Israel Ajibade, a Mechanical Engineering graduate of Kwara State University (KWASU), has revealed how he nearly settled for a Second Class Upper before finishing with a First Class and becoming the best graduating student in his department. In a LinkedIn post published in August 2026, Ajibade shared that his cumulative grade point average (CGPA) stood at 4.40 out of 5.00 entering his 400 level first semester.
Facing a Daunting Gap
Ajibade explained that classmates around him were sitting at CGPAs of 4.48 and 4.49, close to the First Class threshold but still falling short. With three semesters remaining, the target of a First Class began to feel out of reach. He admitted reaching a point where he started rationalising a lower outcome, telling himself that a Second Class Upper was not a bad result and that he had done his best.
"Second Class Upper is not bad. At least you tried your best," he recalled thinking at the time. That mindset, he said, almost cost him everything. What shifted things was an internal nudge he chose not to ignore—a quiet but persistent voice urging him to be more deliberate, to stop measuring himself against what was comfortable and start measuring himself against what was still achievable.
From 4.40 to First Class
Over those final semesters, Ajibade reworked his approach entirely. His CGPA climbed from 4.40 to 4.44, then to 4.46. Along the way, he recorded a perfect 5.00 GPA in one semester, followed by a 4.65 GPA and then a 4.89 out of 5.00 in his final semester. He crossed the finish line with a cumulative 4.50, enough to earn a First Class classification.
His results came with three distinctions: the 2024/2025 Mechanical Engineering Best Graduating Student award, an Academic Excellence Award for First Class honours, and a Best in Thermofluid Option prize. Reflecting on the journey, Ajibade said the degree itself was not the most important takeaway. The bigger lesson, in his view, was recognising how close he came to quitting while there was still time to change course.
Reactions and Wider Context
"Sometimes, we look at where we are and convince ourselves that it is already too late," he wrote. His story drew reactions on LinkedIn. Adegbaso Victor commented: "Congratulations Israel Ajibade. We share very similar stories. I'm happy you could achieve your set landmark. I wish you well and will love to share innovative ideas with you." Adebayo Rokeeb added: "Congratulations,, Israel Ajibade. I'm so happy you aced it. The sky is your starting point. Welldone." Uchechukwu Iwumezie said: "Really glad you didn't brother ? I'm rooting for you."
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. Legit.ng previously reported that the Lagos State University (LASU) best graduating student opened up about her admission experience, sharing her admission struggle, experience in school, and future goals.
