After a journey of almost a decade marked by academic setbacks, personal struggles, failed transfer attempts, and a hard-won rediscovery of purpose, Abayomi Adekunle is set to graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University in 2025, not as the Engineering Physics student he once was, but as a Music graduate with a 4.05 GPA.
Abayomi Adekunle gained admission to OAU to study Engineering Physics after falling short of the Computer science cut off in 2016, ended his first year with 0.41 GPA (Probation) and is now graduating in 2025 after series of transfer attempt to different courses, personal struggles and even a leave of absence with a GPA of 4.05 and as a student of the department of Music.
Abayomi, in an interview with an ACJOAU Correspondent, reflected on his resilience, quiet evolution, and determination to write his own narrative.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself, where you’re from, your course of study, and what kind of person you’d say you are and your background?
My name is Abayomi Adekunle. I’m from Ile Ife, born and bred. I studied Music with a Major in Musicology and Music Production. I think I’m just someone who likes to be on my own, although I didn’t grow up an introvert, but my teenage years will eventually shape me into keeping to myself and figuring stuff out. I came from a humble family of 5, including my parents. Growing up was decent and average, nothing overboard.
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Do you think your personality, being someone who likes to be on their own, affected your journey?
Whether positively or negatively, and how?
To be honest, I think it did negatively affect my early days studying engineering physics. If I had been open about my ordeal to my peers and family in time, I might have saved some time. I eventually learnt the ultimate lesson about being a team player in life: you need people, and people need you, just master boundaries.
What was secondary school like for you, and where did you go to school?
I attended the School of Science for my Senior secondary school and Crown Comprehensive College for my junior year, both in Ile-Ife. I was at best an average student at secondary school. I was a day student at the School of Science, where we have boarding students too. Right now, all I remember is the struggle to not repeat a year, and things got more spicy for me in SS3. I got more water about the importance of academics now that everyone is aiming for a university or college life.
How was your admission journey, too?
As I said earlier, things got spicy for me towards SS3. I stopped being average, I became more intentional about studying, and it reflected in my efforts and academics. Aced my SSCE once, also did the same with my Jamb and Post UTME. I was really all about getting into the University, that drive changed everything for me academically, and I got admitted on the first attempt.
You mentioned your love for music in your story. When did music become your thing?
And why did you not start with music initially?
I have always enjoyed music as a kid. I grew up listening to some tapes my dad bought and playing the drums in church every Sunday. It wasn’t anything beyond that until I moved in with my aunt’s family, I felt isolated due to the change of environment, so the only thing I look forward to is music in church every Sunday and my secret mp3 device, by this time I was in SS1, my aunt’s didn’t really approve of my obsession with music even it was a lot of struggle to be permitted to attend music events outside church. So there was no way I could have been allowed to study it.
How did you manage to stay through for about 9 years? What did you think was the source of that resilience you showcased?
To be honest, I sometimes ask myself much later how I got here, but I cannot find a definite answer to that. It’s a factor of many things, but first things first, God and my Mum. I really wanted to do this for my mom, for not at any point let go or disappointment, left to me, I would have pursued music without staying in school, but I really wanted to write my own story. Along the line, I started to do things I love, picked up skills and met new people, so it just made it worth it, I did not have to think about the 9 years.
While you are at it, were you pressured at any point by whom and what?
How did you handle it?
Abayomi: I did not care much, so no pressure really, the only pressure I had was to just make sure I didn’t fumble my chance studying music, it just had to end well.
How long was your leave of absence, and what were you doing while you were away?
It was for a session, then Covid came too. I picked up digital skills, started creating content on X(formerly Twitter), and I did a lot of marketing. Just making money.
Besides, what pushed you to take a leave of absence?
Abayomi: I had transferred to Demography and Social Statistics, but after writing first semester exams, I came to know that the transfer failed, and all attempts to resolve that with the senate were abortive, so I was forced to take a leave of absence so as to protect my studentship.
You served as the PRO and DOS after all of these struggles. What motivated you to go into politics?
I did not see it as ‘Politics’ I wanted to build capacity because doing music as a pro requires insane work ethics if you want to make a difference.
Tell me about Safari99 and what it means to you.
It is a vision for me to nurture grassroots talents and give platforms for all kinds of creativity, and show that great things can be done from a small place.
I started almost 4 years ago. I was creating music in my room and by the time I was in 300L, I got offered an internship at Mavin Records. My 4 months at Mavin shaped my exposure, and I was able to build meaningful experience and relationships that inspire me into building a platform where I can make a difference.
What personal habits or strategies would you say made the biggest difference for you?
Consistency. I was just playing the long game. Glad it is rewarding at the end. Grateful to God.
What is the biggest lesson this experience taught you about yourself and life?
There is so much we can do if we can conquer our mind, it doesn’t have to be a perfect process, as long as the goal is achieved. Everything happens in the mind first, everything in life, conscious or subconscious.
Do you plan to use your story to motivate others, perhaps through mentorship or public speaking?
At the moment, it is not something I intend to pursue. I just want to make a difference in my profession.
What did it feel like to finally achieve the result you worked very hard for years toward?
Abayomi: It still feels like a dream, and as my convocation gets closer, it feels so surreal…I am welcoming all the feelings, it is so fulfilling to see the journey finally ended better than I had imagined.
What advice would you give to an undergraduate who has similar academic struggles?
I would like to tell them to ask themselves the ultimate question, ‘Why am I here?’ It brings clarity to your journey and also gets every help you can, find anyone who believes in you and do it.
And finally, looking ahead, what’s next for you personally and professionally?
Professionally, music and the creative business. I just want to make a difference and spark a generation of people who want to make a difference.