A Nigerian lady has celebrated her academic triumph after finally earning a degree in economics from Lagos State University (LASU), 11 years after completing secondary school in 2015. Her journey, marked by repeated attempts at the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and numerous setbacks, has inspired many online.
Five UTME Attempts and Years of Rejection
Identified as @fade_alafia_kem1 on TikTok, the graduate shared that she wrote the UTME five times without gaining admission. She eventually enrolled in a polytechnic but had to defer one semester due to health issues. After graduating from the polytechnic, she wrote the UTME again and secured admission into LASU in 2022.
In her emotional post, she recounted: “2015 - 2026. Almost five jamb attempts. Many years of rejection coupled with tears depression and feelings of being behind. When it felt like you are the only one still at where others left you.” She added that she watched her peers move ahead while she remained stuck, questioning herself despite being intelligent in school.
Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Success
She concluded: “Life showed me a lot but all glory to God, here I’m doing what felt impossible. I want to leave the story time for convocation time.” Her post garnered widespread reactions, with many users celebrating her perseverance.
Commenters such as JIGGY said: “I would keep clapping until it’s my turn congratulations stranger I pray the labour market Favour’s you beyond human comprehension Ameen.” Another user, Dochi, remarked: “congratulations dear ? here am I complaining of 6 years.”
Community Reactions and Support
Many others shared similar stories. ØNĮSHOŁĄ? commented: “We have similar story .. I graduated from second school in 2015 too and I’m still in 100l in Lasu now, just be happy.” HEEJAY added: “we are glad ? we are all ah living testimony ? pray the Lord will restore/orchestrate all d awaited years ? with his Grace&Favour.”
Balogun Sofiat wrote: “Congratulations Sis ???. Take Your Flowers ???. I am super proud of you ???. Cheers ???. I thank God on your Behalf ?. Alihamdulilahi Robbi Alamin.”
Broader Context of Academic Struggles
This story echoes other tales of academic perseverance in Nigeria. Previously, Legit.ng reported that LASU’s best graduating student opened up about her admission experience, sharing her struggles and future goals. Another report covered a UNILAG graduate who staged a one-man protest over unemployment, highlighting the challenges faced by many graduates.
