University of Ibadan Student Reveals Mixed Reactions to Her Course
Mary Olayiwola, a chemistry student at the University of Ibadan (UI), has shared that people often react with shock or pity when they learn about her course of study. She disclosed this in a LinkedIn post on July 4, 2026, offering her perspective on chemistry and public perception of the subject.
Medical Professional's Reaction Puzzles Student
Olayiwola recounted an encounter with a medical professional at a university clinic who laughed when she mentioned her major, saying he had slept through chemistry to pass and get into medicine. She described the reaction as puzzling, noting that even professionals in dense fields like medicine can be traumatized by chemistry.
Chemistry as a Balanced Course
In her post, Olayiwola defended chemistry, calling it one of the most balanced courses one can study because it caters to different strengths. She explained that students who struggle with calculations in physical chemistry can find their footing in inorganic chemistry, while those who prefer visual patterns and logic may excel in organic chemistry. She acknowledged the heavy workload but expressed amazement that professionals in medicine and related fields still find chemistry traumatizing.
Public Reactions to Her Post
The post sparked conversations among LinkedIn users. Rakiya Adamu Sulaiman commented that physical chemistry was complicated, while Chimdi Njoku wondered how colleagues in the chemistry department were faring. Emmanuel Riagbayire noted that electrical engineering courses like microwave engineering are considered black magic. Kabir Owolabi, a biochemistry graduate working in water treatment, appreciated how fundamental chemistry is in practical applications.
Related UI Story
In a related story, another University of Ibadan student switched from statistics to computer science and artificial intelligence, sharing her transfer experience on LinkedIn.



