University of Ibadan Graduate Achieves Academic Excellence Despite Humble Beginnings
A remarkable graduate from the University of Ibadan has captured public attention by sharing his extraordinary academic journey, which includes earning over 70 As out of 85 courses and securing a first-class degree in Petroleum Engineering. Babatunde Adediran, whose mother sells nylon for a living, detailed his path from challenging circumstances to academic success, breaking two significant family records in the process.
Early Academic Excellence and Family Background
Babatunde Adediran revealed that his academic prowess was evident from his secondary school days, where he emerged as the best student in 12 out of 13 subjects during Junior Secondary School 1. He grew up in an environment where education was respected but not always seen as a viable tool for children from poor backgrounds. "We survived day by day - eating what we saw, not what we wanted," he recounted, noting that about 96% of his childhood peers stopped at secondary school or apprenticeship.
His determination to excel was fueled by his mother's sacrifices, as she took loans to pay his fees while he hustled through various jobs, including teaching lessons and sometimes trekking long distances for food. "My mother (Ìyá Oní Nylon) took loans to pay my fees. I hustled, taught lessons, and sometimes trekked long distances just to find food," he shared.
Journey to University of Ibadan and Academic Achievements
After initially enrolling in a Diploma Program at The Polytechnic Ibadan, where he graduated with an Upper Credit and ranked third in his class, Babatunde was determined to reach higher. In 2019, after saving ₦200,000 from tutoring, he rewrote the JAMB exam, switched to Engineering on a friend's advice, and gained admission to study Petroleum Engineering at the University of Ibadan.
Despite facing setbacks such as losing his savings to a scam during the COVID-19 pandemic, he persevered by taking up bricklaying jobs on weekends and relying on the support of friends. He completed an internship at Alpha Oilwell Technologies Ltd, gaining valuable industry exposure before graduating.
His academic results at the University of Ibadan are nothing short of impressive:
- Completed 85 courses
- Earned over 70 As
- Achieved a CGPA of 3.79/4.0 (First Class)
- Inducted into the Nigerian Society of Engineers as a graduate member on February 25, 2026
Breaking Family Records and Inspiring Message
Babatunde highlighted that he has broken two significant records in his family: he is the first to attend university and the first to graduate with a first-class degree. He proudly identified himself as "A child of a nylon seller in Ojaba and a plank seller in Bodija," concluding his story with a message of faith and perseverance: "Faith met fate - and grace carried me through. Upward and forward."
This inspiring account serves as a testament to the power of determination and hard work, showcasing how students from humble backgrounds can achieve academic excellence in Nigeria's competitive educational landscape.
