Olutosin Taiwo, is one of the pride of Ikorodu Division, at the just concluded 26th Convocation ceremony of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, which commemorated the 40 years existence of the institution. She bagged a Master’s degree in Chemistry with 5.00 CGPA, a feat that has been described by many as laudable and commendable.
This is the second interview by THE IMPACT newspaper, with distinction graduates from Ikorodu, that studied for their Master’s programmes in LASU, while the interviews are also parts of our coverage of the laudable academic feats achieved by students from Ikorodu Division .
As a foremost news medium in the Division, we are not just celebrating them, but also using them as point of reference to other students from the division, that are still studying, in order to inspire them to emulate and learn from the graduates’ excellent academic performances, by sharing their experiences with us.
In this online interview Kunle Adelabu, Publisher/Reporter – in – Chief, THE IMPACT, Taiwo spoke about her Master’s programme’s exploits, her challenges, factors that aided her feat, and also offered suggestions to undergraduates, Master’s students and other young ones aiming at higher education, on how to achieve academic excellence among others. Excerpt:
THE IMPACT: What is it like graduating with a distinction in your Master’s programme, especially from LASU known for its high academic standard and discipline?
Taiwo: My name is Olutosin Taiwo. Well, I can say that graduating with a distinction in master’s programme, especially from the prestigious Lagos State University, is what I’m really proud of, especially as a female. I feel honored and elated.
THE IMPACT: How and what factors contributed to this feat?
Taiwo: My parents. They’re my motivating factors. I feel I owe them a lot and I will stop at nothing to make them proud and make them want more daughters like me. (So help me God).
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)?
Taiwo: There was never a point I felt the feat was unattainable. If others can do it, I believe I can too. Ever since I mastered the belief of “working hard and praying harder”, things have been going smoothly. One must not do away with God. With God, I believe all things are possible. Alhamdulillahi, I planned and prepared for this feat and I attained it.
THE IMPACT: Did you benefit from any bursary or scholarship award (s) when you were undergraduate, and how did that encourage you. Also, what your view about such intervention(s)?
Taiwo: The only scholarship I benefited from was the Lagos State Scholarship, and that was during my undergraduate days. The Master’s programme was fully funded by my parents.
THE IMPACT: What is your message to other undergraduates and intending Master’s candidates, in terms of achieving academic excellence?
Taiwo: Nothing is impossible. When you dream it, you can achieve it. Have a goal and work towards achieving that goal. Do not be distracted and never do away with God, as He is the best of planners.
Thank you sir.
