Oluwatobi Deborah Ayodeji graduated with a First Class from the Department of Nursing Sciences at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, in the 2024 – 2025 session. She finished with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.56 on a scale of 5.0. In this interview by IFEOLUWA ADEYEYE, she speaks about her academic journey.

What does graduating with a first class mean to you, and did you always believe the feat was possible at the onset?

Graduating with a first class reinforced my personal belief that I can achieve anything I want as long as I really want it. It is a personal validation for me. It served as a reaffirmation and boosted my self-confidence. I know I can be whatever I want to be; I just need to want it enough.

I knew I would finish with a first class from the onset. I began aiming for a first class right from my first day in school. I had a perfect CGPA (5.0) in 100 level first semester, which set the foundation right for me.

What study habits helped you maintain academic excellence throughout your studies?

Reading in bits right from the beginning of the semester. I always had a jotter where I would jot everything about a course or more courses. I would read in bits so much that at the end of the semester, I had all the information I needed about acing a course, all jotted down in the notebooks. So, during exams, I am not seen reading textbooks or slides; I am only going about with my jotter. Re-reading and re-reading.

How did you prepare for tests and examinations differently from your peers? Did you follow a structured reading timetable?

As I said before, I read diligently. I also had a flair for mnemonics. I formed mnemonics very easily, with anything, as long as it made sense to me. My mnemonics almost did not make sense to a lot of people, but they would ask me to help them understand it either way, because it was a very effective way of retaining stuff.

My reading timetable totally depended on how voluminous the semester’s work was. In 200-300 levels, I offered an average of about 12 to13 courses. I needed timetables for these semesters. If not, I would have found myself reading one course more than the others. But a timetable followed diligently ensured I gave all courses due attention.

Were there courses you found challenging, and how did you overcome them?

Not exactly. I always made a mental note to love a seemingly challenging course even before I started reading for the semester. Sort of tricking myself to fall in love with a course ahead of time because it’s perceived to be a challenging course.

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What was the most difficult academic moment you faced, and did your CGPA ever drop at any point during your journey?

I crossed into the Nursing Department in my 200 level. It was quite tough. The crossing process was approved about two weeks before examinations in the first semester. I missed most of the tests and assessments. This is because, before the crossing process was approved, you cannot really tell where you are, whether your previous department or where you are crossing into. So, it is safer to attend lectures for both departments, which was very difficult, as there were lots of clashes in timetables. We also were not allowed to take tests and submit assessments in the Nursing Department before the finalisation of the crossing process because we were not bona fide members of the class at the time. 200 level first semester was difficult — and, yes, my CGPA dropped significantly then.

Did you ever feel discouraged or overwhelmed at any stage, and what kept you going?

I did not feel discouraged, but overwhelmed. I felt that a lot. I had many extracurricular activities I was involved in as well. What kept me going? I cannot say exactly. I am just someone who never gives up. I always keep going.

What sacrifices did you have to make to maintain academic excellence that people around you may not have noticed?

Nothing. I did everything I would have done if I were not on a first class or trying to maintain academic excellence. I was just me. Not very social, a little introverted, but that is just me. No sacrifices I had to make.

Who were the key people who supported your journey, and what roles did they play in your success?

My mother. She was a silent motivation for me, not because she was after my academic excellence or distinction. She would have been super proud of me regardless, but I have just always wanted to be the best I could whenever I got the chance, to make her happy.

Did your lecturers, family, friends, or personal beliefs play a role in helping you stay focused?

My personal belief, as stated earlier, I know I can achieve anything if I want it enough.

What are your plans after graduation, and what impact do you hope to make in your field?

I have begun my internship period at Uniosun Teaching Hospital. Greater achievements lie ahead for me. I want to make a groundbreaking impact, both in the health industry and in academics.

What is one misconception people have about students who graduated with first class, and what advice would you give students aiming to achieve the same result?

Some believe making a first class is luck, especially those who believe they read just as much as any distinction student. Not exactly. You probably think you read the same thing, but you did not answer the exam questions the exact same way. And that is what makes all the difference. It does not exclusively matter what you read months before the exam; what matters is what you are writing down in your answer sheet. How intelligently can you articulate previous, past, basic, secondary and current knowledge to present an impressive answer script for your lecturer?

If you could describe the real secret behind graduating with a first class in one sentence, what would you say it is?

Determination. If you want it enough, you will get it.