe like my teacher said. Upon discovering that I would not be offered medicine due to the fact that I picked OAU as my second choice, I decided to study Agricultural Economics in 2010/11 academic session.

OAU Peeps: And looking back now Sir, would you say making that decision was good?

Babajide Oni: I am very sure I made the right decision. This became clear in my second year when I had the chance to apply for a change of course to study medicine. But then, my sole purpose to solve unemployment problem in Nigeria through agriculture was discovered hence I had to just answer the call to do agriculture.

OAU Peeps: Hmmm. Inspiring. We would also love to know, outside academics, were you involved in any other thing?

Babajide Oni: Yes, I was. I hoped to be a versatile graduate hence I participated in politics by serving as a parliamentarian for two sessions and served as the public relations officer of the Great Ife Students Union Elections Petitions Committee. Also, I served as an executive in my fellowship as the ICT/Business unit head. Lastly, I was involved in my personal businesses too.

OAU Peeps: Versatile indeed sir. And just how did you balance out these activities with school work?

Babajide Oni: Basically, it was about doing the right thing at the right time. Likewise sacrificing sleeping hours too. Also, seizing every free time and moment.

OAU Peeps: And apparently that paid off well. Also, having gone through the system zealously, what can you say about the quality of education in Nigeria?

Babajide Oni: Hmm... Truthfully, the education system in Nigeria is somewhat archaic and outlandish. You just take courses that you don't need in your discipline. But then there is a lot to be done in the educational sector of this country. And I believe that there is still hope for this country considering the outstanding performance of Nigerians in diaspora.

OAU Peeps: Okay sir. Considering your earlier comment on agriculture as a way out of unemployment, is this to say that you have plans to go into agriculture sometime in the future?

Babajide Oni: Yes, I do have plans to go into agriculture in the future. But then, I plan to redefine the image of agriculture in Nigeria and that was why I started a concept known as Agrocapitalism Initiatives.
One of the eminent professors in my faculty gave an inaugural lecture titled "Who will bring back the farm children?". It was a brilliant lecture, but I think the question ought be "Who will welcome the farm children?". Hence, there arises a need to create a platform that will be homely for the farm children. This and many more I look forward to doing in the nearest future.

OAU Peeps: Interesting sir. As we round off, we would like to know of the challenges you faced as an undergraduate?

Babajide Oni: The challenges faced as an undergraduate are numerous than I can remember but all I can say is that in spite of them all, God made me more than a conqueror.

OAU Peeps: Alright sir, finally what is your advice to other students looking forward to achieving a feat like yours?

Babajide Oni: Well, I can only advice them to believe in themselves and trust God with all their hearts and He will make every crooked way straight. Lastly, be focused and determined to beat the best and be the best in anything you find yourself doing.

OAU Peeps: Nice words of advice, Mr Oni. Thank you for your time.

Babajide Oni: You are welcome.

OAU Peeps: And congratulations on your feat.

Babajide Oni: Thanks a lot.

OAU Peeps: On behalf of the OAU Peeps News Agency, I wish you the best in your future endeavours.

Babajide Oni: Amen and thank you. See you at the top

An Exclusive Interview With Some Members of Team GoPoethick

Interviewees- (Mr Adewale Victor (Veekthur), the Founder of GoPoethick, Mr Adigun Abdullah, the Director of Operations, GoPoethick2016, Mr Ogunkoya Samuel Dabar, Director of Publicity of GoPoethick2016

Interviewer- Adeyeye Ifeoluwa Eyitayo (Head of Interviews, OAU Peeps News Agency)

OAU Peeps: From popular talk, we know that Gopoethick is a brainchild of OAU student, Mr Ajakaye Victor Oluwatobi aka "Veekthur". Please can you please help us develop on this?

Adewale Victor: You are not incorrect; I am Ajakaye Victor, planning a name change to Victor Adewale soon. Adewale is my father's name. I am still the same person.

OAU Peeps: Can you please tell us how the idea was conceived and who conceived the idea

Adewale Victor: I conceived the idea after a renowned poet Kukogho Iruesiri Samson, visited us in school and challenged us to start something creative. I also noticed the decline in the growth of Arts here too. How social activities like parties prevailed over Arts. I wanted a platform where Arts would rise to the level of other social activities. Especially poetry, I wanted the world to know that it is not a boring enterprise.

OAU Peeps: Mr Victor, What has been the challenges and successes so far?

Adewale Victor: The successes have been overwhelming. The only challenge has been getting sponsors for the event. We however have the support of a large number of poets in Nigeria and lots of OAU students.

OAU Peeps: Mr Dabar you mentioned in the course of your introduction that you are the director of publicity, we are aware that massive awareness have trailed GoPoethick 2016. From the photo shoots to various social media broadcasts, please tell us about this year's edition of GoPoethick

Ogunkoya Samuel Dabar: Please, can you be clearer about that question?

OAU Peeps: As the director of publicity for the forthcoming edition of GoPoethick, what are the things you have been able to put in place to achieve massive participation?

