From Last in Class to Top Honors: UI Graduate's Inspiring Academic Journey
A graduate of the University of Ibadan (UI) has captured widespread attention online after sharing his remarkable academic transformation. Abdulmujeeb Adewale, who once consistently ranked last in his secondary school class, recently flaunted his first-class degree with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.80 out of 4.00, alongside numerous awards.
A Stunning Turnaround in Higher Education
In a TikTok post that has gone viral, Adewale disclosed that he scored 53 As out of the 66 courses he completed during his four-year undergraduate program in the Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education. His academic performance included:
- 31 grades of 70+
- 21 grades of 80+
- 1 grade of 90+
- 12 Bs and 1 C
He detailed his year-by-year GPAs: 3.77 in 100 level, 3.78 in 200 level, 3.71 in 300 level, and a perfect 4.00 in 400 level, culminating in a final CGPA of 3.80.
Crediting a Policy Change for Success
Adewale attributed his dramatic improvement to an educational policy introduced in 2016 by former Oyo State Governor, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi. He reflected on his secondary school struggles, stating, "I was one of the students who took last position in class. I did not see myself as brilliant, and nothing about my results suggested that I would one day become a top student." This policy shift, he explained, marked the turning point in his academic journey, fostering an environment that enabled him to excel.
Celebrating Achievements and Inspiring Others
During the University of Ibadan's 77th Founders Day and Convocation Ceremony on November 13, 2025, Adewale was recognized multiple times. He received awards including:
- Best Graduating Student, Department of Special Education
- Second runner-up for Best Graduating Student, Faculty of Education
- Best Graduating Muslim Student, Faculty of Education
- Ranked 6th among the Top 10 Best Graduating Muslim Students at UI
He also secured over eight scholarships and awards and held more than thirteen leadership and volunteering roles, such as President of the Nigerian Association of Special Education Students from 2024 to 2025. Adewale expressed his gratitude, saying, "Hearing my name being called again and again to receive merit awards brought tears to my eyes. It felt like a dream that God made real." He hopes his story serves as an inspiration, reminding others that past academic struggles do not dictate future success.
