A Nigerian engineering graduate from the University of Ibadan (UI), Arogbodo Mayowa, has detailed his admission journey, revealing the exact JAMB and Post-UTME scores that secured his place. After an initial setback where he missed the cut-off by a mere 0.375 points, he persevered and eventually graduated with a Second Class Upper division.
Admission Struggles and Triumph
In a LinkedIn post, Mayowa recounted his path to studying Civil Engineering at UI. He first sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in 2018, scoring 271, and obtained 60 in the Post-UTME, giving him an aggregate of 63.875. However, the cut-off for Civil Engineering that year was 64.25, leaving him 0.375 short. Unable to apply elsewhere because UI's admission process was the last to conclude, he resolved to try again.
In 2019, he retook the UTME, scoring 286, and achieved 61 in the Post-UTME, placing him four points above the cut-off. He gained admission in October 2019. His academic journey was further delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted activities until 2021.
Academic Performance and Leadership
Mayowa began his first year with a CGPA of 3.69 out of 4.0, but his second year proved challenging, causing his CGPA to drop. He described feeling low and almost depressed but credited his faith for sustaining him. He improved in his third year, maintaining his CGPA while taking on leadership roles, including representing his level on the NICESA Representative Council (NRC) and serving as Clerk. In his fourth year, he became Deputy Speaker, and in his final year, he was elected Speaker of the NRC and Chairman of the Final Year Brethren Commissioning for his fellowship.
He balanced these responsibilities with his final year project and graduated with a Second Class Honours (Upper Division). He was inducted into the Nigeria Society of Engineers.
Lessons and Inspiration
Reflecting on his journey, Mayowa stated, "Setbacks are not stop signs, they are redirections. Missing that cut-off by 0.375 taught me resilience. Watching my CGPA drop in 200L and almost losing myself taught me that your lowest moment does not define you. Balancing leadership and academics across three levels taught me that discipline and purpose can carry you further than talent alone." He encouraged others still on their path not to give up.
In related news, Legit.ng previously reported on the Lagos State University (LASU) best graduating student sharing her admission experience, and another graduate who staged a one-man protest over unemployment.