Ogunkoya Samuel Dabar: Well, we have been active "using" what we have, basically people. They have been seeing convincing reasons to make the dream a reality and hence join in broadcasting the event. The social media (WhatsApp, Facebook et al) has been a useful tool in beating the drums of the event loud. And of course, media outfits have been helpful.

OAU Peeps: Well thank you very much Mr Dabar. Rumour has it that there would be an epic theatrical performance by the dramatic arts of Obafemi Awolowo University, how true is this?

Adewale Victor: There ought to be a performance from.dramatic arts department but they have not been responsive and the school closure did not help matters. We however have a talented thespian who graduated from the department of dramatic arts. He would be thrilling us with an epic dance performance at the event

OAU Peeps: Another rumour also has it that a popular musician would be around for the event

Adigun Abdullah: Aye, rumors and news shaa. It was true, till some weeks after we began making frantic efforts to ensure his attendance. We however were not able to secure his presence due to extremely busy schedule.

OAU Peeps: What is the connection between Gopoethick and the kegites. Are they also performing at the event?

Adigun Abdullah: Not exactly Sir, you see the event is divided into two days, the first for the poetry class and the main event, and the second for mountaineering. Kegites will be around to come gyrate on Day2, the purpose of the event is to promote arts, music and poetry, this their drums, dancing and traditional performances and even palm wine showcase

OAU Peeps: Don’t you think the program should be dependent on school resumption so as to record a greater participation or won't OAU being on strike affect attendance at the programme as well as other plans?

Adewale Victor: The program is for all arts lovers, not limited to the OAU community alone. Our guests would be coming from different parts of the country. We don't want to ruin their schedule by postponing the event.

OAU Peeps: Do you think this year's edition would be better than the last edition? If yes, what makes you think so exactly?

Adewale Victor: This year's edition would be better than last year's because we have a better planning structure, compared to last year. We also have outstanding guest poets and artists. This year also has in package features that were not present last year like Live painting, Book exhibition, arts exhibition and sales, mountaineering and lots more amazing features.

OAU Peeps: Thank you guys for your time, However just before we close the curtains, we must ask for readers and fans who want to learn more about GoPoethick or make further enquiries, is there any way they can reach you guys or find the information they need? Perhaps some contact details or Social media handles

Adewale Victor: You can reach us on Twitter and instagram @GoPoethick, Our facebook page is facebook.com/gopoethick1 and our blog is Gopoethick.blogspot.com

OAU Peeps: Alright Sir, to round off, there have been some pictures of GoPoethick T-shirts and hand bands circulating on the social media, are these related to your event?

Adewale Victor: Yes they are very much related to our event; we made those t-shirts for people who love to support poetry, and would like to represent the art in their environment

OAU Peeps: And how do these people get them?

Adewale Victor: At the event venue, or through courier delivery

OAU Peeps: Alright Thank you for your time. We at OAU Peeps can't wait to GoPoethick already.

Soon, My Solar-powered Cars ’ll Sell In Nigerian Market - OAU Graduate

Do you remember Oyeyiola Segun? You can read our interview with him in 2014. 'Oyeyiola Segun, A Student Of OAU Builds A Solar-powered Car'.

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In a recent interview with Ronke Sanya of the Nigerian Tribune, Segun Oyeyiola talked about the present state of the solar-powered car which he invented in 2014 and the new projects he is presently working on.

You made headlines in 2014 when you converted a Volkswagen Beetle car, using mainly scrap, into a solar-powered car which you drove around Ile-Ife town, where is that car now?
The solar car which I made in 2014 is presently undergoing some upgrading process. I describe the solar car as ‘model one’ and it is presently in my workshop. Right now, we are upgrading. We are upgrading it, both in the chassis and its main electronics components. After we are done with the upgrading, it will be called the ‘model two.’ It is a form of upgrading whereby we will not use scrap as materials but materials that are much better.

Owing to your innovation, you made headlines in the media, what has the experience been like?
I felt really excited and fulfilled that my work was celebrated by a lot of people. And, yes, different people have contacted me and shown interest in partnering with me. The interesting part is that some of them are ready and willing to work with me. Some are ready to supply some key parts for the car like the high quality batteries, solar module, and so on. I feel good and strongly believe in teamwork which can come in any form.

Many people are of the opinion that the car would not last long because of the popular notion that made in Nigeria products are of low quality. Is your solar car still functioning?
People’s opinion and their beliefs sometimes may be wrong. Let me give you an example. While I was still an undergraduate of Electronics and Electrical Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, I was able to study few electronic devices that are products from other countries. After a close study of these products which many Nigerians believe will last longer than Nigerian made ones, I noticed that the products were inferior. I discovered that, if used, these devices will not perform as effectively as they are supposed to, and will not last long too. I was able to notice this because of my expertise in the field of engineering. Therefore, my opinion is that, not all made in Nigeria products are substandard; also, not all foreign products are of good quality. The solar car I made is presently in good condition and functioning well. I am currently upgrading it using better technology and, yes, it will last long because we keep improving on it and we are bringing in novel technology.

