Samiat Animashaun, a Mechanical Engineering graduate of Lagos State University (LASU), has publicly shared the details of her First Class degree and the multiple awards she received at her convocation. Animashaun graduated with a 4.83 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) out of a possible 5.0. This academic performance earned her the titles of Best Graduating Student in Mechanical Engineering, Best Female Graduating Student in the Faculty of Engineering, and the Dean's Award for Best Graduating Student. Her achievements were detailed in a LinkedIn post that has since attracted widespread attention.
A Five-Year Journey of Determination and Growth
Animashaun revealed that her goal upon entering 100 level was straightforward: to read, pursue a First Class, and block out distractions. Her first semester result, a 4.76 CGPA, confirmed she was on the right track. She described a strong determination not to slip in the semesters that followed. However, her journey took a significant turn at 200 level when her faculty relocated to a different campus. It was then that she encountered warnings about certain courses being impossible and that no one earned an A in them.
Instead of retreating further into her books, Animashaun found a different kind of support through student organisations such as SPE LASU Student Chapter, APWEN LASU, BEAUTWEALT, and IMechE LASU. Seniors and peers in these groups demonstrated that university life could encompass more than just academic targets. She transitioned from viewing non-academic activities as a distraction to organising events, mentoring others, and taking on leadership roles. To her surprise, this involvement did not harm her academic performance; rather, she noted it sharpened her focus.
Awards, Scholarships, and Recognitions
Animashaun's hard work culminated in a series of recognitions at her convocation. She walked away with four cash prizes, four scholarships, and three published research papers. Additionally, she held six leadership positions across various engineering communities at LASU. These achievements highlight her balance of academic excellence with active participation in university life.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Forward
Animashaun did not describe her journey as entirely smooth. She admitted that certain courses tested her resolve completely, and there were stretches of exhaustion she had to push through. She credited her family, friends, mentors, and various LASU communities for their support, with God listed above all others. In closing her post, she wrote that what she is most proud of is not the CGPA number itself but the girl who kept showing up. Her next focus, she stated, is energy, research, and innovation.
Colleagues and Mentors Celebrate the Achievement
The announcement drew congratulatory messages from colleagues and mentors. Stephen Odoziaku commented, "Well-done Samiat. I'm frankly honored to have watched you put in so much efforts into every activity you engaged in. Your grades are honestly a reflection of your hard work, resilience, and intelligence, and I'm so proud of you." Rebecca Kehinde said, "Congratulations my darling, alwayssss proud of you." Favour Emmanuel added, "Congratulations Samiat, I'm so proud of all you've achieved. Greater heights."
Related Success Stories from Nigerian Universities
Animashaun's story is part of a broader trend of academic excellence in Nigerian universities. 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, Legit.ng previously reported that the Lagos State University's best graduating student opened up about her admission experience. In an insightful interview, the young lady shared her admission struggle, experience in school, and future goals. These narratives continue to inspire students and highlight the diverse paths to success in Nigeria's higher education system.
