Oluwajubeelo Makanjuola, a Nigerian lady who recently graduated from the University of Ibadan with a second-class upper degree in Psychology, has shared why she was once denied admission into the university despite scoring 10 marks above the post-UTME departmental cutoff. In a LinkedIn post, she recounted her journey from rejection to graduation, highlighting the role of a 'wrong' subject combination in her initial denial.
The Rejection and Determination to Try Again
In 2019, Makanjuola applied to study Psychology at the University of Ibadan (UI). After scoring 10 marks above the departmental cutoff, she expected to see her name on the admission list. However, she discovered she had not been admitted because of a 'wrong' subject combination. She said: 'I cried myself to sleep that night, but I made a decision: I would try again.'
The following year, she rewrote the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, applied to the same university for the same course, and gained admission. Ironically, the very subject combination that had been rejected the previous year was accepted. Makanjuola noted that the extra year, which felt devastating at the time, became the beginning of a transformative chapter in her life.
The Transformative Journey at UI
Studying Psychology at UI was more than earning a degree for Makanjuola; it was a step toward a dream she had held since the age of 10. She recalled the classes, new learnings, long nights, and nerves before tests and exams. She also credited her roommates and study partners for their constant support and encouragement.
Beyond academics, the university gave her lifelong friendships, opportunities to lead and serve, and the confidence to build Makilicious Cakes alongside her studies. She also discovered a love for hosting events and represented her department and hostel in swimming competitions, including the NUGA Games.
Graduation and Reflection
On November 12, 2025, Makanjuola graduated from the University of Ibadan with a BSc in Psychology, Second Class Upper Division. She reflected on her journey: 'The admission I cried over losing became the journey that shaped the woman I am becoming. As I reflect, I can't help but smile at how differently life turned out from the way I had planned it.'
Her story triggered reactions on LinkedIn, with many people congratulating her on her academic feat. In a related story, the best graduating student of Lagos State University (LASU) also shared her admission struggles in an interview with Legit.ng, detailing her experience and future goals.
