The Taste of Triumph: Reflections on OAU Convocation
As the grandeur of the convocation ceremony unfolded, a palpable sense of pride and accomplishment filled the air. The convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University was a moment of unbridled joy and celebration, marking the completion of years of academic rigor and perseverance. The 48th convocation ceremony saw the graduation of 7,368 students; among them were 215 students with first-class honors, 2,197 with second-class upper division, and 2,691 with second-class lower division, among others.
The graduates, on the threshold of this momentous occasion, were deeply aware that this moment represented far more than just a formal recognition of their academic achievements. The degree they were about to receive was a badge of honor, a testament to their hard work and dedication, and a powerful symbol of the limitless possibilities that lay before them.
It was a tangible representation of the knowledge, skills, and experiences they had accumulated during their time at the university. But more than that, it was a reminder that their true potential lay not in the piece of paper itself, but in the doors it could open, the opportunities it could unlock, and the impact they could make on the world.
Few graduates were interviewed to share their experiences and challenges faced. They had a lot to say.
Latinwo Gbolahan - Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Graduate
I am grateful to God, my parents, and siblings for my achievements. This moment feels unreal, and it means a lot to me. During my time at the university, I faced a major challenge when I was about to write my Part 1 Rain Semester exam. It affected my academics, but I am glad I was able to pick myself up again. I have had many experiences, and I have learned to know my strengths and weaknesses. To current students or incoming freshmen, I advise you to be aware of your situation and ask for assistance when needed. OAU is filled with great individuals.
My experiences at the university have prepared me to make a positive impact in my community or field. I have gained a lot of experience in academics, specifically in Engineering, and in self-development through Journalism. I pray that the Lord leads me through.
I have gained many skills, knowledge, and values during my time at the university. As an Engineering student, being a successful campus Journalist has given me a lot of experience. I was also a member of the Plogging Nigeria Club and volunteered for many organizations, where I worked with people and teams successfully.
I have received notable achievements, including being awarded the best news reporter and best gender equality reporter at the National Youth Digest Award in 2021 and 2022, respectively. At the 48th Convocation, I emerged as the best graduating student in Soil and Water Engineering Option in my department.
Next, I plan to further my studies in Engineering, practice Engineering, and pursue Journalism. I'm counting on God for strength. I am humbled by my experiences and achievements, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story.
Owolabi Philip - English department graduate
I feel very great about achieving this Milestone, graduating with a good CGPA, and second-class upper. I am happy and positive about what the future holds for me.One of the most challenging things I have faced is adjusting to the demands of the university. Of course, I was someone who enjoyed excellence, awards, and recognition in secondary school to television level. So, getting to the university, it was a little different and unique on its own. It came with its own challenges. Adjusting to the Lecturers system, demands for overnight, impromptu tests, workload, and strange questions in the exam. This new terrain taught me how balance, prioritizing, and scheduling. You can have many things and all of them are going smoothly .
One of the things I feel the university community showed me is that it's not easy outside; they did not make it easy for us. Most of the things I know today, I taught myself. I did the extra work, of course, lecturers will introduce it to us. For stalites, do not depend on education alone, especially when you're studying theory courses like English.
I have learned a lot of skills. I'm an ambivert and I love my space. One of the skills I have learned is interpersonal skills. I've learnt how to interact with people. I learnt the importance of community building and networking. I went for extracurricular programmes outside campus, and I network with a lot of people. It boosted my portfolio, my confidence, and my results. I ventured into writing, editing, proofreading, content writing, story conversion, script writing, SEO, and different forms of writing.
I graduated with second class upper, I was a journalist for four years, an editor in chief for two years. I successfully trained a lot of people in journalism under Icons Organization.I founded a drama unit that is now in its fourth year. At the moment, I'm peeparing for the labour market alongside NYSC. Aside that, I hope to start a career in what I love, explore the world, make a lot of money, and mostly importantly impact people's lives positively.
My advice for every student is to know what you want and go for it. Do not waste time. Every moment you spend dilly-dallying is an investment you are wasting. Time is your most important asset.