What is your plan towards making more of that prototype of solar powered car, in view of the clamour for cars that maximise fuel consumption?
My model cars are a future project. Our plan is to make more prototypes available to whoever desires to have one. Our plan is for the future where you will be able to decide which car you want to buy whether the one that runs on our traditional fuel or the one that runs on pure renewable energy. So, it’s a project for the future and will be optional for those interested to choose.

Why did you choose to upgrade the car?
The upgrading was necessary due to the fact that the ‘model one’, that is, the solar car, was made from what I can call ‘crude implements.’ The Volkswagen Beetle was an abandoned car and the other metals I used were from scrap. I also had to upgrade in order to come into commercialising my idea into something that the public can benefit from. Although, it might appear like a long term project but I believe, with time, we will ride solar cars on the streets of Nigeria. A day will come when our traditional cars will become things of the past while our cars will run on renewable energy.

Do you think if you make more of your solar-powered car, Nigerians will buy them?
The Federal Government has a great role to play in encouraging Nigerians to buy made in Nigeria products. This is because there are many Nigerians who make good products but do not enjoy good patronage. Nigerians are not patronising made in Nigeria products. The present campaign by the Federal Government called BUYNAIJA is a good idea. But for it to work, the government has to continue to sensitise the public on the importance of patronising made in Nigeria products for our economy. On whether Nigerians will buy my solar-powered car, I believe that after we are done with the present upgrading which the model car is going through, and after satisfying the required standard to build the cars, Nigerians will buy them.

What are the new innovations in the offing?
I am an engineer that is passionate about generating power in a dynamic way. What I am working on presently, although I won’t like to disclose the concept entirely, is on power generation. I am presently working on a power project that will benefit farmers and those in agricultural work.

What can you say is the reason behind your creativity? Did your parents nurture the interest in you from when you were young or you just took interest in engineering?
The fact is that once creativity becomes part of one’s nature, it reflects in all that one does. Of course, my parents did a lot by nurturing me when I was a kid but I naturally took interest in engineering. Throughout my study, nurturing the interest and maintaining it has been the most important thing to me.

Also, during my first year, when I met my part adviser Mr Kola Ogunba of the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, OAU, he looked at me and said, “the beauty of you studying this engineering course is to be able to solve the problem of your people.” I have never forgotten that statement. It has kept me going and made me to keep trying to proffer solution to problems of many through engineering.

Also, I can’t easily forget my experience during my third year at the university. Our first lecture then was EE309 (Sound and Acoustics). Our lecturer then, Professor Osansoan introduced the course to us and at the end of the lecture, he said, “you guys should be able to build a device that can determine the speed of a car while moving on the road at a close distance to it.” We all laughed then, because we did not understand what he was saying. The class ended that day but when I got to my closet I thought deeply about what he said. For this man to say this, it means it is possible. Eventually, I built it, I was able to build a car that I can determine its speed.

Finally, my final year project was another swell experience. I designed and constructed 5KVA power inverter. After the defence, my supervisor, Dr Adeniran said, “let me advise you, don’t go home and start playing around because you are now a graduate. Keep reading textbooks and if you can’t find one; come, I will lend you.” Then, I really didn’t value those words, but now I can say confidently that those words of advice brought me this far.

What are your words of advice for young inventors who look up to you?
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step and there is no short cut to it. Take your time to learn all that is required of you in your chosen field. Also note that in this 21st century, illiterates are not only the people who can’t read and write anymore; it also includes people who can’t unlearn to relearn. No matter what you do, make sure it does not affect the safety and peace of our society.

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OYA OAU 100: Meet The 15 Most Outstanding Students In Media

OYA Magazine on February 1, 2016 released a list of 100 students who shaped Obafemi Awolowo University in 2015 comprising of 15 most outstanding students in Media. Lukmon Fasasi profiles these campus media influencers as follows.

1. Toblan Spice
Arguably one of the rare journalists on OAU campus. Damilola Toblan is one of the students that shaped OAU in 2015. A political journalist and the Editor-in-chief of the OAU_olofofo news platform, is currently in his penultimate year in the faculty of Law. His seasoned reports and critical analysis of the Student Union’s governance brought him to lime light. He was part of the media personality, who interviewed the school PRO Abiodun Olanrewaju, during the first mid-semester break last semester.

2. DeRoj
Aderoju Odewale, is one of the foremost students on – air – personality of our generation. DeRoj, who work at both Great FM and Crown FM as a presenter has been recognized both home and nationally. He was nominated for OYA and Oscar Awards 2015. Fresh graduate, DeRoj is the proud owner of Royals Media.

3. Prince Adetula
A budding plant scientist, David Adetula, is a journalist and the founder of OAU Peeps News Agency. He is definitely a campus shaper whose reports cannot be rebutted. OAU Peeps was the first news agency to expose the incumbent Student Union General Secretary, Seun Okeetooto’s failure to meet up with the election requirements.

4. Timi Agbaje
The Seal Magazine Boss Timi Agbaje, is arguably a human behaviour psychologist. He brought in ‘The Seal’ into OAU free. At the commencement of operation, many said that the seal can’t stay -wondering where Timi is making is profit. Today ‘The Seal’ magazine is one of the best read magazine on OAU campus.

