From F9 to First Class: LASU Graduate's Inspiring Journey
Sanni AbdulHameed Bolaji, a fresh Lagos State University (LASU) graduate, has shared his remarkable story of academic redemption, going from scoring an F9 in Economics during his 2019 WAEC exams to graduating with a First Class degree in the same subject. His journey, posted on LinkedIn in August 2026 during LASU's convocation season, has resonated widely online.
The Ogun State-born scholar, known by his initials SAHB, detailed his struggles with failure, depression, and eventual triumph. His initial interest in Economics was sparked to impress a crush, but he soon developed a genuine passion for the subject. However, that passion did not help him in the 2019 WAEC exam, as he spent too much time assisting fellow candidates, missed two compulsory questions, and received an F9. He later sat for NECO and earned an A1.
JAMB Failures and Depression
With his peers already in university, Sanni set his sights on JAMB 2020. He spent months privately tutoring students to earn a living while preparing, but crammed at the last minute and scored 196 out of 400. His 2021 attempt was worse, dropping to 184 out of 400, despite months of teaching at schools and tutorial centres.
The second failure led to depression. Overcome with shame, he left his home and hid in Ogun State, unable to face the students he had mentored.
Turning Point: Teaching as a Strategy
In January 2022, Sanni returned home and enrolled at Bright Minds Academy, where he overhauled his study approach. He attended morning classes and spent each afternoon teaching his peers what he had learned. This habit, which had once caused him to run out of time in the WAEC hall, became the key to his academic recovery. His 2022 JAMB score soared to 275 out of 400, securing him admission to LASU to study Economics.
At LASU, he continued tutoring, mentoring over 1,000 students across different faculties. By the end of his programme, he achieved a First Class degree in the very subject he once failed.
Reactions and Tributes
Sanni credited his mother, calling her "the ultimate prayer warrior," and dedicated every award he received to her. His post drew congratulatory messages from readers. Tohiru Mohammed said, "This is telling us failure isn't the end, when you fail to achieve a goal you try again till you achieve the goal. Never give up continue trying and you will achieve your desired goal. Congratulations to you, more achievement." Chima Ikechukwu added, "Big Guy Congratulations, funny how we have the same story... Had an F9 in Economics in Waec and now also a First Class holder in Economics also. This is just the beginning." Israel A.I Olufemi commented, "Inspiring story full of variations of results. Weldon Sanni, more is ahead."
Sanni's story joins other tales of resilience, such as UNILAG's best graduating student who was rejected by the University of Ibadan, and a graduate who staged a one-man protest over unemployment. His journey highlights how failure can be a stepping stone to success, and his teaching method proved transformative for both himself and the over 1,000 students he mentored.
