Wisdom Ejeomoh has been awarded as the overall best graduating student in the department of International Relations as well as the Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) for the 2023/2024 academic session, graduating with an impressive CGPA of 4.89.
In an exclusive interview with ACJOAU, Wisdom Ejeomoh takes us through his academic journey, sharing insightful experiences as an undergraduate at Obafemi Awolowo University.
Please, could you give us a brief introduction about yourself?
My name is Wisdom Ejeomoh, a graduate from the Department of International Relations.
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Congratulations on being the top final-year student in both your department and faculty! How did you make it happen, and was it a surprise to you?
I actually did not see it coming. I was only aiming to have 4.90, especially as accounting has the track record of coming best in the faculty; achieving this milestone was a mix of hard work and prayer.
Alongside academics, what are the other things you do as a student?
I am a perfumer, and I make perfumes.
Was there a special pattern you used in reading, and how were you able to combine Academics with other things you do?
The most effective method of reading was the active recall method; proper time, on the other hand, enabled me to combine academics with other things.
What do you mean by ‘Active Recall Method’?
Active recall is when you deliberately try to bring information out of your memory instead of just rereading it. For reading, it usually means pausing after a section and testing yourself on what you just read in your own words. This forces your brain to work and strengthens how well you remember the material.
Active recall is not cramming because if you are in international relations, you can’t possibly cram your way through.
What are the challenges you faced as an OAU student, and how are you able to manage your business while studying?
I cannot go into details on the challenges I faced, but there were challenges, and I am grateful to God, my mentors, my family and friends who saw me through. Balancing business with academics was not so difficult, especially because it was strictly online.
The Department of International Relations is so proud of you. As much as OAU can be challenging, was there any fun moment you cherished a lot?
Yes, the moment I shared with my friends in the library, the ones I spent with my lecturers turned mentors, especially Prof IWEBUNOR and Dr WALE. As well as attending classes too (Dr Sunday’s class, Dr Ibukun’s class, Dr Adekola’s and Dr Lara?).
What advice would you give to students who want to achieve academic excellence like you?
Believe in yourself, surround yourself with good people, work hard and pray.