UNILAG Graduate Achieves Historic First-Class in Industrial Relations
A recent graduate from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has achieved an extraordinary academic milestone by breaking a departmental record that had remained unbroken for forty-four years. Oluwasegun Ilesanmi, who earned a first-class degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, attained the highest graduating cumulative grade point average (CGPA) ever recorded in the history of the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management.
Overcoming Challenges to Academic Excellence
Ilesanmi's journey to this remarkable achievement was marked by significant obstacles and perseverance. After completing his secondary education, he faced a four-year period without university admission, a challenging time that tested his resolve. "The waiting was heavy, the questions were many, and at some point, I stopped explaining," he shared in a Facebook post celebrating his graduation.
When he finally gained admission to UNILAG, his academic path was further complicated by external disruptions. What should have been a standard four-year program extended to six years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and various academic strikes. "I learnt that progress isn’t always loud, and growth doesn’t always follow our timelines but consistency never goes unrewarded," he reflected on his extended university experience.
Record-Breaking Academic Performance
The graduate's academic accomplishments are truly exceptional:
- Achieved a final CGPA of 4.87 out of 5.00
- Set the highest graduating CGPA in his department's 44-year history
- Attained a perfect 5.00 GPA in one semester
- Earned recognition as the best graduating student in his department
Ilesanmi celebrated his achievement on social media, sharing convocation photographs that showcased his academic awards. He expressed gratitude to his friends, mentors, lecturers, and others who supported him throughout his challenging educational journey.
Social Media Celebration and Reactions
The graduate's accomplishment generated significant attention and congratulatory messages across social media platforms. Friends and well-wishers celebrated his perseverance and academic excellence:
- Remilekun Adetayo praised his achievement with congratulations
- Sasonel Adebiyi remarked "If you're good, you're good"
- Josiah Oluwabukunola Osisami expressed pride and encouragement for future success
- Multiple commenters highlighted the inspiration his story provides to other students
This achievement adds to a growing list of academic excellence stories emerging from Nigerian universities, demonstrating that perseverance through educational challenges can lead to exceptional outcomes. Ilesanmi's story particularly resonates with many Nigerian students who face similar obstacles in their pursuit of higher education.
