“A Little Fun Won't Affect Your Dreams,” Says AAUA First Class Graduate

Orimoloye Promise Oluwadamilola, a first-class graduate from the Faculty of Law, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in the just concluded convocation ceremony shared her academic journey and the experiences that shaped her success in an interview with Gbonjubola Olanrewaju.

What does graduating with a first-class degree mean to you personally?

It is really a big deal to me, because it was something I felt was very impossible. It made me believe that I can actually achieve anything I set my mind to do.

At what point did you realize you could finish with a first class?

I was always on first class right from my 100 level, but what made me realize it was possible was when I had a 5.0 CGPA during my 300-level 2nd semester.

What was the most challenging academic moment you faced, and how did you overcome it?

In my 400-level, I had B in most of my courses which actually brought me down to a second class upper, which meant I really had to work hard in my final year to come out with a first class. I was able to overcome it by putting more energy into my studies and prayer.

How did you stay focused and consistent throughout your years in the university?

I just knew what I was after, so I did not allow anything to distract me. I was really determined

What study routine or habit worked best for you? Did you rely on group studies, personal study sessions, or a mix of both?

I relied mostly on personal study sessions and I usually start reading at least 2 months before examinations which makes me fully prepared.

How did you balance academics with other responsibilities or activities?

I am actually only good at reading at night, so I made sure I did whatever I wanted to do during the day, and left my night for studying.

Who or what was your biggest motivation?

My mum was my biggest motivation, I really wanted to make her proud.

What key lesson has university life taught you beyond academics?

One lesson I learnt in school is that you can actually balance your life, having a little fun once in a while won’t affect your dreams. I love watching movies. I also like going out most of the time.

Was there a time you felt like you failed? How did that experience shape your approach to learning?

When I saw my 400-level result, I felt really disappointed. However, I learnt never to give up even if you are not getting the desired result, keep on working hard.

What is your advice to students who desire this kind of academic excellence?

Read oooo and don’t let anything or anyone distract you.

How do you hope to use your education to make an impact in the society?

I will make an impact in the society by enlightening people about their rights and advocating for the minority and voiceless people.

If you could start over, what would you do differently?

I would probably have made more friends.

Many students believe attaining a first-class degree is difficult. What's your take on that?

Yes, it is difficult and I believed that too, but when you set your mind to it, you can make the impossible possible.

If you had to summarize your journey in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

Stressful, I spent most of my campus life thinking of how I would read and having a lot of sleepless nights

Is Education a scam? Yes or No?

No

Why?

Education is not a scam. There are still people who succeed with their degree and even if you don’t end up using the degree, no knowledge is a waste, you will still end up applying what you learnt in school in one way or the other.

What was your best experience or moment on campus?

My best experience on campus was when I had a 5.0 CGPA, I was so proud of myself.

How many As, Bs, and Cs?

37 As, 21 Bs, 5 Cs

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Never Give Up To Achieve Your Goal, Says Law Best Graduating Student

By Daniel Akinte

The best graduating student in the Faculty of Law, Sulaimon Aminat Tolulope, from Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, revealed that for students to achieve their goal, they must not give up.

Being the faculty best student for 2024/2025 academic session, Aminat achieved the feat that has always been the dream of every student with a CGPA of 4.57(first class).

The award ceremony took place on December 13, 2025, at Olusegun Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall during the institution’s 14th convocation.

In an interview, Aminat revealed that her results kept encouraging her from time to time and that made first class dream come true.

“The secret to achieving a goal is never giving up,” Aminat said. “A mentor once told me “Give your best so that even if you do not get what you wanted you will know you did your best.”

Additionally, she urged students to be consistent and always associate with like-minded individuals who value education and God.

Aminat said: “Besides not giving up, have an achievable study plan, be consistent, surround yourself with positive vibes and stay close to your creator.”

Speaking about the challenges she faced, Aminat acknowledged the grace of God that kept her still as well as passion, determination, consistency and hardwork.

       

In her words: “God’s grace, genuine passion for law, determination,hardwork, consistency, proactivity and humility. I mentioned God’s grace because His mercy and benevolence have brought me this far and crown my effort with success. You also have to be prepared for future challenges.”

Recounting a difficult moment, she revealed that she once fell seriously ill during an examination period but still performed excellently due to thorough preparation.

“There was a time I was seriously sick during an exam to the point that I could barely walk, but I had prepared well enough that even sickness did not affect my performance in the exam,” she recalled.

More so, Aminat revealed that “early reading , Jotting notes, solving past questions and revision” are study habits that contribute to her success.

When asked if she ever considered giving up, she said although there were tough moments, quitting was never an option.

“There were times when things became difficult but by God’s grace, my determination and the people God surrounded me with, the thought of giving up never crossed my mind. I was determined and my results kept encouraging me that the goal was achievable.”

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AAUA 14th Convocation: Overall Best Graduating Student Urges Resilience and Courage

By Charity Michael 

Folake Rachael Omonitan, the overall best graduating student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, from the department of Biochemistry, has urged her fellow graduates to embrace strength, resilience and courage as a tool needed to keep moving forward.

