In a remarkable academic achievement that has captured national attention, Chukwuzubelu Benedict Umeozor has emerged as the University of Lagos (UNILAG) best graduating student for the 2026 convocation ceremony. The young scholar graduated with a perfect cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 5.0 in Business Administration, but his path to this exceptional accomplishment was marked by initial setbacks and strategic decisions.
From Admission Denial to Academic Excellence
The 24-year-old Anambra indigene, who grew up in Ikorodu, Lagos, recently shared his educational journey in an exclusive interview, revealing that his university admission process was not without challenges. During his first Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Benedict applied to study Economics at UNILAG but was denied admission despite scoring 271.
"I wrote JAMB twice," Benedict explained. "First was Economics (271), second was Business Administration (281). I applied to UNILAG in both instances. Initially, I chose Business Administration because I didn't want to spend another year at home after not gaining admission the previous year. I was eager to move forward and begin my university education."
Strategic Course Selection and Parental Support
Interestingly, what began as a practical decision evolved into genuine passion. As Benedict progressed through the Business Administration program, he developed a sincere appreciation for the course. His parents provided crucial support throughout this transition, focusing more on his university admission than the specific discipline he pursued.
"My parents were supportive overall," he noted. "While they were indifferent about the specific course, their main concern was that I gained admission into the university and made the most of the opportunity."
The UNILAG Advantage: Proximity and Affordability
When asked about his choice of institution, Benedict highlighted practical considerations that influenced his decision. "I chose the University of Lagos primarily because of proximity," he stated. "It was close to home, which made logistics and adjustment easier. In addition, at the time, UNILAG offered one of the most affordable fee structures among top universities, which was an important consideration for my family."
The competitive academic environment at UNILAG proved instrumental in shaping his educational approach. "UNILAG exposed me to a competitive academic environment that challenged me to be disciplined, independent, and proactive in shaping my learning experience," Benedict reflected.
Consistency Over Expectation: The 5.0 CGPA Formula
Remarkably, Benedict revealed that his emergence as the best graduating student surprised even himself. "It wasn't something many people expected at the beginning, including myself," he admitted. "I started with clear goals and a strong work ethic, and over time the results became evident through consistency rather than expectation."
His academic strategy involved several distinctive approaches:
- Intentional consistency rather than last-minute studying
- Early semester planning and staying ahead of coursework
- Deep conceptual understanding instead of memorization
- Regular review processes to identify knowledge gaps early
- Strict time management while balancing multiple responsibilities
Tech Integration: Web Development During ASUU Strikes
Beyond his academic achievements, Benedict is also a self-taught web developer, a skill he cultivated during the prolonged Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strikes. "I started my tech journey during a prolonged ASUU strike," he shared. "With a lot of unstructured time on my hands, I decided to be intentional about learning a valuable skill rather than waiting idly. That was when I began exploring technology."
When academic activities resumed, Benedict developed a structured routine that allowed him to merge tech learning with his studies effectively. "Rather than seeing them as competing interests, I used tech to complement my academics, improving my productivity, problem-solving skills, and time management," he explained. "Over time, both areas reinforced each other."
Future Vision: Merging Business and Technology
Looking ahead, Benedict envisions a career at the intersection of technology and business administration. "As a developer and a Business Administration graduate, I see my future at the intersection of technology and business," he stated. "In the short term, I plan to continue building my technical expertise while working on real-world products and solutions that solve practical problems."
His long-term aspirations include gaining international exposure while maintaining a focus on impact-driven work. "I intend to gain international exposure at some point because it offers opportunities to learn from diverse systems, advanced technologies, and global best practices," Benedict said. "However, my long-term vision is impact-driven. Whether locally or internationally, my goal is to build skills and networks that can be leveraged to create value, contribute to innovation, and, ultimately, give back in meaningful ways, including within Nigeria."
Benedict's journey from admission challenges to academic excellence serves as an inspiring narrative for Nigerian students navigating the competitive educational landscape. His story demonstrates how strategic decisions, consistent effort, and skill diversification can combine to create exceptional outcomes in higher education.
