OOU's Best Graduating Student Shares Admission Struggle: WAEC Three Times, UTME Twice
David Ajayi, the best graduating student of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), has opened up about his challenging admission journey, revealing he wrote the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) three times and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) twice before securing a place at the university. In an exclusive interview, the civil engineering scholar detailed his persistence, academic strategies, and future aspirations.
Persistent Efforts Lead to Academic Excellence
David Ajayi, who graduated with a first-class degree in Civil Engineering and a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.89, recounted his initial struggles with national examinations. He stated, "My journey with WAEC and JAMB was one of persistence. I wrote WAEC three times before I was able to meet the required results, especially in English. It wasn’t easy, but I stayed determined and kept improving until I succeeded." For UTME, his first attempt yielded a score of 199, but he persevered and scored 257 on his second try, which strengthened his chances of admission into his dream course at OOU.
Choosing OOU and Overcoming Campus Fears
The Lagos indigene, who grew up in Agege, explained his decision to attend OOU after much thought and prayer. He said, "I chose Olabisi Onabanjo University after much thought and prayer. While considering where to study Civil Engineering, I prayed about it and felt a strong confirmation that OOU was the right place for me. For me, it was divinely orchestrated." David admitted to having fears about negative influences on campus but found his experience positive due to the company he kept, attributing his success to divine guidance.
Inspiration and Study Secrets Behind Success
David's interest in civil engineering was sparked during a vacation with his mother, where he observed large-scale construction projects by Julius Berger Nigeria. He shared, "I was fascinated by how such large projects were designed and executed. Curious, I asked my mom who was responsible for building such structures, and she told me they were civil engineers. From that moment, my interest in Civil Engineering was born." His mother supported his passion, recognizing it as a respectable profession.
To achieve academic excellence, David developed a strict study routine from his second year onward, reading daily from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. He emphasized, "What set me apart academically was how intentional I was from the very beginning. In my 100-level first semester, I started strong with a 4.90 CGPA, while many others were still finding their footing. It was consistent effort, guided by God’s grace, that helped me stand out."
Future Goals and Openness to Opportunities
Looking ahead, David aims to contribute to infrastructure development and make a meaningful impact in communities. He stated, "As a Civil Engineer, I see the future as full of opportunities to make a meaningful impact. I hope to contribute to the development of infrastructure that improves communities and drives progress." He is open to opportunities abroad, including postgraduate and PhD programs, to deepen his knowledge and skills for societal benefit.
This story highlights the resilience and dedication required to overcome academic hurdles, serving as an inspiration to students facing similar challenges in Nigeria's educational landscape.
