Every year, Obafemi Awolowo University celebrates its best students. For the 2023/2024 academic session, the best graduating student in the Faculty of Social Sciences is Ayoola Samuel Ayodeji, a graduate of the Department of Geography. In this interview, he shares his story of how he stayed focused, the challenges he faced, and what helped him succeed. His journey is one that will inspire many students.
Can you please briefly introduce yourself?
I am Ayoola Samuel Ayodeji, from the Geography department and an indigene of Ekiti state.
What department did you graduate from, and what was your final CGPA?
I graduated from the Geography department, and my final CGPA was 4.82.
How did you feel when you found out that you were the best graduating student for the faculty of social sciences?
I just felt happy because God’s Grace was and is still always sufficient for me.
What was your strategy for academic success in OAU?
A: Study and pray.
Did you ever face any academic setbacks or difficult moments? How did you overcome?
Yes (in part 2, my GP dropped), I had to go and meet God to help me
Were you always a top student even before university?
Yes, actually.
What study habits or routines worked best for you?
- I read for at least 10 hours a day in parts 1 and 2
- Then, between 6 – 8 hours a day in parts 3 and 4.
- I read many other publications and textbooks relating to what I was reading
- I looked for the secret code of every lecturer
- I prayed for 2 hours every day
- I also had discussions with my lecturers, and they explained some things I didn’t understand.
How did you balance academics with social life and other activities?
Well, as for social life, my social life was to go to church or faculty fellowship and to make my coursemates laugh, that’s all.
How do you plan to contribute back to your field or communit
To apply machine learning in climate prediction (forecasting and hindcasting ) and modelling.
What advice do you have for current or incoming students who want to do well academically?
Pay the price and look for Grace.
Describe OAU in one sentence.
The starting point (from my own perspective).
Any final words or shoutouts?
Shoutouts: I’ll say a big thank you to Iya Tope, Pastor, Iya Faruk, Iya Joseph, My mommy Oluwadimu, Mommy Oluwadare, Pastor and Mrs Alabi and to all my Children. Big thank you to Professors Odekunle, Orimoogunje, Adesina, Olayiwola, Adediji, and Eludoyin ( In fact, all of them). Also to my coursemates: POG Baba, Richard Vandamme, Damscodammy, P.Dan, Donone Official, Paul, Wemimo, Dayo, Ojo David, focus, Usman, Lizzy and Shizzy (Geodessy set). Respect to Mogaji, Expert, Rexol, Favour, Samuel 4.0, Abdullah, Atlas, Sirleem, Ifeoluwa, my Master Lee, Lekan and co.
Final words: Greatness is a journey, and success has no destination
Ayoola’s story shows that with hard work, discipline, faith and support, it is possible to succeed in school. He has encouraged many students through his words, and we believe his future is very bright. We celebrate his success and hope other students will learn from his experience.