5. Lukmon Fasasi
Arguably this is one of the persons you do not want to mess with on OAU campus. Lukmon Fasasi’s Blog can make and mar you. Most controversial OAU blogger, Lukmon Fasasi, is currently in his penultimate year in the department of Management and Accounting. His direct source of information and raw ways of reporting has been recognized locally and nationally. He was almost mobbed by protesting NASU member in June. Lukmon Fasasi, is the proud organiser of Nigeria Internet Business Conference.

6. KvngBrainard
The name KvngBrainard, is constantly showing on people’s twitter timeline at a range of 3-10mins. Oni Oluwatobi, is definitely OAU students tweep, who controls over 12k followers on twitter. Though, many people don’t even know his real name, but the twitter handle always rings bell.

7. Yemi Olutoye
The brain behind oauchristians.com, OYA award’s blog of the year winner is no doubt the best writer on OAU campus that tweet most. Yemi, an Economics student in his third year showed this, when he organized the first ever social media conference on OAU.

8. GominaDavidi
Adesina David, despite his challenges has taken up ‘more than leadership positions’. The class governor of Economics part 3 class is influential online (twitter) and offline. He has volunteered as a social media handler for different events on OAU campus including the just concluded Microsoft Hello Cloud presentation.

9. Sodiq Oyeleke
A Punch newspaper reporter, the president of English Department, Sodiq Oyeleke, burst media-sphere, when he exposed the N600k Student Union president planned trip to the US last semester and another media blast between the Student Union executives and the English language professor, Y. K Yusuf also got Sodiq, into word brawl with the union’s PRO Emmanuel Kant and President Omotayo Akande .

10. Olanrewaju Oyedeji
A Premium Times reporter and President of Insider Group. He is an investigative reporter whose works spans through Obafemi Awolowo University and beyond. Also currently the Chairman Guild of Editors ACJOAU and National Chairman Association of Nigerian Campus Editors, he exposed the un-audited accounts of Obafemi Awolowo University and also played a pivotal role in exposing scholarship scam of OAU SU. He spearheaded hosting of campus Editors summit attended by several universities in OAU in the year 2015.

11. Hero
Definitely OAU students whatsappers would recognize Kehinde Olaniyan, by his daily microblogging platform – Beyondwatch. Kehinde is the first creator of whatsapp blog on OAU campus. He gathers and disseminates daily headlines for students on OAU and beyond it. According to reports – Beyondwatch is been read in Unilorin, UI and 8 other Nigeria varsities.

12. Lukmon Akintola
Avocks, as some people call him – Lukmon Akintola, is a Pmnews journalist, whose jurisdiction lies on OAU campus and the editor-in-chief of the DSNA – an International Relations Students Association’s news agency. DSNA got boosted under Lukmon, by having it own blogsite and daily whatsapp headlines broadcast DSNA Alert . He has shaped OAU in his own way by giving out first news headlines broadcast as early as 5:30am daily.

13. Azeez Olalekan
The Gossip Nation boss Azeez Olalekan, has been consistent on this list as far back 2013. Azeez, is OAU’s No. 1 social media influencer. The founder of @OAU_gossipz twitter and facebook page, bursted twitter-sphere in December, when he launched the hashtag OAUstories. Till date OAUstories is trending both on twitter and facebook with over 1million retweets and shares.

14. Adebayo Benjamin
ProlificBen, as he his been referred to is the president of the Association of campus journalist OAU . Adebayo Benjamin’s proficiency in spoken English makes him standout always. He has shaped OAU, by resurrecting campus journalism to its former status in the 90s. Though, Ben has been harassed severally by union’s thugs, he his undeterred and currently working on taking ACJOAU to the university press council.

15. Tolulope Oloyede
Her lovely radio voice would make you stay glued to Great FM, whenever she’s been aired Thursdays, despite the boringness of the station . De_Mhaile, presents on Great FM. That aside, Tolulope Oloyede, is one of the best female freelancer on OAU campus. Her reports cum her all watermarked pictures of covered events have been published by virtually all blogsites on the campus. Tolulope, was the official reporter for the 2015 Unilever cooking competition.



Photo Credit: EU Media Futures Forum

Meet Ewetola Michael, OAU's Best Graduating Student

Meet Ewetola Michael, OAU's Best Graduating Student

Ewetola Michael Adeboye, 23, is the overall best graduating student of the Obafemi Awolowo University in the 2013/2014 academic session, having finished with a CGPA of 4.85 from the Department of Mathematics. He tells OAU Peeps News Agency in an exclusive interview about what it took him to come on top.

Can we meet you sir?
My name is Ewetola Michael Adeboye, a graduate of the Department of Mathematics. I hail from Oyo state.

You were pronounced the overall best graduating student during this year's convocation. What CGPA did you graduate with?
4.85

Wow... That's awesome. When you wanted to enter the university, did you choose Mathematics?
Sure, it was my first and second choice.

So you mean you wanted to study Mathematics? Why were you passionate about Mathematics?
I just like it and I find it interesting.

What was your prior performance in Mathematics relative to other subjects especially during your secondary school days?
It was excellent just like the other subjects too but I enjoyed mathematics the most.

