From Mockery to Master's: UI Graduate's Triumph
Rofiat Akinpelu, a Nigerian woman who graduated from the University of Ibadan (UI) with a degree in Islamic Studies—a course once dismissed as 'useless'—has earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing and Strategy with distinction from Miva Open University, a decade after her first degree. Her story, shared on LinkedIn, has sparked widespread celebration and reflection on the value of perseverance.
The Sting of Criticism
Akinpelu recounted a painful memory from her undergraduate years. 'Someone once said to my younger brother: "Study hard so that you can feed your sister in the future. She’s studying a useless course and may never get a job." I laughed then. I laugh even harder now,' she wrote. Despite the mockery, she excelled academically, graduating in December 2016 as the Best Graduating Student in Islamic Studies at UI.
A Non-Linear Path to Success
Throughout her undergraduate studies, Akinpelu was drawn to business, entrepreneurship, and leadership. She represented UI at the regional finals of the Hult Prize Challenge in Boston, Massachusetts, an experience that connected her with influential mentors. After graduation, she defied expectations that she would become a teacher or lecturer, instead exploring roles in operations, communications, project management, public relations, digital marketing, and eventually healthcare marketing. 'Nothing about my life had been linear. But I keep doing it ANYWAY,' she emphasized.
MBA with Distinction
On June 20, 2026, Akinpelu graduated with a Distinction in MBA (Marketing and Strategy) from Miva Open University. She drew inspiration from the convocation address by His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, who noted that 'success is rarely a straight line' and that meaningful achievements often come from failure, learning, and adaptation. She also credited the vision of Miva Open University's Chancellor, Sim Shagaya, who believes great things are built despite setbacks and doubts.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on her journey, Akinpelu said, 'I am grateful I never allowed other people’s assumptions to become my reality. Ten years after my first degree, I still don’t know exactly what the future holds. What I do know is that I am still learning, still growing, and still excited about what is possible.' She added that she is now exploring PhD opportunities, noting, 'Life indeed has a sense of humour.'
Reactions and Related Stories
Akinpelu's post triggered an outpouring of congratulations and admiration on social media. In a related story, Legit.ng previously reported that the Lagos State University's (LASU) best graduating student shared her admission struggles and future goals. Another UI graduate staged a one-man protest over unemployment, highlighting the challenges many graduates face in Nigeria.
