Raji Ibrahim, from Isiwu in Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, studied Accounting Education at the Lagos State University, Ojo, and graduated with 4.69 CGPA.
This is the last of the direct interview interaction by THE IMPACT newspaper, with the 11 First Class and Distinction graduates (both first and Masters’ degrees) from Ikorodu Division. The session is part of our coverage of the laudable feats achieved by these students.
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 towards emulating and learning from the young scholars. Hence, the need for this interviews to enable them share their experiences.
In this interview, Raji spoke about what it takes to be a distinction graduates, factors that aided his feat, and also offered suggestions to undergraduates and other young ones aiming to attain higher education, on how to achieve academic excellence among others. Excerpts:
THE IMPACT: What is it like to graduate with a first class honour among your peers, especially from LASU known for its high academic standard and discipline?
RAJI: Graduating with First class honors is a significant achievement and hallmark of academic excellence.It is the dream of every student. I was indeed thrilled when I discovered I was graduating with first class honors. It was a dream come true for me, although it was thoroughly planned. The strive for this degree was highly competitive as there are other students with high intellect and dedication just like me, but I am truly happy that all the efforts I poured into studying wasn’t put to waste.
THE IMPACT. How and what factors contributed to this feat?
RAJI: A lot of factors contributed to this achievement, ranging from my background, my friendship circle, attentive lecturers and the likes. But a major factor that influenced my success was taking up a professional examination, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) examinations. It broadened my knowledge base in the field of accounting. Although, the stress of merging school exams with professional exams, was overwhelming, it, however, enhanced my cognitive ability. I was able to handle two things simultaneously without one affecting the other. I was able to efficiently handle my stress and the knowledge from both areas were complementary. It took me far ahead of others in class and the school examinations became much more easier for me than it would have been. Another factor, as I have mentioned earlier, was my friendship circle. I had friends who were interested in learning and studying. We were always together and most of the times we spent together, we were always studying.
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 that and why (if any)?
RAJI; Gaining admission into LASU, as a fresher in 2017, I never thought I would end up graduating with a First Class Honour. This is because, as freshers, we were instilled with the idea that it was an impossible feat because only 1% to 2% of the population of students, graduate with First Class . However, as we began to move up the different levels, I realised that I have the potentials because my results were impressive, so I pushed further to realize my dreams. I started improving my efforts, time, dedication so I could meet the goal. In my 400 level, I was already sure of what I would graduate with.
THE IMPACT: Did you benefit from any bursary or scholarship award(s) when you were an undergraduate, and how did that encourage you. Aslo, what is your view about such intervention(s)?
RAJI: Yes, I benefited from the Lagos State Scholarships Board (Bursary) from 200 level to 400 level. The amount was #25,000, and I also benefited from Sen. Abiru Tokunbo Scholarship in my 300level. The amount was #50,000.
I used these interventions to support my ICAN program, they were indeed helpful. My view concerning these interventions is that more of it should be made available to students, because it will surely motivate students to perform better in their academic activities.
THE IMPACT: What is your message to other undergraduates and younger ones aiming at higher education, in terms of achieving academic excellence?
RAJI: My message to younger ones and other undergraduates is to, first, believe in God. If you don’t believe in God, how can you believe in your capabilities?
Also, stay positive, stay dedicated, work hard and success will always be knocking at your doors. Remember, failure is not a setback. You only fail to achieve your goals when you give up. And lastly, always work to improve yourself, your quest for knowledge should never end.
