Lawal Oluwatobi, a graduate of Lagos State University (LASU), has shared his inspiring journey of earning a First Class degree in Economics despite years of financial hardship that delayed his education. His story, posted on LinkedIn during LASU's convocation week in August 2026, has resonated with many social media users.
Early Life and Setback
Lawal's childhood was initially comfortable. His father was a successful businessman in Ijebu Igbo, and the family attended one of the best private schools in the area. However, his father's death in 2004 changed everything. His mother could no longer afford private school tuition, and he was transferred to a public school.
When he reached SS3 in 2015, his mother could not raise the N3,500 needed for his WAEC registration. He sat for the exam unprepared and failed. University seemed out of reach, so he moved to Lagos, where he spent the next five years working in Alaba and other parts of the city.
Return to Education
In 2020, Lawal registered for WAEC again, this time self-taught and determined to succeed without cheating. He was one of only seven candidates from his centre to pass. He then wrote JAMB under similar conditions, describing his mind as "rusted" from years away from formal study. He passed and gained admission to LASU through Stream 2.
His first year at university was overwhelming. He recalled calling his younger brother to express his doubts, and the response stuck with him: "Lawals no dey carry last. You will understand it later."
Balancing Work and Studies
Throughout his degree, Lawal balanced paid work with lectures, funding his own school fees, hostel charges, and family obligations every year. His goal was simply to avoid carry-overs. He studied when he could and slept when he had to, remaining largely unknown to his lecturers until his final year.
By his final year, financial pressure was at its peak, and his CGPA had dropped to 4.47. He had nearly accepted that a First Class was beyond him. Then his supervisor, Professor Olateju, told him plainly, "I believe you can do it." He had never disclosed to her how little time he had for study. Her words shifted something inside him.
Triumph and Inspiration
He pushed harder than ever before, and in his second semester of 400 level, he earned a perfect GP of 5.0. He graduated with a CGPA of 4.52, securing a First Class in Economics from Lagos State University.
Closing his post with a message to anyone studying under difficult circumstances, Lawal wrote: "If you are reading this while working two jobs, studying with a tired mind, carrying family responsibilities, or wondering whether your late start has already decided your future — hear me: nothing is impossible."
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. LASU's best graduating student also opened up about her admission experience in an interview with Legit.ng, sharing her struggles and future goals.
