From Academic Struggles to First-Class Honors: The Inspiring Journey of a UI Law Graduate
A Nigerian man, Saleem Oyeleke, has graduated from the University of Ibadan (UI) with a first-class bachelor's degree in Law, defying significant academic challenges that included repeating primary school and writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) four times.
A Journey Marked by Perseverance and Determination
Celebrating his achievement on Facebook under the name Oyeleke Tunji Equity, Saleem shared his remarkable academic journey. He revealed that he was once labeled a "dullard" but chose to redefine his own path through dedication and hard work.
"The labels people give you are their limits, not yours," Saleem wrote in his post. "I was labeled a 'dullard,' but I chose to write my own definition."
His academic struggles began early when he had to repeat primary school, moving from Primary 6 at ADC Oke-Ada back to Primary 2 at Adonai Private School in Ikire. He described how he couldn't even write his own name when he was supposed to be entering Junior Secondary School 1.
Overcoming Multiple UTME Attempts
The challenges continued as Saleem attempted to gain university admission. He wrote the UTME four consecutive times before finally succeeding in 2019. During this period, he also completed training as an aluminum work apprentice, demonstrating his multifaceted approach to building his future.
Upon finally gaining admission to study Law at the prestigious University of Ibadan, Saleem faced initial difficulties adjusting to the academic environment. "Upon resumption, fears and uneasiness set in. I could not easily find my bearings," he recalled. "Everything looked gloomy."
The Path to First-Class Achievement
Saleem emphasized that his first-class achievement wasn't the result of overnight success but rather years of consistent effort. "This wasn't a day or a year's job," he explained. "It was an accumulation of years of dedication, perseverance, and untold stories."
He admitted to doubting himself at times, especially after his first year when his results weren't favorable. However, he used his background as motivation, stating that remembering where he came from helped him stay focused on his dream.
"My background is the real motivation that keeps me on track," Saleem revealed. He noted that he experienced all grade levels from A to D during his academic journey, except for failing grades.
Celebration and Future Aspirations
In his Facebook post, Saleem expressed gratitude to God, his parents, family, friends, and well-wishers for their support. He concluded with an inspiring message for others facing similar challenges: "As far as you can dream it, you can live it. Your background shouldn't be a setback. With zeal and determination, we will overcome the obstacles that our backgrounds might have set."
The graduate also announced his openness to collaborations, internships, and opportunities at corporate organizations, signing off as "OYELEKE, SALEEM TUNJI. LL.B. (IBADAN) FIRST CLASS HONOURS."
Social Media Reactions
Netizens celebrated Saleem's achievement with enthusiastic comments on Facebook:
- Yusuf Olamilekan William said: "This is the Lord's doing. Congratulations my guy. I'm proud of you."
- Oyeleke Ismail commented: "What an interesting story my brother. Thank God for everything."
- Maruf Taiwo Excellent wrote: "Congratulations genius. I want to be like you when I grow up."
Saleem Oyeleke's story serves as a powerful testament to how perseverance, determination, and hard work can overcome even the most challenging academic beginnings, transforming early struggles into remarkable achievements.
