Miss Oluwa Rodiyah Onaopemipo, of the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Science, Lagos State University (LASU),Ojo, is one of the pride of Ikorodu, at the recently held 26th matriculation ceremony of the State-owned University. She graduated with 4.65 CGPA.
Rodiyah, who is currently studying at the Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL), is a grand-daughter of the former Secretary to Ikorodu Local Government (1991 – 1993) and representative if Ikorodu Division at the 1994/95 Constitutional Conference in Abuja, Alhaji Rafiu Ayinde Babatunde Salami (Bab Sallam).
In this interview series with the young Distinction graduate, which is part of THE IMPACT newspaper’s effort in using First Class graduates as a point of reference to other students from the division that are still studying, and as people that they can emulate and learn from, Rodiyah shared her experience with Kunle Adelabu, Publisher/Reporter – in – Chief, of the foremost community newspaper, stating that she thought that attaining First Class was impossible.
She also spoke about how she achieved the feat through hard work, prayers and impact of the friendship that she kept. She also stated the impacts of scholarship and bursary awards on her performance and charged undergraduates on the need to be conscious about friends that they associate with. Excerpts:
THE IMPACT: What is it like graduating with a distinction in your degree programme, especially from LASU which is known for its high academic standard and discipline?
Rodiyah: Honestly, I am just thankful to Allah for the achievement and for my growth over the years. The 16-year old me, who gained admission into LASU, as a regular student, wouldn’t have thought of graduating with a first class. So, I’m just grateful.
THE IMPACT: How and what factors contributed to this feat?
Rodiyah: Hard work and prayers made this feat possible. In addition, I was lucky with the kind of friends I had in the university, and that helped me a lot. Reading with my friends gave me the zeal to work hard and sharing knowledge was also very helpful.
THE IMPACT: Looking back to when you first gained admission into LASU, till the day you wrote your final examinations, did you ever feel that attaining First Class was impossible, at what point and why (if any)?
Rodiyah: Yes. There were times when I thought it was impossible for me to graduate with a first class. I had courses that seriously weighed me down, drained me physically and emotionally. Also, I got results that I felt like contesting because I knew I did better than what I got. Fortunately, I was blessed with lecturers who saw my potential and motivated me. Also, I have friends who always cheered me on and parents who never stopped reassuring me that I could do it. All these gave me the courage to remain focused. I thank Allah for crowning my effort with success.
THE IMPACT: Did you benefit from any bursary or scholarship award (s) when you were undergraduate and how did that encourage you and also your view about such intervention(s)?
Rodiyah: I benefited from the Lagos State Bursary. It encouraged me to do better. Knowing that I would get a certain amount for doing well made me put in my best. As regards my view on supporting students through bursaries and scholarships, I strongly feel it should be continued because it motivates beneficiaries and encourages them to strive for the best.
THE IMPACT: What is your message to other undergraduates and intending First degree candidates, in terms of achieving academic excellence?
Rodiyah: My message to current and prospective undergraduate students will be to surround themselves with people who would bring out the best in them. They should also give their best shot at every opportunity.