This suggest your excellent performance did not just begin. When did you start leading your class?
I started leading my class right from my Primary school.

Did you take any decision as a fresh student then that helped you in the course of your study?
Not really, it has always been my habit to give my best to whatever I do.

That’s impressive. One would naturally think you are a genius or that it runs in the family?
Yes

Did you hear stories about Obafemi Awolowo University that could be discouraging when you resumed school?
Yes, I heard of how in Obafemi Awolowo University, you will have to read to have an F.

So what was your reaction to this?
I was not scared. I also met some of my senior colleagues who counselled me that smart work and not just hard work is all I need to get my desired grade in any course.

Was it in your plan to be the best graduating student when you got admission?
No, but I started considering its possibility when I was in Part two because my Part one results were encouraging and I felt that if I could step up my game, I may emerge as the Best Graduating Student, but it was not really my target, I just want have a good understanding of my course.

What was your CGPA in Part 1?
4.80

What was your lowest grade?
E

What was your reaction to this when you saw the result?
A little bit disappointed but not too bothered because it was a Special Elective course.

How many hours did you invest in sleeping and studying per day?
I read for an average of 3 hours and sleep for about 7 hours per day during weekdays while the reading hour during weekends is about 7 hours.

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities?
Yes, I was a Departmental Representative Council (DRC) member in my Part 2, the Academic Committee chairman of my department in Part 4 and I was also involved in fellowship activities.

Which fellowship did you attend on campus?
Baptist Students’ Fellowship (BSF).

At what point did you know you would be the best graduating student?
It was in my Part 3 when I had A's in all my courses.

Wow... How did you feel when you got to know you graduated as the best student?
I was happy and grateful to God.

Apart from being the Best Graduating Student, you won other prizes, what are they?
I received five prizes ranging from departmental to faculty and the university prize.
1. Professor A. F. Oluwole Faculty prize for the best graduating student with the highest CGPA in the Faculty of Science
2. Tola Olukilede prize for the best graduating student in the Faculty of Science
3. Professor(Chief) Reuben Olafenwa Ayeni memorial prize for the graduating student with the best all round performance in Bsc Mathematics program
4. Ife North local government prize for the best student in the department of Mathematics
5. Tola Olakilede Agent of change prize for the final year student in the university with the highest cumulative grade point

What is your advice to the current crop of undergraduates especially the fresh ones among them?
I implore them not just to work hard but work smart, prioritize understanding of every course over grades and avoid cramming at all cost even as you develop a habit of consistent studying.

Have you received any job offer since you graduated as a result of your sterling performance?
Not yet.

Congratulations once again Michael and we appreciate you for your time, what is your words to the OAU Peeps crew?
I have been seeing your posts on Facebook before now. Keep up the good job.

SU Elections: “I Have Not Endorsed Any Candidate” – TY

By David Adetula

The Students’ Union President of Obafemi Awolowo University, Omotayo Akande a.k.a TY has thrown to the bin the speculations pervading some corners that he has anointed and endorsed some certain persons to vie for offices in the Students’ Union elections coming up later this semester.

In recent times, especially during the periods after the Harmattan semester examinations, some students who obviously wish to involve in the Students’ Union leadership have started their underground campaigns as they move from one room to another to seek support. Some of them in the course of convincing their electorates, they have stated that they have the backing of some of the current Students’ Union heavyweights.

Addressing journalists yesterday at the end of the 2015 Campus Editors’ Summit that held at Pit Theatre of the institution, the SU president said he will not be surprised if anyone goes to the public and uses his name to garner political support especially before the protagonists of this administration but however insisted that he has not endorsed any candidate at this moment.

“For now, TY has no candidate and I won’t be surprised if people start going around and start saying I am the TY-endorsed candidates. You know it is politics, when some people know you are a friend to TY and they want to campaign to you, they will say TY is endorsing me and when they know you are the ‘enemy’ of TY, they will tell you TY is not endorsing me and condemn TY. It is normal.” TY said.


The Union President further stated that it is however too early to start playing politics as the current administration still has a lot to achieve even though it has achieved majority of what is stated in its manifestoes. He said there are lots of administrative assignments before the administration that is not making it prioritize the Students’ Union elections for now.

It will be recalled that the previous Students’ Union administration was at the centre of a serious controversy as it was alleged to have endorsed a particularly presidential candidate which some political commentators have even described as a major role player in the eventual loss suffered by the candidate. If the current academic calendar for the Rain semester is anything to go by, the SU elections that will usher in a new set of leaders of the Union is expected to come up between January and February, 2016.

Meet OAU Graduate With Three First Class Degrees

On the 27th of June this year, Onoriode Reginald Aziza, a graduate from the prestigious Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University will be having his graduation ceremony from Cambridge University. Bellanaija profiles the outstanding excellence of Onoriode in an interview. Relax and read:

The star of today’s show is deserving of all the celebration we can muster because he has distinguished himself on three different levels of academic pursuit. Graduating from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife , with a first class degree, he went on to achieve the same feat at the Nigerian Law School. In June 2015, Onoriode Reginald Aziza graduated from the Cambridge University with another first class degree.

