I Watch Movies A Lot And Read Novels – Oladokun Mary Olayinka, OAU Overall Best Graduating Student

With a CGPA of 4.92, Oladokun Mary Olayinka emerged as the overall best graduating student in the just concluded convocation for the 2019/2020 academic session.

In this interview with Gbolahan Latinwo, ACJOAU, Mary narrates her academic journey, how she achieved this feat and her plans for the future.

Congratulations on your achievement as the University’s Best Graduating Student for the 2019/ 2020 session

Thank you

Can you introduce yourself?

I am Oladokun Mary Olayinka.

With a CGPA of 4.92, you emerged as the overall best graduating student of the university. How was this possible? What was your secret?

It was just by God’s grace.

Why did you choose to study Microbiology and why Obafemi Awolowo University?

I did not choose to study microbiology. I wanted to study medicine. I did JUPEB and I was given admission to study Microbiology. OAU was just a random selection on where I was to do my JUPEB programme.

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

No.

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

I don’t read much. I always tried my best to attend lectures and be attentive in class.

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

The COVID-19 break, the one-month strike during the final year and this recent ASUU strike. I overcame these moments with the help of God, my parents, siblings, mentors and friends around me. They were sources of encouragement to me.

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

It was from the very beginning.

 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 surprised because I was not expecting it. When the registrar announced my name I was no longer surprised but I was shy because I am people shy.

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

Yes, it did. The friends I have are those who took academics seriously. One of them got first class in microbiology.

What were your most fun moments as an undergraduate?

I met a lot of people in my final year during the course of my project. They made that year splendid for me. There were no dull moments in the laboratory.

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

I received seven awards in total: four from the faculty of science, two from my department (microbiology) and one from the university.

Tell us a little bit about your family background, primary and secondary education.

I come from a family of five: my dad, mum, my siblings and I. I attended Auntie Kay Nursery and Primary School and Gomal Baptist College, Ogbomoso.

Aside from Microbiology, what else do you do or enjoy doing?

I watch movies a lot and read novels.

With a first class honors degree in Microbiology, what do you plan on delving into?

I want to further my studies.

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

They should be dependent on God and understand themselves.

Thank you very much for your time.

You are welcome.