Chidera Mesigo, a 19-year-old software engineering graduate of Babcock University, has earned a First Class degree with a CGPA of 4.61, a feat she detailed in a viral LinkedIn post in August 2026. Despite starting university with a 4.00 CGPA, her academic journey was marked by a significant struggle, with her grades only reflecting her effort from her 300 level onward.
Early Struggles and Dedication
Mesigo, also known as Sharon to friends and colleagues, began her studies with a 4.00 CGPA. From her second semester in 100 level, she made the university library her base, studying from morning until closing time. Despite this discipline, her peers frequently asked if she had already secured a First Class, and her honest answer was consistently no.
This gap between effort and outcome defined much of her early university experience. Mesigo described this period as one of the hardest stretches of her life, marked by consistent effort without visible results. She noted that her grades did not begin to rise until her 300 level, a turning point that shifted her focus from wondering whether she could achieve a First Class to pushing to see how high she could go.
Turning Point and Support System
Once her CGPA crossed the First Class threshold in 300 level, Mesigo's focus changed entirely. In her LinkedIn post, she credited her family, friends, lecturers, and her supervisors at the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), where she undertook real professional work during her studies, as key pillars of support. Above all, she attributed her graduation to her faith, writing that God carried her through years when she could not see the end of the road.
The post drew warm congratulations from those who knew her personally, with many expressing pride in her achievement. Oluwafisayomi Oloruntimileyin said, "Congratulations to youu Sharonnnn," while Oluwasegun Adebowale added, "My senior dev congratulations." Esther Oluyemi also commented, "Congratulations Sharon. I'm super proud of you."
Broader Context and Related Stories
In a related story, UNILAG's best graduating student shared how he was rejected by the University of Ibadan, while another graduate staged a one-man protest over unemployment. Additionally, the Lagos State University's (LASU) best graduating student opened up about her admission experience in an interview with Legit.ng, sharing her admission struggle, experience in school, and future goals.
