UI Graduate Triumphs Over Fear to Earn First Class in Law
A young Nigerian lady, Olayemi Islamiyyah, has shared an inspiring academic journey, revealing that she graduated with a First Class degree in Law from the University of Ibadan (UI) despite initially abandoning the course due to fear of not meeting the cut-off mark. Her story, detailed in a LinkedIn post, highlights resilience and determination in the face of obstacles.
From Sociology to Law: A Dream Deferred
Olayemi originally intended to study Law but opted for Sociology instead, driven by apprehension that she might not achieve the required admission score. Ironically, she later discovered she had scored above the cut-off mark when results were released. She accepted Sociology and committed to it, but her desire to study Law persisted. "I accepted it as fate and gave Sociology my very best. Still, deep down, the desire to study Law remained," she recounted.
After her first year, she planned to transfer but got distracted. It was only after overhearing friends discuss their transfer plans to Law that she was reminded of her postponed dream and decided to pursue it.
Narrow Escape and Academic Challenges
Her admission to the Faculty of Law nearly slipped away due to a misplaced phone number. The contact details she left with the faculty officer were lost, making her unreachable and putting her slot at risk of being reassigned. "By what I can only describe as divine timing, I went to confirm my status just one day before my slot would have been reassigned," she explained.
Starting afresh in Law presented new hurdles, including catching up on courses missed in her first year. Her confidence was restored after scoring 14 out of 15 in an initial assessment, setting the stage for her academic success.
Celebrating a First Class Achievement
Today, Olayemi celebrates graduating with First Class Honours in Law, a testament to her perseverance. Her story joins other inspiring tales from UI, such as Oluwatunmise Awobajo, who became the first in her family to earn a first-class degree in Law, and a couple who both graduated with first-class honours, showcasing the university's academic excellence.
This narrative underscores the importance of pursuing one's passions despite initial fears and setbacks, serving as motivation for students facing similar challenges in Nigeria's educational landscape.