Masterpiece, a graduate from the department of Arts and Social science Education
Achieving this milestone feels like a complete victory, the culmination of all the small wins I have had on this campus put together. Since gaining admission, I have been in a contest against OAU limitations, and overcoming them has been a defining experience. One of the most memorable moments was during my Part 1, 2nd semester SER class. We were asked to teach a topic as our test, and with God's help, I did exceptionally well. That was when many people realized I had a teaching gift.
To current students or incoming freshmen, I would advise that having a community of good friends who challenge your dedication is crucial. My greatest help has been God, and I am grateful for His mercy which helped me navigate the challenges I faced. My experiences on campus, especially the challenges with some lecturers, made me realize that no student deserves the trauma that some lecturers inflict. This has motivated me to be gentle in my approach to students when I'm fully in the field.
I gained leadership skills. Academia(A free tutorial for our coursemates) made me HOD of LIT in part 2, and the HOD of STYLISTICS from part 3 to 4. I must say that this role made me outdo myself in ways I could never have done if I was not holding any positions. One of my notable achievements is making a promise to myself to never have less than an A in all my Grammar courses, and with God's help, I was able to achieve that.
My immediate plan is to pursue my master's degree in Syntax as soon as possible. Ultimately, I owe my achievements to God, who had me in His plans. I am grateful for His guidance and mercy throughout my journey.
Omolayo, a graduate from the department of English Language
Achieving this milestone feels surreal. It's a moment I've been waiting for, and I'm excited to be exiting this phase that I felt stuck in for a while. During my time at the university, I faced a memorable challenge when I had my first bad result after the COVID-19 pandemic. I had to remotivate myself to be studious, and it taught me never to leave my books, even when school was not in session.
To current students or incoming freshmen, I would advise that you should read diligently and pray fervently. Do not feel like any lecturer hates you; they are simply doing their jobs. You came to university for a degree, not a babysitting session. It is essential to take responsibility for your learning and not rely on others. My university experience has prepared me to make a positive impact in my community or field. I have learned the importance of networking and building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. I have met students who struggled to make ends meet, and I'm passionate about providing employment opportunities to support them.
During my time at the university, I gained valuable skills, knowledge, and values. I developed strong communication skills, learning to be diplomatic with everyone I met, including my lecturers. I also honed my writing skills and learned to work under pressure through my involvement in journalism with the Icons Organisation.
I am proud of my achievements, including authoring three books as an undergraduate, winning the ICJC 2024 Speech Contest, and serving as the Assistant General Secretary of the Icons Organisation. I also successfully grew my fashion brand as a student. As I move forward, I am trusting in God's guidance. I believe that divine intervention is essential for success, especially in a challenging environment like university. I've learned that serving God and achieving academic success are not mutually exclusive; in fact, my best results came from following the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Joseph Temitope, a graduate from the department of Linguistics and African language
Achieving this milestone is a testament to God's guidance and provision in my life. It is a moment that fills my heart with gratitude and awe. One of the most memorable experiences during my time at OAU was my involvement in volunteering activities at conferences and events. This experience not only helped me connect with like-minded individuals but also shaped my ability to organize and see life beyond academics.
As I reflect on my journey, I would like to offer some advice to current students or incoming freshmen. It is essential to know God at every point of your journey in OAU. Connecting with like-minded persons and striving for all-round development are also crucial. By doing so, you will be able to apply principles to all aspects of your life. My time at OAU has been a transformative experience that has taught me valuable skills and values. I have learned the importance of multitasking, balancing, communication, listening, and organization. These skills have been invaluable in navigating the challenges of university life.
One of the most significant lessons I have learned is that without God, life on OAU can be incredibly difficult. However, with faith and perseverance, it is possible to overcome any obstacle. My experience has given me three watchwords that I will carry with me for the rest of my life: Know God, know thyself, and know the people who will guide your destiny fulfillment.
Fakeye Solomon, a graduate from the department of Mechanical engineering
This moment is one of the most anticipated in my life. I have waited for this day for so long, and I'm overjoyed that it's finally here. I'm super happy and relieved that all my hard work has paid off.
During my time on campus, I had many memorable experiences, but one that stands out was the day I almost gave up on academics due to several challenges. I was feeling overwhelmed and discouraged, but then I contacted a friend to rant, and he shared a word with me that lifted my soul and gave me the drive to move forward.
