I Wrote UTME Three Times Before Gaining Admission To Ibadan Poly; Applied To FUNAAB Through Direct Entry Three Times To Emerge Best Graduating Student

Olatedun Oluwabusayo Janet emerged as the best graduating student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta for the 2022/ 2023 academic session with a CGPA of 4.85 out of 5.0. In this interview with ValidViewNetwork, the Ayetoro-oke, Okeho indigene shared her thoughts on her emergence as the best graduating student . The inspiring story of Janet speaks volumes of determination, courage, resillience and focus. She could be referred to as a classical example of ” breaking barriers”. Not bothered by her background and the failures life threw at her, she fired on to carve a niche for herself as the overall best graduating student of the prestigious Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

Can we meet you please?

I am Olatedun Oluwabusayo Janet, born in the late 19th century into the family of Mr. Abel Olatedun and Mrs Victoria Olatedun. My Dad is a printer at Baptist Press, Total Garden and my Mum is an Office Assistant at Baptist Women Missionary Union Headquarter, Total Garden Ibadan. My family is not financially bouyant. What we lack in terms of finances, our parents provided in terms of genuine love, support and prayers. They remain the best!

I could feel the joy in their hearts when I emerged as the best graduating student. I think it is a sweet way for God to compensate their years of struggling and praying. I pray that God Almighty will answer their remainiing prayers.

I am the second of three children. I was born into a Christian family. Specifically, I am a Baptist by birth. I am a native of Ayetoro-oke, Okeho, Oyo State but I reside at Ibadan.

Which schools did you attend?

I attended Holy Infant Jesus Nursery and Primary School, Yemetu Alaadorin Ibadan, and then proceeded to St. Louis Grammar School Mokola, Ibadan in 2005 for my secondary education. In 2013, I gained admission to The Polytechnic Ibadan, Saki Campus( now The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki) for my National Diploma (ND) program in Agricultural Technology, after which I proceeded to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta to obtain my first degree in Agricultural Economics and Farm Management.

I had Distinction in my ND program and this helped greatly to prepare me for the challenges ahead.

How did you feel with your emergence as the best graduating student?

I felt shocked and overwhelmed. I wasn’t expecting to emerge as the best graduating student. I only came for the convocation like every othe graduating students. When I was informed a few minutes before the commencement of the convocation that I was the best graduating student, I felt surprised and confused because I didn’t know what to do at the moment. I give God all the glory. He made it possible.

Can you share your academic profile with us?

I finished secondary school in 2011 and wrote UTME three times before gaining admission to the Polytechnic Ibadan, Saki campus, where I obtained a National Diploma in Agricultural Technology and graduated with Distinction as the top of the department in 2015. I processed my direct entry to FUNAAB three times before gaining admission in 2018 to study Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, where I graduated in 2023.

I have had to overcome my fair share of delays and challenges in my academics. I never knew depression was real until I experienced it. When I finished my ND in 2015, I graduated as the best student in the Agricultural Technology Department with a CGPA of 4.76/5.00, but for three years I couldn’t gain admission through direct entry, and I didn’t want to go back for my HND due to personal reasons. During that period of delay, I experienced hell; it got to the point where I couldn’t log in to Whatsapp and stopped attending alumni meetings and reunions just to avoid more questioning and mockery from people.

At what point did it occur to you that you were going to make a First Class in FUNAAB?

I started with first class from my first semester in FUNAAB with a GP of 4.92. That naturally set me on fire for First Class. Though I did not wish to have a result that would attract attention due to past experience, but having a 4.92 GP in 200 level (first semester) made me realize I would graduate with a First class. God Amighty saw me through and I ended with 4.85 though it was not that easy.

How will you describe FUNAAB?

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, is a peaceful and great citadel of learning where students learn how to be smart and how to deal with pressure and challenges that come their way. I enjoy the aesthetic nature of the campus. It is a beauty and an environment anyone will want to wake up into any day. I think the beautiful environment rubs on the composure of the students as an average FUNAABite is smart and ready to make impact.

Can you share any major challenge you had in the pursuit of excellence with us?

The major challenge I had was in first semester 300 level, when we did virtual classes due to COVID-19. I couldn’t afford a good phone that I needed for the classes. It was frustrating but I managed to cope. Also, reading and understanding the courses myself was a big challenge for me. I found it difficult to attend some classes and missed many attendance. Thanks to my great friends who supported me and helped to navigate through that stage.

When was your best moment in the University?

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My best moment at the university was in my final year. My department Final Year Book committee organized fun programs that gave us good memories of our stay at the university. There is nothing that can obliterate those events from my memory. It was a unique time of bonding. I cherish that greatly.

Who is your mentor?

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is my mentor. She is an economist and international development expert with over 30 years of experience. She was the first Nigerian woman to serve two terms as minister for finance in Nigeria and also the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization as Director-General. She has many recognitions and awards to her name.

If you have the opportunity to speak with the President of Nigeria, what are the three major issues you will raise with him?

Well, I’ll discuss the issues of education, security, and agriculture. The rate at which the school fees of Federal Universities are increasing is very alarming. This can force many students who are supposed to be academic giants out of the university . Secondly, the long strikes experienced by students also serve as a delay. This has multiplier effects on the productivity of the nation. I will plead with the President to do everything within his powers to put an end to the strikes. The level of insecurities in the country has caused a setback to the economy of the nation. Investing more in agriculture can help increase GDP and also create opportunities for graduates after school.

How do you feel with the gifts and recognitions that came with your emergence as best graduating student.

Sincerely, I have mixed feelings; I felt excited and at the same time pressurized. With this achievement, all eyes will be on me, they’ll monitor my progress because they expect more from me. However, I know God Almighty that has taken me this far will not let me down.

Was their any major course you found difficult and how were you able to cope with it.

The course I found difficult was FIS 309, a borrowed course from AQFM. The course was done virtually in first semester, 300L. We were given the notes but I had to seek the help of Bro. Adewale Ewaoyenikan, my neighbour, who was a 400L student in that department, in order to understand the course. With explanations from him, I gained confidence. To the glory of God Almighty, I was able to score 70 in the course.

How were you able to cope with academics and other aspects of life while on campus?

I was able to cope through the grace of God. I tried as much as possible to balance everything. I will encourage students to put God first and learn to balance their lives using the best templates that work very well for them.

Would you like to share a bit of your private life?

Smiles, it is called private life for a reason.

After now, what next?

Hmm, that depends solely on God. However, left to me, I wish to acquire the highest available level of skills and knowledge in my chosen field by pursuing my postgraduate programs, and I desire to achieve this by exploring beyond my local environment in order to be tutored under the renowned facilitators, serene environment, outstanding facilities, and boundless opportunities that come with studying globally.

ValidViewNetwork recalls that a lady, Mrs. Oguntola (Tijani) Oluwatoyin Naheemah, emerged as the best graduating student during the last convocation of the university. Toyin graduated from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the University.

ALSO READ : FUNAAB : Olatedun Oluwabusayo Janet Emerges Best Graduating Student With 4.85 Out Of 5.0