Adaeze Ashibuogwu, a Lagos State University (LASU) graduate, has gone viral on LinkedIn after sharing the story behind her First Class Honours degree in Economics and the father's advice that quietly redirected her entire future.
In a post that resonated with many young Nigerians navigating academic and career decisions, Adaeze revealed that she had originally planned to study Accounting. Four years ago, a single conversation changed that.
Father's Advice Redirects Academic Path
Her father challenged her to consider Economics instead, pointing out that she could still pursue the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) professional qualification alongside the degree. It was advice she admitted she never expected to follow, but one she is now deeply grateful for.
Adaeze graduated from the Department of Economics at LASU in 2025 with a CGPA of 4.64 out of 5.00, placing her in the top 3.44 per cent of a graduating class of 7,621 students. She was also recognised as one of the five most diligent students in her department.
Balancing University and Professional Exams
In her LinkedIn post, she stated that her university years were far from smooth. She described crying after difficult exams, feeling discouraged, and having to rewrite two ICAN papers at different levels. Balancing university lectures, faculty exams, and the ICAN Accounting Technicians Scheme simultaneously, she said, sometimes felt overwhelming. Yet she kept showing up.
What makes Adaeze's story striking is how much she built beyond her coursework. She served as Deputy Lead Organiser for TEDxLASU 2024, held the position of Public Relations Officer for the Aspiring Economists Forum at LASU, and represented Delta State students as a Clerk in their national association.
Research and Global Recognition
Her research profile is equally impressive for an undergraduate. She contributed to a study on electronic banking and economic growth in Nigeria and co-authored a separate paper on climate-induced migration and national policy responses. She also earned scholarships under both the African Economic Scholars Program and the Africa Macroeconomic Analysts Program, and was named Best Policy Debater at the African Economic Scholars Program.
On the global stage, she served as a virtual delegate for Nigeria at the World Bank Group Youth Summit in both 2025 and 2026, joined the Millennium Campus Network Fellowship in 2024, and took on the role of Global Youth Ambassador for Theirworld. She also received a commendation letter from the LASU Vice-Chancellor for her volunteering work.
Supporters Celebrate Online
Adaeze closed her post by reflecting on the girl who entered university at 17, uncertain and anxious, and emerged with a degree, a professional qualification in progress, and a career already taking shape.
Supporters celebrated her achievement online. Williams A. said: "That's my girl!!!! Proud of you, my smallie" Mautonthen Hunwi said: "Congratulations Adaeze Ashibuogwu, AAT. I've witnessed your excellence firsthand!" Chinedu E. Nwafor said: "Congratulations Ada! Well deserved. The best is yet to come."
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. Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Lagos State University's (LASU) best graduating student opened up about her admission experience in an insightful interview with Legit.ng, sharing her admission struggle, experience in school, and future goals.
