EKSU Graduate Who Had No Coursemates Shares Her Personal Experience With Lecturers
A remarkable graduate of Ekiti State University (EKSU) has opened up about her extraordinary academic journey, revealing what it was like to be the only student in her department throughout her university education. In an exclusive interview, Oluwasemilore Omobolaji detailed her unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs as a solo student.
The Lonely Academic Path
Oluwasemilore Omobolaji explained that she entered Ekiti State University expecting to have classmates, but found herself as the only student in her department at her level. She initially anticipated that other students would transfer into her program, but this never materialized, leaving her to navigate her entire university journey alone.
"I felt scared and disappointed knowing I'd go through such a journey alone," she confessed. "I also didn't realise I would be alone all through till 200 level because I expected students to transfer from other departments to mine, but that didn't happen."
Academic Challenges and Mental Strain
The young graduate described the significant academic and emotional challenges she faced. Being the only student meant she had to take all exams alone, with each semester requiring her to complete between 10 to 12 examinations without the support of peers.
"Reading alone and taking lectures also wasn't easy," she shared. "Emotionally, I did really well even when I faced difficult challenges. It was more draining physically and mentally."
Her phone became her primary companion during this period, serving as her connection to the outside world while she pursued her studies in isolation.
Lecturers' Mixed Reactions
One of the most revealing aspects of her experience involved how university lecturers responded to her unique situation. According to Oluwasemilore, some lecturers struggled to take her seriously because she was the only student in her classes.
"To be very honest, a few of my lecturers didn't take me seriously and didn't like the fact that I was the only student," she revealed. However, she noted that "most didn't have an issue with it and treated me like a normal student."
The Toughest Academic Period
The graduate identified her 300-level second semester as the most challenging period of her university education. This difficulty stemmed from having to simultaneously complete her Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), attend lectures, and prepare for approximately 10 examinations.
"My toughest semester was 300 level, second semester," she explained. "Why? Because in my course, we do IT (SIWES) and also take lectures in the same semester. So I was doing my IT while going to school for classes, and I also wrote about 10 exams that semester."
Support System and Determination
Despite the numerous challenges, Oluwasemilore never considered abandoning her education. She credited her family's unwavering support and her personal determination as key factors that sustained her through the difficult journey.
"No moment did I feel like giving up," she stated firmly. "What kept me going was my zeal to overcome this challenge. Also, my parents and family kept me going with their constant support and help."
Final Academic Achievement
Despite studying alone and facing unique challenges, Oluwasemilore achieved impressive academic success. She graduated from Ekiti State University with a Second Class Upper division (2:1), though she chose not to disclose her exact Cumulative Grade Point Average for personal reasons.
"Anyways, I graduated with a second class upper," she proudly announced. "I wouldn't like to say my CGPA because I was close to a first class but didn't get it."
Student Reactions and Social Experience
When other students discovered she was the only person in her department at her level, they typically reacted with surprise and curiosity. However, Oluwasemilore noted that she never experienced mistreatment from fellow students.
"Students were always shocked when they found out, but I wasn't treated badly by students," she said. "I wouldn't even let that happen anyway."
Her story highlights both the resilience required to pursue higher education under unusual circumstances and the importance of institutional support for students in unique academic situations. The experience raises important questions about how Nigerian universities accommodate and support students who find themselves in similar solitary academic journeys.