Onoriode’s father is a retired civil servant, and his mother is a professor at the Delta State University. Talking about his parents, he says that his father counselled consistent hard work.

We love the raw honesty and brilliance of Onoriode’s story! “Although I had a penchant for childish excesses, good parental discipline and support from my siblings led me in the right path, and into starting my schooling at a tender age. I believe this gave me a spirit of extreme determination, a trait I believe, is my most distinct feature."

When you read the story, you’ll know why our excitement knows no bounds.

I Was Never a Genius
After strenuous struggles at the prestigious Kings College Lagos, I was admitted to study law in Obafemi Awolowo University at 15. Young, naïve and free-spirited, I took up the challenge of studying law – and a daunting challenge it was! My initial years were rough. I initially had a writing style used across all examinations, but wildly fluctuating grades quickly taught me to pick courses only after careful enquiry, and tailor examination answers to the tastes of the particular lecturers. After initial skirmishes with unpleasant grades, I later became consistent and my CGPA hovered around a 4.4 from the second semester of my third year until my very last result. The fact that I am the only first class graduate of the Faculty of Law in the last four years confirms the difficulty of the task.

The Daunting Feat of Law School
Proceeding to the Nigerian Law School at 20 presented even more challenges: I was forced to compete with my colleagues in the Yenagoa Campus and with the five other campuses of the Law School system; I was exposed to seminar-styled lectures sometimes running into six hours in length with only a thirty minute break, as opposed to the maximum of two-hours I was accustomed to in the university; I was compelled to challenge myself on a national scale against the best and brightest of students around Nigeria; and I was constantly reminded that as the best graduating law student from OAU, I had to replicate this excellence on a national scale. I had the benefit of fantastic lecturers at the Yenagoa Campus of the Law School who showed me the nuances of the system and how to make the most of it. After ceaseless hours of working through the year and during the externship programs, I sat the bar examinations and made my 2nd first-class and finished as the second best in Nigeria.

I recall joking with my friends that whilst I do not have the dexterity of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo on a football pitch, I may have the ability to score a hat-trick of first-class results. The Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge was the venue, the flagship Masters of Corporate Law (MCL) Degree was the target and I prepared myself for an epic battle of intellect.

Challenges!
Funding a Masters in Cambridge is a big issue. Prior to resumption, and facing the prospects of having my admission revoked, I wrote ceaselessly to prominent Nigerians, Senior Advocates, Governors, Ministers and Governments, requesting funds and promising to be bonded in service to them or to the country upon my return if granted the funds. As expected, my entreaties were met with a mixture of deafening silence and tenuous, pontifical excuses. Thankfully, I finally secured a scholarship just in time to commence the program.

Cambridge and the MCL brought competing to an entirely new level. The minimum eligibility requirement to take the MCL was a first class in the university, and the course admits a maximum of 25 students in the world. With an eventual cohort of 23 students spread through 16 countries and all continents, including students who had concluded doctoral programs, and students working in the Central Banks and Securities Commissions of their home countries, I had no doubt that around and beside me were some of the best and brightest brains in their respective countries. The prospect of learning with and competing against them was scary and refreshing in equal measure. Whilst realism told me it would be difficult, optimism told me it is possible.

Lionel Messi of Academic Excellence! Hello Hat-trick
From my first breath in Cambridge on September 29th 2014 to my final examination on June 5th 2015, I was motivated by a single goal: ensure the world knows that the best students in Nigeria can compete with, and excel against the best students in the world. I had no precedents to work with as none of my friends who had finished from Cambridge before me made a first-class. Fortunately, I was classmates with an amazing senior colleague of mine from OAU (who like me, also made the first class in Cambridge). His presence gave me a compass with which to navigate the academic seas of Cambridge amidst the tumultuous waves of a crashing Naira exchange rate, without sinking my boat.

Whilst ensuring a realistic sense of what was important, I ensured I made the most of Cambridge. I traveled, met new people, explored and experimented (sometimes determining not to eat the cuisine of one country more than once in a particular week)! I secured vacation placements with law-firms in London, attended balls, garden parties and formal dinners, undertook a pro-bono project with the Law Faculty, served food to the homeless on the streets of Cambridge, and locked myself in the library when needed. At the end of the second term, of my 4 courses, I had secured 3 first class results and 1 first class with distinction. Mathematically, even with a term left, the deal had been done, and nothing but an absolute shipwreck in my final term could deny me the hat-trick. The final term went just as well as the previous terms and finally, the results were officially released: I had my 3rd first-class in the bag, and I was just 23! The 1st first-class felt good, the 2nd first class felt great; the 3rd was outright emotional: saying I was on the Mt. Everest of ecstasy does not do justice to the feeling!
Keep Raising the Bar
Borrowing from the wisdom of an old English judge, it appears that those with a taste for fairytales seem to think that in some Aladdin’s cave, there is hidden a virtue variously called ‘natural talent’ or ‘genius’ and something in the art of reproduction confers it on some children and not on others, which makes them excel better than others. Whilst I cannot attest to the truthfulness of this claim in other disciplines, I know it is non-existent in law. I can attest to the fact that I was born with no knowledge of commercial law, civil litigation, or competition law: knowledge of the law resides in the pages of books. I thus believe, as did Justice Melville Fuller of the US Supreme Court, that “the world furnishes many examples of the superiority of the truly earnest and laborious mind over the merely intellectual.” Academic excellence therefore does not reside in in-born gifts but in unrepentant effort. Irrespective of your circumstances, I urge you to set the goal, raise the bar, and pursue. Dreams are neither too big nor goals too high, but minds are either too small to conceive them or arms too short to achieve them. Yes, you can!

