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.