With a GCPA of 4.81, Alabi Abeeb Damilare emerges as the best graduating student in the Faculty of Arts. He also won numerous awards, such as Best Graduating Student in philosophy. Best student in symbolic logic, just to mention a few.
Abeeb shared his academic journey and the experience he had as an undergraduate at Obafemi Awolowo University in an interview with the correspondent of ACJOAU.
Please, briefly introduce yourself to the general public.
My name is Alabi Abeeb Damilare, a first-class graduate from the Department of Philosophy and the best graduating student of the Faculty of Arts for the 2024 academic session. I am a product marketing manager, marketing strategist, and content marketer with a deep interest in the blockchain ecosystem.
You emerged as the overall best graduating student in your faculty. How were you able to achieve that?
It is the combination of three things. First, my passion and interest in the course made studying philosophy feel less like work. Second, my God-given talents. And third, my lecturers created a good atmosphere for learning through class interaction and deep explanations.
Did you even see it coming? I mean, becoming the best graduating student in your faculty.
In the beginning, it was not something I thought I would achieve because my focus was on learning and getting good grades. When the end was near, I saw that I had a good grade, and I felt it was possible.
What inspired you to study Philosophy, and why did you think OAU is the best place to study the course?
My friend, Omilana Isaac, inspired me to choose it, and when he described some of what it entails, it resonated with me, and I decided to give it a try. We both chose OAU at that time because it is a great university.
Was there any special pattern you used in reading, and how did you combine academics with your business?
The truth is that I identified the time when I could assimilate best, and I chose it. I found out that night, reading was not really my thing, and I can count the number of times I did it. Another thing that helped is that while studying philosophy, I also took courses in marketing, project management, product management and UI UX, and I always found a way to bring philosophy into them. I understood them better through a philosophical lens, and these courses also broadened my understanding of philosophy at the same time. Being interdisciplinary and looking into other courses helped me understand my own course better.
Were you consistent with your business?
I did not venture into physical business. Instead, I engaged in online work like content writing, community management and content marketing. It was not too tedious, and I was able to combine them well.
Were there any low moments for you while in school, and how did you overcome them?
My Part 2 was that moment. I was battling with getting my school fees, house rent and other necessities, and the thought of where help would come from weakened me. In the end, God came through. It was both the worst and the beginning of my best moments on campus. Sometimes, a crisis is a catalyst for change.
How did you feel when you were informed that you were the Faculty of Arts overall best graduating student?
I was very happy
Were you even expecting it?
As I said earlier, it was not something I had in mind when I entered school. Much more than the grade, my focus was to squeeze out every important thing I could get from my course and get good grades.
Would you say your choice of friends influenced your grades, and how?
Yes. I have good friends around me, some of them are first-class graduates too, and we all influence each other positively.
How many awards did you receive? Can you list them?
Five awards.
• Best Graduating Student, Faculty of Arts
• Best Male Graduating Student, Faculty of Arts
• Professor Olubi Sodipo Prize for the Student with the Best Result in the Faculty.
• Best Graduating Student, Philosophy
• Best Student in Symbolic Logic
What were your most fun moments as an undergraduate?
I had hangouts with my colleagues and friends at the end of the semester. At the department foyer too, we made jokes to reduce class stress and get ready for another class.
What advice would you give to students who want to achieve great academic excellence like you?
Focus on who you become in your learning journey as much as you focus on the grade. The best thing is not just what I get but what I become. Lastly, strive to be educated and not indoctrinated. Education should set your mind free and not put you in a cage.