A University of Ibadan (UI) graduate, Egbegbomo Aletor, has celebrated earning a first-class degree despite losing her brother and father during her undergraduate years. She shared her emotional journey in a LinkedIn post while celebrating her achievement as the Best Graduating Student in her department.
Academic Triumph Amid Personal Loss
Egbegbomo Aletor graduated from the Department of Early Childhood and Educational Foundations at UI with First Class Honours on November 13, 2025. She also became the first recipient of the Professor Esther Oduolowu annual prize award for the best graduating student in the department.
Reflecting on her academic journey, she revealed that tragedy struck during her first year when she lost her only brother just weeks before her 100-level examinations. She also lost her father during her third year, barely a month before her second-semester examinations in 300 level.
Egbegbomo attended her father’s wake-keep immediately after writing an examination and could not attend his burial because it clashed with her exam schedule. Despite these devastating losses, she persevered and achieved academic excellence.
Her Inspiring Words
In her LinkedIn post, she wrote: "TO GOD BE THE GLORY. On the 13th of November 2025, I graduated as the Best Graduating Student Of The Department Of Early Childhood And Educational Foundations with First Class Honours and also as the First recipient winner of Professor Esther Oduolowu annual prize award for the best graduating student of the department. A milestone that was made possible by the Alpha and Omega, the God who knows the end from the beginning."
She continued: "In my First Year as an undergraduate at the University of Ibadan, I lost my only brother (elder brother) to the cold hands of death just few weeks to my 100 level exams. It was a sad moment of my life as my late elder brother was meant to be a graduate of early childhood education (the same course as mine) the next month, but unfortunately he passed on. In my Third Year also as an undergraduate, I lost my dad a month to my second semester exams in 300 level. Attended his wake-keep immediately after writing exams on that day, as his wake-keep and burial was fixed to my exams period. I couldn’t attend his burial cause I had exams slated for that day, wrote my exams in between tears and immense sadness. However, despite the losses, sadness, disappointment and fear, God came through, He held my hands through the journey; He crowned my efforts and gave me honour to cancel my shame. I return all adoration and gratitude to God for sparing my mother’s life to witness this remarkable milestone. With no formal education, my mother through God’s help produced graduates, in addition ‘A First Class Graduate’. All glory to God!"
Reactions from Social Media
Many people commented on her story, offering congratulations and encouragement. Adedayo Mercy Ibrahim said: "Congratulations. May God take you to greater heights." Oluchi Ameke wrote: "Congratulations! I always tell my students that quitters never win and winners never quit. Your achievement is a true reminder of that. Big congratulations, sis. Wishing you even greater testimonies ahead." Mercy Aremu added: "Talk about a conquering spirit. Congratulations. God who saw you through will open doors for international opportunity in Jesus name amen."
Egbegbomo’s story serves as a powerful reminder that resilience and determination can overcome even the most heartbreaking circumstances. Her achievement inspires many who face similar challenges in their academic pursuits.
