UI Law Student Triumphs with First-Class Degree After Initial Admission Denial
Fatihat Abdul Azeez, a recent graduate from the University of Ibadan (UI), has achieved a remarkable academic milestone by earning a first-class degree in law. This accomplishment comes despite facing significant hurdles early in her educational journey, including being denied admission to the university initially, even with a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) score of 291.
Overcoming Academic Challenges
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Fatihat shared the details of her arduous path to success. She revealed that she had to sit for the UTME twice, with her first attempt resulting in admission denial despite a score of 291. After gaining admission into the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) at UI in her first year, she transferred to the law program in her second year. This transition required her to combine both 100 and 200-level law courses simultaneously, creating an intense and demanding academic schedule.
"It was intense. It stretched me. It tested me," Fatihat recounted, emphasizing the rigorous nature of her studies. Despite these challenges, she maintained a first-class grade point average (GPA) at every level of her program, demonstrating unwavering determination and academic excellence.
Lessons Learned from Law School
Reflecting on her journey, Fatihat highlighted the valuable life skills she acquired through her law studies. "Law didn’t just give me a degree. It taught me resilience, discipline, and how to thrive under pressure," she stated. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing how perseverance can lead to outstanding achievements in the face of adversity.
Fatihat, who also works as a fashion designer and beauty consultant, balanced her professional pursuits with her academic responsibilities, further underscoring her dedication and multitasking abilities.
Celebrations and Reactions
Upon sharing her graduation photoshoot on Facebook, Fatihat received an outpouring of congratulations and praise from friends, family, and online communities. Comments flooded in, celebrating her hard work and success. For instance, Mujeeb Adegbenro remarked, "I’m glad to have witnessed your journey from CLA to Law... Your First Class doesn’t come as a surprise, you've communicated it long before now."
Her achievement has resonated widely, drawing attention to the broader narrative of students overcoming obstacles in Nigerian higher education. This story aligns with other recent successes at UI, such as a law student who graduated with first-class honors despite battling anxiety, highlighting the diverse challenges faced by students.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Education
Fatihat's experience sheds light on the competitive nature of university admissions in Nigeria, where high UTME scores do not always guarantee entry into desired programs. Her success story encourages prospective students to persist despite setbacks, reinforcing the importance of resilience in academic pursuits.
As she moves forward, Fatihat plans to continue her legal education, with aspirations to excel in law school and beyond. Her journey from admission denial to first-class graduation stands as a testament to the power of determination and hard work in achieving academic dreams.
