Miss Romoke Ogunlana, is not just a studious student that graduated with a First Class graduate, but also a student activist and community builder. She is the General Secretary, Igbogbo Students’ Union (ISU) and member of the Igbogbo Youth Coalition (IYC). Romoke graduated with 4.52 CGPA from the Department of Education Management, Faculty of Education, Lagos State University (LASU), at the recently held 24th Convocation ceremony of the institution.
Her interview with Kunle Adelabu, Publisher/Reporter – in – Chief, THE IMPACT newspaper, is part of our coverage of the laudable feats achieved by students from Ikorodu Division, who recently graduated from LASU, especially those that bagged First Class honours.
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, to inspire them in emulating and learning from latest graduates. Hence, the reason for these interviews to enable them share their experiences with us.
In this online interview, Romoke spoke about her feeling of graduating with a First Class, factors that aided her feat, and how she achieved the academic success. She also offered suggestions to undergraduates and other young ones aiming at higher education, on how to achieve academic excellence among others. Excerpts:
THE IMPACT: What is it like graduating with a distinction in your undergraduate programme, especially from LASU known for its high academic standard and discipline?
Miss Romoke: Truly, graduating with a first class is something I consider a reward for hard work and l thank God for crowning my effort with success. I feel fulfilled and indebted to all the people that believe in me, especially after it was already looking impossible, but despite that, l still had faith. It got to a point that I started telling whoever asked for my CGPA that I am in first class. I confessed it with faith. My 100 level first semester result was 4.36 CGPA, and I made all efforts to make it get better, even till 300 level second semester, I was not in first class. I had a 4.47 CGPA.
THE IMPACT: How and what factors contributed to this feat?
Miss Romoke: When I got to LASU, there was a tutor of mine that said he was very sure that I am a first class student, even though it was not looking like it and I was close to giving up after my 300 level second semester result came out. Then, during the second semester break, I visited HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom with my family, and he asked about my CGPA and l told me I was close to first class. He promised that if I can make the first class, he will personally attend my convocation. I kept it in mind and put in extra effort, I also remember Sen. Comfort Olafare encouraging me that she was very sure I can do it. All these words kept ringing in my head, and during my last two semesters, I stopped sleeping in my hostel like a week until the exam, I was fully focused on my exam, reading and also tutoring my peers that needed my help.
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 was this and why (if any)?
Miss Romoke: Yes, it seemed impossible, especially after seeing that it was as if all forces were against me. Every semester, I had good results, but something just happened and I got a single 3 every semester that spoiled all the results. Then in my final semester, I was going through a lot of difficulty, I lost a whopping sum of money that belonged to someone, and my phone was also stolen. I was almost giving up but I had people that encouraged me.
THE IMPACT: Did you benefit from any bursary or scholarship award (s) when you were undergraduate and how did that encourage you and also what is your view about such intervention(s)?
Miss Romoke: Yes, I am a beneficiary of Lagos State bursary, I will love to use this medium to tender my sincere gratitude to Lagos State governor, Mr Sanwo – Olu. Lagos State is my pride. I am currently serving in Kogi State, and I always brag that finances can never be a barrier to quality education in Lagos State, because there is adequate provision from primary to tertiary education. It is a motivation that the government is concerned about my educational well-being.
THE IMPACT: What is your message to other undergraduates and intending university candidates, in terms of achieving academic excellence?
Miss Romoke: My message to all undergraduates and aspirants, is that the only hindrance to your academic excellence is your mindset. If you believe you can’t do it, then you can’t do it, and also no man can succeed in isolation. You cannot do it alone, surround yourself with positive minded people that can see the hidden ability and strength in you, that even yourself cannot see. The people around me made it possible. I remember from 100 level, I have always had friends that are sad whenever they get 4 in a course, while other people have friends that when they get a 2, the friend will tell them they are lucky because they have 0, they will relent on their effort. Never forget the power of motivation.
