From LASU Rejection to UNILAG Triumph: Opeyemi Fasedemi Graduates with First-Class Honors
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has proudly conferred a first-class degree upon Opeyemi Fasedemi, who completed her studies in Business Administration with an impressive 4.74 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Celebrating her graduation on LinkedIn, the resilient graduate revealed that her academic journey was marked by significant hurdles, including being denied admission twice by Lagos State University (LASU) before finding success at UNILAG.
A Rocky Start: LASU Admission Denials
Before gaining entry to UNILAG, Opeyemi faced repeated setbacks in her quest for higher education. She disclosed that she applied to Lagos State University on two separate occasions, both times meeting the academic requirements but still being turned away. In one particularly frustrating attempt, she scored 274 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a result that many would consider competitive, yet she was not offered admission to pursue her desired course of study.
"Those years were some of the most frustrating and emotionally draining periods of my life," Opeyemi shared in her LinkedIn post. "My friends and secondary school mates had all moved on, and I felt stuck, wondering what I was doing wrong." This period of uncertainty and disappointment tested her resolve, but it ultimately fueled her determination to succeed elsewhere.
Finding a Home at UNILAG
In 2019, on her third attempt at university admission, Opeyemi made a strategic shift by applying to the University of Lagos. This decision proved to be a turning point, as she was accepted into the Business Administration program. From the very beginning, she set a clear and ambitious goal for herself: to graduate with a first-class degree. "I even told myself, nothing less than 4.8," she recalled, highlighting the high standards she imposed on her academic performance.
Her first year at UNILAG ended on a strong note with a CGPA of 4.79, putting her well on track to achieve her objective. However, the path to academic excellence was not without its challenges. During her second year, Opeyemi experienced her first significant academic setback. Her grades dipped, resulting in a 4.42 GPA for the first semester and her only C grade in Accounting. By the end of the year, her CGPA had fallen to approximately 4.61, causing her to fear that her first-class dream might be slipping away.
Perseverance Through Adversity
Despite this discouraging phase, Opeyemi refused to give up. She described enduring sleepless nights and moments of emotional struggle while studying, yet she remained committed to her goal. "But I didn’t give up," she emphasized. Alongside her academic pursuits, she actively engaged in upskilling initiatives, enrolled in additional courses, and participated in various programs, demonstrating a holistic approach to personal and professional development.
Her unwavering dedication paid off handsomely. Opeyemi successfully navigated the remainder of her studies, culminating in a graduation ceremony where she had the honor of shaking hands with the vice chancellor as a first-class graduate. With a final CGPA of 4.74, she not only met her lofty aspirations but also served as an inspiration to others facing similar obstacles.
Celebrations and Social Media Reactions
Opeyemi's achievement has garnered widespread acclaim on social media platforms, with many users praising her resilience and character. Among the heartfelt congratulations, one comment from Olawale Elijah stood out: "Not many people talk about the falling, the tears, and the getting back up. You failed, you rose, you stayed disciplined and now a First Class Graduate. This isn't just success, it's character, perseverance and what resilience looks like."
Other well-wishers, including Adekunle A Fasedemi, Jimoh Ibukun, Kofoworola Abubakry, and Shukurat Iyiola, extended their congratulations and expressed hopes for her future endeavors. This outpouring of support underscores the broader significance of her story, which resonates with many Nigerians who have faced educational challenges.
A Broader Context of Academic Achievement
Opeyemi's journey is part of a larger narrative of perseverance within Nigerian universities. In related news, it was recently reported that two sisters graduated together from UNILAG after six years of study, while another lady completed her degree at the age of 30 after overcoming various life challenges. These stories collectively highlight the diverse paths to academic success and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Opeyemi Fasedemi's triumph serves as a powerful reminder that rejection and setbacks do not define one's potential. Through determination, strategic choices, and hard work, she transformed initial disappointments into a remarkable academic achievement, setting a compelling example for aspiring students across Nigeria.
