Adenike speaks: How I graduated from LASU with a perfect score
Babalola Omosalewa Adenike a Biochemistry graduate and serving corps member in Abuja graduated as the overall best student, and made history when she hit a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.0 over a scale of 4.0. It is said to be the first of its kind since the inception of the Lagos State University (LASU) in 1977. Adenike spoke with YOUTHVILLE about the feat in this interview.
Did you plan to become best graduate when you got admission?
No, I didn’t plan for it; I only wanted to come out with distinction.
What did you do differently that you felt gave you the edge?
I was committed and focused, I didn’t allow anything to come between me and my books because of the love I had for my course. Just like how every youth loves seasonal movies, you won’t want to miss any episode.
I really did not enjoy social life, all I did was to study. I had my textbooks both in hard and electronic copies, so I could read anywhere. I never got tired of reading. I didn’t read to pass exams, I read to know.
I would prepare my study timetable at the beginning of every semester and stay faithful to it, I would set exams questions that would cover all the topics for myself and mark it, by doing so, I must know the challenging areas. So during examinations, I would only revise.
What were the challenges you faced
Well, I started facing challenges in HND II first semester, but I stayed strong; I would report everything to God who made me a woman. I was called different types of names, some said I used charm. My course mates defended me everywhere because they knew me.
What is your advice to students on getting good grades?
Life has no rewinding or fast forwarding, as such you won’t be able to rewind the semester, make the most of it. Most students use big phones, don’t depend on only what lecturers give you, make Google your friend, watch lectures on YouTube, these are the things I did. My course mates used to call me E-Biochemist. Make sure you get the course outline and work on it, prepare your own personal study time table and be faithful to it. Lecturers are always happy when you explore, don’t be complacent.
How has being the best graduate affected your life?
It changed my life totally, I met people who contributed positively to my life and encourage me. I now have mentors.
People hold the view that its easier having a perfect score in the sciences than it is in the arts. Do you share this view?
What I believe is, no course is difficult and no course is hard. It’s one’s own perception about the course. My own theory is, in as much as someone has passed a course before, I must too, because we both have one head. It is an individual thing, it’s not applicable to everyone.
What’s your perception about the dichotomy between polytechnic and university students?
Dichotomy between HND and B.Sc. is real, even after it was said to have been recently removed by the National Council on Establishment (NCE). It appears to be only verbal and in principle. It might take Government another 10 years to implement it. The discrimination makes polytechnic students feel inferior especially in NYSC orientation camps, most corps members would not be proud to say they are polytechnic graduates.
Personally, I don’t believe only in what certificate says or any dichotomy, I believe in self-development, self-worth and ability to deliver on any assigned task.
What is your plan after the service year?
After my service year, I will like to move on for M.Sc. and later, for Ph.D by God’s grace. I want to pursue an academic and research career.