A graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has taken to social media to share her inspiring academic journey, revealing how she overcame self-doubt and setbacks to earn a first-class degree. The young lady, who initially underestimated her abilities, has now become a trending topic online.
From Self-Doubt to First-Class Honours
The graduate, known on TikTok as @21st_styling, explained that she never considered herself a brilliant person. Her initial goal was simply to pass her courses without accumulating any carryovers. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she faced difficulties with her results, leading her to vow never to read again. Despite this promise, she soon returned to the library, driven by determination.
In her TikTok post, she wrote: "Graduating with FIRST CLASS HONOURS feels so unreal. I'm not the most intelligent or brilliant person, but all I can say is that my hard work and God's grace in my life paid off. When I gained admission into this school, all I wanted was to pass without carryover because I was tired of reading. Then UNILAG decided to show me pepper with my results, which made me mad, and I told myself I would not carry a book again, but guess who went to the library when the semester started again. I remember signing out when I heard this girl talking to her friends about me, saying she always saw me at the library."
God's Evidence Against Self-Doubt
Despite always underestimating herself, she noted that God continually showed her reasons why she should not doubt her potential. Even on her bad days, she persevered and ultimately graduated with a first-class degree. She added: "I have always underestimated myself, but God keeps showing me evidence of why I shouldn't. This journey has made me laugh, feel sad, and cry, but I'm so happy for the friends God placed in my life during this period. Congratulations, Abosede."
Social Media Reactions
Her story sparked numerous reactions from social media users. Temmy cutie commented: "Thanks for reminding to go carry my book again because my school is after my life. Congratulations ma, I am super proud of you." Meggy wrote: "Life in school is so hard, I am also striving every day in school, reading day and night. I tap your blessings that my struggle pays off one day in Jesus name, Amen." KEJI noted: "See me wey just enter, I don dey tire. Congratulations ma, this is a sign to work harder." Beewitmee said: "Congratulations babes. Please where did you get your suit?" Rose Signature | Luxury Finds added: "4th and 5th slide? CONGRATULATIONS DEAR. To think I said the same thing you said when I was in school. I was like I no promise anybody first class, my own na to graduate without carryover. Guess what? I had my ever first and only carryover in 200 level first semester. I rewrote the exams and passed. I graduated with a 2:1 in the Department of Accounting. No be say I no fit do the first class o, but I didn't put my mind to it. What I'm trying to say is with determination and consistency, you are configured to do big things and do them excellently well. Just imagine if I had said I was getting that first class degree, I would have gotten it if I had put my mind to it."
Similar Stories of Academic Excellence
In a similar story, another UNILAG graduate went viral after sharing her academic journey and final CGPA. She revealed that she was not happy with her results in 100 level and 200 level, but she kept pushing and finished with a Second Class Upper (4.18 CGPA). Additionally, a young Nigerian lady, Ifiora Uche, graduated as the best student in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) with a 4.82 CGPA. She recorded a perfect 5.0 GPA in three consecutive semesters.
