HOW TWO MEDICAL STUDENTS FELL IN LOVE AND GRADUATED BEST IN THEIR CLASS

IBADAN — In an academic environment where many believe romance is a distraction to academic excellence, two medical students at the University of Ibadan (UI) have shattered the stereotype by emerging as the top graduates in their department while maintaining a long-term relationship.

​Oluwasegun Oladipupo Akinwola and Jacintha Uyioghosa Nosazeogie, both students in the Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, have captured national attention after graduating with prestigious First Class Honours. At their recent induction ceremony into the physiotherapy profession, Oluwasegun emerged as the Best Graduating Male Student, while Jacintha claimed the title of Best Graduating Female Student.

​A Shared Journey of Excellence

​The duo first met after gaining admission into UI for the 2020/2021 academic session. Sharing a common passion for medical rehabilitation and therapy, their relationship blossomed early on campus. Rather than slowing them down, their partnership became a powerful catalyst for leadership, sports, and unparalleled academic success.

​Reflecting on their journey from his personal perspective, a triumphant Oluwasegun shared his joy at crossing the finish line alongside his partner.

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​”I think I will just post everything induction-related now while I have the time,” the newly minted physical therapist remarked. “Best Graduating Male Student x Best Graduating Female Student, Department of Physiotherapy. PT. AKINWOLA O. O. (First Class Honours) X PT. NOSAZEOGIE J. U. (First Class Honours). I am happy for this new phase with my best friend and woman, and glad we did it together.”

​Juggling Leadership, Sports, and Love

​Beyond the classroom, Oluwasegun maintained a demanding profile on campus, proving that the couple’s time was meticulously managed. He served simultaneously in major leadership roles, including President of the Association of Physiotherapy Students and Editor-in-Chief of PhysioPress, the department’s press organization.

​His achievements extended well into competitive sports and intellectual contests:

• ​Academic Quiz Champion: He single-handedly represented UI at the ACAPN International Scientific Conference Inter-University Quiz Competition, defeating rival institutions that fielded multiple representatives.
• ​Football Coach of the Season: He coached his hall’s team in the Alexander Brown Hall (ABH) League. Despite starting the debut season with a crushing 5-1 defeat, he spearheaded an unbeaten run to win the league title, earn Coach of the Season honours, and secure VVIP tickets to watch local professional football club Shooting Stars SC.

​The Ultimate Campus ‘Power Couple’

​Their balanced approach to undergraduate life did not go unnoticed by their peers. Over their stay at the university, the pair became legendary figures in campus social circles, collecting a historic sweep of romance and leadership accolades.

​They were voted the “Couple of the Year” by the Association of Physiotherapy Students for four consecutive years, named the University College Hospital (UCH) Students’ Association “Couple of the Year,” and crowned the “Power Couple of the Year” at Alexander Brown Hall—the residential hall for UI’s clinical medical students.

​As the pictures of their joint induction and first-class certificates continue to trend online, the story of Oluwasegun and Jacintha stands as an inspiring narrative for Nigerian undergraduates, proving that with mutual support, dedication, and clear focus, love and academic excellence can go hand in hand.