Omonitan delivered her valedictory speech at the 14th convocation ceremony held at the university Multipurpose hall, OBJ, on December 13, 2025, 

She noted that her journey was shaped by God’s grace stating that every achievement and every step towards achievement is possible through God's strength, grace and wisdom.

“Looking back, I can honestly say I never imagined this would be my path or that I would stand here today. But when life placed me on this journey, I made a promise to myself: "If this is the path placed for me, then it must be for the best, for I know that with God, all things are possible” she said.

She also said that life’s challenges help build strength and character. 

Addressing her fellow graduates, she appreciated their shared experiences and encouraged them to face the future with courage, hope, and determination, using the knowledge and values gained during their studies as a guide.

She reminded the audience that although moments of weakness and failure may arise, but should not forget that tough times do not last, and determination leads to success. 

She concluded by thanking her parents for their support, her lecturers for their guidance, and her wonderful friend, Anuoluwa Ikumapayi, for her academic and spiritual inspiration.

Ominitan bagged first class with CGPA 4.79.

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Think, Teach, Conduct Research– Don Urges University Lecturers

Olamide Olulana

Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, has stated that university lecturers are employed to think, teach, and conduct research, not merely to teach. 

He made this known while delivering his keynote address as the guest speaker for the public lecture marking Adekunle Ajasin University’s 14th Convocation Ceremony held on 11th, December 2025, at the university’s multipurpose hall (OBJ).

Following the opening remark made by the Vice-Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, Prof. Olayinka speaks on the theme “Strengthening the Academic Tradition in the Nigerian University System,” He emphasized that the primary function of a university is research. “Without a strong research culture, a university is no different from a glorified secondary school,” he said 

He stressed the need for Nigerian universities to groom innovative entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, visionary leaders, and change-makers who can compete globally. According to him, world-class institutions such as Harvard University excel because of their firm commitment to research and the concentration of high-quality talent.

As part of his recommendations for improving Nigeria’s university system, Prof. Olayinka suggested that honorary degrees should be reserved strictly for qualified professionals, rather than serving public officials, to prevent the misuse of such recognitions.

He further called for stronger collaboration between universities, the government, and private industries. Such partnerships, he said, would enable the commercialization of research outputs, ensure that intellectual property can be transferred to industry, and attract stakeholders willing to invest in and scale up impactful innovations.

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AAUA Student Wins Spelling Bee Competition, Finishes Oxford Dictionary in Three Days

By Ifeoluwa Adeyeye

Benjamin Esther Oluwatoyin, a 200-level Accounting student from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) and an indigene of Ilaje Local Government Area, has emerged the champion of the 2025 Spelling Bee Competition.

The event, hosted at Margaret Mosunmola College of Health Technology, Owo, featured contestants from various tertiary institutions across Ondo State in an intense, intellectually charged contest.

Esther secured first place with 85 points, winning a cash prize of ₦300,000. Akinde Promise Excel from the College of Health Technology, Akure (CHTA), finished as the first runner-up with 45 points and received ₦200,000, while Okohokunbor Favour Oluwa Nifemi of Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo (AFUED), emerged second runner-up with 40 points and was awarded ₦100,000.

Speaking with Echo Media, Esther described her journey to the top as both challenging and transformative. She revealed that her school mother inspired her to register for the competition, adding that the encouragement strengthened her long-held desire to build a career in oratory.

Recounting her emotions upon reaching the final round, she said it was a blend of joy and pressure. “I was excited, but I was also afraid because many people believed in me, and I didn’t want to let them down,” she said.

Esther noted that no particular word challenged her during the competition, as she spelled all her words correctly. However, she said she struggled during preparation due to multiple study materials, adding, “I didn’t know where to focus because there were too many materials, Scripps, dictionaries, PDFs, and online resources.”

For preparation, she said she gave herself no break, revealing that “I finished a whole Oxford Dictionary in three days,” and also studied 4,000 words from a 28-page PDF within 24 hours, adding that pronunciation of words could be tricky even when familiar.

Esther, who barely sleep due to reading for the competition, acknowledged support from a 400-level colleague who tutored her, as well as her school father, school mother and her sister.

Speaking on what winning meant to her, Esther recalled that she came 10th out of 10 participants in a virtual debate competition last month, an experience that affected her mental health. She said, “This win boosted my confidence greatly.”

Her major challenge during preparation was time management, as she had a large volume of words to cover with no specific area of concentration. She also battled fatigue due to long hours of studying without involvement in other activities.

Esther stated that she is open to participating in more spelling bee competitions or similar contests in the future.

Offering advice to aspiring spellers, she emphasized the need for sacrifice and continuous learning. “You have to sacrifice and keep learning,” she said, adding that autocorrect on phones should be turned off, saying “what is a speller using autocorrect for.” 

She advised spellers to remain observant and calm because “one wrong letter cannot be corrected,” and added that listening must align with the brain and mouth for accurate spelling.

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