I Enjoy Coding, Music…—Similoluwa Okunowo, OAU Overall Best Graduating Student

With a CGPA of 4.93, Similoluwa Okunowo emerged as the overall best graduating student in the just concluded convocation for the 2021/2022 academic session.

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In this interview with Ogunlana Klistivivi, ACJOAU, Okunowo narrates his academic journey, how he achieved this feat and his plans for the future.

Please, can you briefly introduce yourself to the generality of the campus populace?

I am Similoluwa Okunowo, a recent graduate of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering. I am from Ogun State. My core values are simplicity, authenticity, and diligence.

With a CGPA of 4.93, you emerged as the overall best-graduating student of the university. How was this possible? What was your secret?

First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty God, my family, my lecturers, and the entire OAU community for their invaluable support and inspiration throughout this academic journey. Without their help, this would have been impossible.

I don’t believe there are any hidden secrets to success. However, relentless effort, rather than sheer brilliance, was the cornerstone of my academic strategy. I just kept showing up!

Would you say you knew you were going to be the best-graduating student?

No, I truly never visualized this outcome. It still feels surreal, and I’m genuinely humbled by the recognition.

Why did you choose to study Electronic and Electrical Engineering, and why Obafemi Awolowo University?

I have always been passionate about Science, Technology, and innovation. Choosing to study EEE was a no-brainer because it is at the forefront of technologies that shape the future. I’m grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion in this field.

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What was your reading pattern? Were there any special methods you adapted?

Yes. I developed a system for taking organized and meaningful notes during lectures or while reading. Then I used spaced repetition to enhance the long-term retention of those lecture notes and optimize the learning process. Regular problem solving, and teaching concepts to others also contributed to my good grades.

Were there any low moments for you while in school? How did you overcome them?

Of course, I encountered various challenges typical of the OAU academic environment. However, I always viewed them as opportunities for growth.

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At what point did you start making conscious efforts to make sure you graduate with excellent grades?

I began making conscious efforts early on, right from the first semester.

How did you feel when you were informed that you were the university’s overall best graduating student and what was the feeling like when the registrar announced your name alongside your CGPA at Amphitheatre?

 I was filled with gratitude.

Would you say your choice of friends influenced your grades in any way, and how?

Yes. My classmates and colleagues played various roles which I am grateful for.

How many awards did you receive? Can you list them?

I won a total of eleven (11) awards. These include: The faculty prize for the student with the best overall performance in the faculty of technology, The NSE (Ife branch) prize for the best student in the faculty of technology, The Emeritus Professor Martins Olusola Ogedengbe prize for the best-graduating student in the faculty of technology, The Molecular Consultant prize for the overall best student in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, The Gabriel Olalere Ajayi prize for the overall best student in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, the Pa Simeon Ladipo Oyebolu and Mrs. Emily Olabopo Oyebolu prize for the overall best student in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, The Prof. L.O Kehinde prizes for the best-graduating student in Electronic and Electrical Engineering and the Instrumental and Control option.

I also won the following university prizes: ‘Tola Olukilede Agent of Change Prize – for the final year student in the university with the highest CGPA” and “Capital Express Assurance Ltd Prize – for the overall best-graduating student in the university’.

What were your most fun moments as an undergraduate?

I enjoyed taking walks on campus and teaching others.

Aside from Electronic and Electrical Engineering, what else do you do or enjoy doing?

Besides Electronic and Electrical Engineering, I intrinsically enjoy reading, learning, and exploring diverse subjects. I also enjoy coding, solving puzzles, and listening to music.

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With a first-class honours degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, what do you plan on delving into?

 The ultimate goal is to apply my skills and knowledge to solve problems.

What advice would you give to students who want to achieve great academic excellence like you?

Show up every day! Consistent dedication, focus, and discipline will be your greatest allies on the path to academic excellence. Also, just be yourself, and never raise the white flag.

Thank you very much for your time.

Thank you very much for interviewing me. I feel honored. Shout out to ACJOAU for championing transparent campus journalism.