Culled from Bellanaija

2014 OSCAR Award: Meet Oyagbile Peter, The Most Charismatic Student Leader

The historic Outstanding Students' Choice Awards of Recognition popular known as had come and is gone but it will never be forgotten so quick by the entire OAU community. Aside from being the very first of its kind in Obafemi Awolowo University with such huge popularity among staffs and students, its nomination and election fairness and credibility is a song that abounds in the mouth of many.

Today with us is one of the most celebrated personality on OAU campus and beyond, the OSCAR Most Charismatic Male Leader.

OAU Peeps: Congratulations on your award as the Most Charismatic Student Leader! Can you briefly tell us about yourself?
Petrus: Thanks. I am Peter Oyagbile, a graduate of Botany Department of Great Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, A Goal Getter, forward thinking person and always believing in possibility and execution of great ideas.

OAU Peeps: Wow. Tell us how growing up was like with you? Will you say life has been fair to you?

Petrus: Growing up was cool. Life has been good and still very good, thanks to God for the free gift of nature giving us opportunities for great exploits. Though I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I am the fourth of six children with lovely parents who could afford us the privilege of good education.  I was able to identify the importance of life and being relevant in life early enough which prompted in me the thought for greatness and significance.

OAU Peeps: Can you tell us about the leadership positions you have held before now?
Petrus:  I was a Labour Prefect during my primary school education, then I was the Senior Prefect Boy during my secondary school education and then the class rep in my first year in OAU with excellent success recorded and great accountability. My tenure as the President of NABOS ended some months back.

OAU Peeps: Now to the Award that exposed you, how did you feel when you found out you had won the award the other day?

Petrus:  I was excited.

OAU Peeps: Was there a lot of suspense leading up to the decision and did you think you might win or will you call it a total surprise?
Petrus: The suspense was not much, I expected it because I am the optimistic type. Though, I doubted it at a point.

OAU Peeps: That category of the Awards was obviously very tight and competitive with popular nominees like Iyeku Akinwale Tansi(IFUMSA President), Ifeanyi Emegwa(Equity) and some others. What made the difference?
Petrus:  I cannot really figure out the difference, but I think it was a great privilege to have been awarded and to have gotten such a great feedback from the teaming population of OAU students for their honest nomination.

OAU Peeps: Something that caught many people's attention was that your Association, NABOS had the highest popular nomination and eventual awards. How did you go about this?
Petrus: Smiles... It is not that we knew the awards would be coming our way, but we were just been diligent in getting our goals fulfilled. And the successes we had steered up possibilities in us.

OAU Peeps: So far so good, has the Award affected you in any way?
Petrus: Yes.

OAU Peeps: How?
Petrus:  It has been an encouragement and a stimulant to be more diligent and to take up more leadership responsibilities.

OAU Peeps: During your tenure as the President of National Association of Botany Students'(NABOS), your administration obviously witnessed unprecedented success. What was the secret?
Petrus: Thanks to God for the success achieved and also to my Mentor in leadership, Prof. Greg Erhabor who has made me to see the need to be committed to the pursuit of excellence. A set of wonderful Executive Team with excellent team spirit and the cooperation received from my teaming followers made a whole lot of difference.

OAU Peeps: 'BOTANISCA 2014' was a buzz on campus, how did you achieve this?
Petrus: As an Executive Body, we understood the purpose of the event, and we were able to communicate it rightly to great NABOS which earned us their cooperation and contributions.

OAU Peeps: In your speech in the BOTANISCA Magazine, Maiden Edition, you mentioned, "We all should be able to ask ourselves 'Why Botany?' because until you answer the question why, you may never understand the how of life knowing fully well that we are big as the dream we set out in our mind." So why Botany for you?
Petrus: It is a unique Basic Science that has given me the platform for my desired profession and to become a dream weaver in the science World.

OAU Peeps: How will you rate the OSCAR event?
Petrus:  It was excellent! because it was an idea of some set of students like every other student on campus which was eventually executed.

OAU Peeps: What were the major challenges you had leading your department?
Petrus: (i) Bringing about change was initially difficult. (ii) Insufficient funds in the execution of goals and vision was another challenge.

OAU Peeps: As a student leader, what are the major lessons you have learnt from your followers?
Petrus: Accepting people the way they are especially at their different levels of understanding and reasoning, Decision is hard work which requires high level of wisdom when it comes to people’s opinion and lastly, Success determinant depend much on the cooperation from followers.

OAU Peeps: Combining Academics with Campus Politics, how did you strike balance?