As I reflect on my journey, I want to share a piece of advice with current students and incoming freshmen. One of the greatest gifts you have is time. Do not let distractions and discouragement hold you back. You might not have a second chance, so study hard and make the most of your time on campus. I've always known that I am a man of impact, and coming to OAU opened me up to several platforms for learning and growth. I was able to develop my leadership skills through my fellowship, where I learned valuable lessons in tolerance, doggedness, and resilience.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I also developed my skills as a writer, becoming an academic and SEO writer during my undergraduate days. I'm proud to say that I was able to impact lives through my work, and the testimonies I received were truly thrilling.
One of my most notable achievements was starting my own brand, ROYALDYNAMO. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me, and I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to grow and develop as a person. As I move forward, I have plans to build my brand extensively and achieve some personal goals that are still in the works. I'm excited to see what the future holds.
Finally, I want to leave you with a piece of advice that has been instrumental in my journey. Know God and know Him personally. I'm not preaching religion, but I can tell you that your journey on campus is incomplete if you're not fully with God. Serve God, serve your community, and serve with all your heart.
Nathaniel, a graduate from the department of Animal Science
This moment means everything to me. I've dreamed of it for so long, and after 7 and a half years on this campus, it's finally here. It feels wonderful, and I'm grateful to have made it through the rigors of this university. My journey was not easy. I had to work endlessly during my internship at the university farm, where I had to take daily transport and expend a lot of energy. I had little cash, so I had to do jobs, come to the farm, and study. It was a challenging time, but it built resilience, grit, and growth mindsets in me.
Those qualities helped me navigate my final year, which was a great success. I flourished while others were struggling, and it was all thanks to the lessons I learned during my time on the farm. To freshmen and students, I'd advise you to be balanced in all your activities. Don't substitute one for the other. Create time for everything, and don't kill your sport life or social life for academics. Balance is key.
I've also learned that nothing is given unless you dare to receive. The university isn't just about education; it's about changing your mindset. You should be able to think outside the box, find solutions to problems, and learn, relearn, and unlearn. If you can survive in OAU, you can survive anywhere. The university taught me to think outside the box, to learn on my own, and to persevere under pressure. With these skills, I know I can make a change in society.
During my time at OAU, I developed valuable skills and values, including perseverance, resilience, grit, growth mindset, endurance under pressure, time management, finance management, interpersonal relationship management, and leadership. I'm proud of my achievements, including winning several awards and holding various leadership positions. These experiences have prepared me for the next stage of my life.
After school, I plan to intern in a laboratory, as I have interests in public health. I've also dreamed of being in the military, and I would consider that option if I do not leave Nigeria within two years of graduating. Additionally, I've always wanted to be a veterinarian, and I plan to work on that as soon as possible.
Lastly, as an history enthusiast, I plan to study or work as a research fellow in a center of defense or international relations overseas or locally. Looking back, I realize that I didn't have the luxury of finance as a student in OAU. However, I didn't let that hold me back. I had a dream and a mission, and I kept my eyes on the prize. I wasn't swayed by influences or limitations; I rose beyond them.
To anyone who feels limited by their circumstances, I'd say this: you are destined for greatness. Don't be limited by other people's limited imaginations. Strive to be the best, reach for the stars, dare and win, rendezvous with destiny. Remember, the only easy day was yesterday. It pays to be a winner.
Sodiq Abdul_Wazim, a graduate from the department of History and International Relations
Sodiq Abdul_Wazim Bolade, a physically impaired student graduating with a 2nd class lower honors from the Department of History and International Relations, also gives thanks to God for helping him navigate the challenges faced by students living with disabilities on campus. In his words of advice to students with disabilities who may have lost hope in themselves, he urged them not to let their challenges affect their future, stating, "Although disability does not affect your future because the Almighty God who created everyone has a plan for all, do not be disheartened by your challenges; no matter what, you will overcome them."
In conclusion, the convocation ceremony was more than just a ritual; it was a celebration of the human spirit and a testament to the power of education to transform lives and shape destinies.
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