TASUED Graduate Triumphs Over Academic Hurdles to Achieve First-Class Honours
A graduate of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) has captured widespread admiration online after revealing her remarkable academic journey. The young lady, Olusesi Taiwo Deborah, overcame significant setbacks, including a low JAMB score of 178 and an initial WAEC failure, to ultimately graduate with a first-class degree. Her story, shared on TikTok under the handle @debbyspeaks1, has gone viral, resonating with many for its message of resilience and faith.
From Setbacks to Success: A Timeline of Perseverance
Deborah's path to academic excellence was fraught with challenges. She graduated from secondary school in 2014 but faced disappointment when she failed her first WAEC examination that same year. In 2016, she encountered technical issues during her JAMB exam, resulting in a score of just 178. Despite these early obstacles, she remained determined to pursue higher education.
She gained admission to the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, in 2016 and graduated in 2019 with a credit in her National Certificate in Education (NCE). Eager to further her studies, she applied to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) through Direct Entry in 2020 but was denied admission, an experience she described as emotionally devastating. In 2021, she struggled with motivation and procrastinated, missing the application deadline. However, in 2022, she renewed her efforts, applied to TASUED via Direct Entry, and was successfully admitted.
Faith and Fortitude: The Keys to Her Achievement
In her heartfelt social media post, Deborah emphasized that her success was not due to her own strength but through divine intervention and unwavering trust in God. She wrote, "11 years of waiting, perseverance, not giving up, and trusting God. And here I am today, bagging my first degree with FIRST CLASS HONOURS. This journey wasn't by my strength; no, that would have failed me a long time ago. GOD CARRIED ME." She reflected on her tears over past failures, including the low JAMB score and admission rejections, but expressed gratitude that God had turned her struggles into triumph, giving her "double for my troubles."
Academic Milestones and Future Aspirations
Deborah's achievements extend beyond her first-class Bachelor of Science in Education degree, which she earned in 2025. She also holds an NCE with a credit from 2019 and is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree, which she hopes to complete by God's grace. In her post, she celebrated these accomplishments, stating, "Congratulations, Olusesi Taiwo Deborah, on your first degree. The world hasn't seen the best of you yet." Her story has inspired comparisons to other Nigerian academic success tales, such as a UNILAG graduate who shared her emotional journey to a 4.49 CGPA.
This narrative highlights the power of persistence in the face of academic adversity, serving as a beacon of hope for students across Nigeria. Deborah's experience underscores that initial failures do not define one's potential, and with determination and faith, remarkable achievements are possible.