Petrus: I had to let go of some conveniences so as to be committed in order to strike balance.

OAU Peeps: Any regret in life so far?
Petrus: None

OAU Peeps: Are you in any relationship?
Petrus: No

OAU Peeps: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?
Petrus: Impacting and influencing lives with a more higher leadership responsibility, married and a consultant in Research and Development.

OAU Peeps: Is there anything you will like to share with our readers?
Petrus: Let us keep discovering and exploring our capabilities in order to be a perfect match with opportunity.

OAU Peeps: What message do you have for your fellow students and youths out there?
Petrus: It is important for us to know that we are as big as the dream we ever set out in our minds. Therefore, let us not stop dreaming; let us not forget our driving force of always becoming the best in whatsoever we do. No matter how the past has been, we can always do better and we can always go for the best. Let’s dare to go extra miles in achieving the unusual excellence, opening up our minds to generating insights into what the future holds for us as great intellectuals.

OAU Peeps: Thank you for your time Mr Oyagbile Peter. Your shout out to the OAU Peeps Crew?
Petrus:  It’s a privilege been here. Thanks! My Shout out goes to the OAU Peeps Crew, you guys are doing such a great work… keep it up!

Archive: Oyeyiola Segun, A Student Of OAU Builds A Solar-powered Car

Like I have always said, Nigerian students are no dull brains, they are only handicapped by the non-working atmosphere and condition created for them. Here is a solar-powered vehicle built by Oyeyiola Segun, a Part 5 student of the Electronic and Electrical Department of Obafemi Awolowo University.

In an exclusive interview with OAU Peeps News Agency, he explained how the car came into existence and the motivations behind it.

OAU Peeps: Can we meet you sir?

Segun: Okay, I am Oyeyiola Segun, a part 5 student of Elect-Elect., OAU

OAU Peeps: We learnt you built this lovely car. Was it a joint project or you did it yourself?

Segun: I did it only. This is not a day’s job, I have been working on it for some months now.

OAU Peeps: So how does the car work?

Segun: Basically it depends on Wind and Solar energy. All the energy derived for these two sources were converted to run the simple car. There are different means of obtaining energy from these two sources but I picked the one that is cool for my car.

OAU Peeps: From what you just said, you can either use the Wind or Solar Energy to power the car’s engine?
Segun: Not either energy, rather both energies are used to power the car.

OAU Peeps: Cool… that differentiates your production from the usual vehicles we see around us I suppose?

Segun: Yes, you are very correct.

OAU Peeps: Could you share with us what actually provoked your innovation? I mean what you thought before coming up with this lovely engine?

Segun: Basically, it is because of the climate change we experience due to the combustion of fuel and you know cars also contribute to that change. So I thought of running a car that will not use fuel for its locomotion. After series of thinking and research work, I came up with the simple method that gave birth to this. So that is the basic reason for the car. Another concern of mine is to produce a car that will function effectively at a reduced cost of maintenance. I believe you know the price of fuel in this country is almost going beyond the reach of a common man?

OAU Peeps: Yes, you are right. Is there any other peculiarity of the car that you will like to share apart from the once you have mentioned?

Segun: Of course yes. Another thing that distinguishes my car from the common ones you see around is that you can know the state of the car through your mobile phones. I wrote a software that you can install which will give you the basic information about the car while in your room.

OAU Peeps: What do you mean by the State of the car?

Segun: I mean the functionality of the car, like the battery level, the weather conditions, the distance you can cover during different weather conditions. In case you have a bad weather. The car also has a GPS in it that helps to know the location of the car. These and many other features embedded in it.

OAU Peeps: Wow! this is very lovely. Do you have plans replicating this nice work in the future?

Segun: The work has come to stay, but I need to keep improving it for now.

OAU Peeps: It took you how many years to put this together?

Segun: That your question can be phased into two categories, do you mean mentally or physically?

OAU Peeps: Lol… you are right. Let us talk about the Physical aspect of it now.
Segun: Okay. We all know how our country is, I mean to get money is not easy but I pray that God will make it easy for everyone of us. The truth is, I cannot really say how long because I started using my personal little money to get the materials together. Let me just say about twelve(12) months.

OAU Peeps: Did you encounter any major challenge during this project?

Segun: Yes, Money. Even at the moment, I still need funds to get some others materials which are in my original paper design which I have not implemented on the car.

OAU Peeps: What will be the summarized cost of this car when fully ready?

Segun: There are lots of things that will lead to summary cost of production, so for now I cannot specifically state the cost but with all the materials that I will be needing since I am not producing in large quantities, its close to a million Naira. Now quantifying my effect and others on foreseen cases.

OAU Peeps: Finally, your message to fellow Nigerian students?

Segun: My message to my fellow students is that Rome was not built in a day. It is better to start anything you want to do now and don’t never, I repeat, never expect someone to believe in your dreams because they may not understand it as you do. Endeavor to follow your heart and do what will make you happy and that which will not affect your fellow being negatively. May God help and bless us all.

OAU Peeps: Amen. Thank you so much Engineer, we are indeed proud of you.

Segun: You are welcome and May God help OAU Peeps News Agency too.