Determination, discipline helped me make first class? Oyindamola Arikawe

In what ways did your background mould you into the kind of student you were?

My parents were a great influence. My mum owns a school and my dad is a preacher of excellence, so I always knew that I had to be excellent at whatever I did. My parents used to give us (children) gifts if we came top in our classes, to encourage us to keep aiming higher.

Were you intentional about graduating with a first class?

Yes, I was very intentional. My goal was to excel, and I achieved that. I did not just graduate with a first class but as the second best graduating student in the department.

What were the challenges you faced in the course of your educational pursuit?

They were majorly personal ? procrastination and having to balance my academics with other commitments. But, I later learnt to prioritise and do the right things at the right time.

What are your secrets of success?

My relationship with God aided me through different phases in school. Determination, diligence and discipline also helped me.

What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?

They should give their best and trust God. They should not limit themselves, and be willing to volunteer and participate in other activities.

Did you consciously set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, first-class had always been the goal. Excelling exceptionally was just the grace of God. When I first got a perfect 5.0 GP in 100 level first semester, I desired to finish with it as my CGPA.

Why did you decide to study Mass Communication in the first place?

At first, it was my love for talking, writing and wanting a platform to impact lives. As I studied the various beautiful aspects of the course, I fell in love with film and production, and a script I wrote was even chosen for production coursework.

What are your secrets of success?

God is all there is to me.

What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?

Take it one at a time, set targets and trust God with your life. He can never mismanage it.

Did you have a social life while in school?

Yes, I did. Being committed to fellowship helped me a lot. I hosted and facilitated a few programmes, and acted in a few stage plays.

Yes, I did. For me, it was a clear goal from the start. I entered university with a lot of motivation and enthusiasm from high school. While it wasn?t as easy as I initially thought, I stayed focused on that goal. I made an effort to go above and beyond in everything?doing just the usual wasn?t enough to earn an A, and I knew those A?s were key to a first-class degree. Most importantly, I combined my hard work with consistent prayers, and by God?s grace, it all paid off in the end.

What are your secrets of success?

At the risk of sounding clich?, God. God has helped me, and grace has brought me this far. Hard work is great, but He who blesses the hard work is greater.

What are your career plans?

During my final year of university, I developed a strong interest in finance. I was fortunate to secure a summer internship with a bank abroad, which eventually led to a full-time job offer. The skills I gained from my mass communication degree are incredibly transferable and have been invaluable in this new path. I?m excited for the future and eager to see where this journey takes me.

I?ve always wanted to excel ? Ifeoma Iwelunmor

In what ways did your childhood inspire you to take your academics seriously?

While growing up, I was not particularly good at academics. I have a twin sister who was very smart, and it was hard keeping up with her. Everyone in my family were school prefects except me. However, in primary six, I won the ?Most Improved Student? award after moving from 18th to fifth position. That moment marked a turning point for me. From then on, I made it a mission to excel academically.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, I always wanted to excel, even when I was not entirely sure what I was doing. In my first semester as a diploma student, I had the highest grade point. That achievement reassured me that I was on the right track.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

My biggest challenges were anxiety, insomnia and having a short attention span.

What are your secrets of success?

I made sure to read, pray and also take time to relax.

What are your career plans?

I want to become a successful public relations professional and content marketer.

I made first class to prove people wrong? Chelsea Jegede

In what ways did your background shape your educational sojourn?

My parents invested so much in my siblings and I, and I felt the best way to repay them was to excel in everything I did. I wanted to make them proud by being at the top of my class. Even though there was never any pressure from them, seeing the joy on their faces when I succeeded made me feel like I was giving something back.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, because I have always been ambitious. I also didn?t appreciate it when people said I couldn?t do something. So, when I was told that getting a first-class in the department was almost impossible, I decided that was exactly what I wanted and I was going to make it happen.

What are your secrets of success?

It is Jesus Christ. I work extremely hard, and I am very disciplined and ambitious, but it was grace that got me here.

Briefly describe your routine as a student.

My routine varied depending on the academic calendar. On typical lecture days, I?d attend classes, then return to the hostel. However, during exam periods, I?d wake up really early because I had to get a seat at the library. I would read for eight hours, go back to the hostel to rest for two hours. Then, I?d go back out in the evening to read for four to five hours before finally retiring for the night.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

I did, actually. Being the valedictorian of my class in secondary school, I knew that I had to continue in that path of greatness.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

The learning environment which included learning with such a large class population was a great challenge. The strikes, which happened too frequently and spanned for too long, were another challenge.

What are your secrets of success?

My not-so-secret secret of success is God. I have never regretted trusting Him.

What are your career plans?

I will be getting more degrees to solidify my career projection. I like school so, I intend to get a PhD. I also want to establish myself as a professional and specialist in the field of communication.

How would you describe your routine as a student?

A typical day in my life involved waking up late after a night of editing, rushing to class, grabbing a late meal, and heading back to my apartment to work again. On some days, I had shoots that forced me to miss classes. As for the studying part, that usually happened when exams were near. I was well known for last-minute cramming.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

It was incredibly difficult to keep going. Over the years, my willpower kept fading, and I often felt like giving up. While I grew and thrived in my career as a cinematographer and editor, juggling two full-time jobs and freelance gigs, school became a burden. I even considered dropping out because I hated it so much. I should have graduated in 2022 but finally finished in 2025.

What are your secrets of success?

I have no secrets; just God and determination. It was tough but I kept going, always reminding myself of how far I?d come and refusing to drop the ball. Also, having supportive people around one makes all the difference. They fuelled my fire on days I felt burnt out and kept me informed when I couldn?t be present.

Many people are of the opinion that first class students are usually boring. Did you have a social life while in school?

I was actually one of the most social people in school, so that?s far from true. I was always out working, attending parties, clubs and staying active in various activities like sports and politics.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

Oh, where do I begin? A system that lacks accountability, group projects where half the team disappears, and that one lecturer who seemed to enjoy making things unnecessarily hard? It wasn?t easy, but it definitely made for a good plot twist!

Why did you decide to study Mass Communication in the first place?

I didn?t start out wanting Mass Communication. I was actually gunning for Economics. But when I realised I hadn?t taken Mathematics, Mass Comm. became my next best option. And, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I had ever made. Looking back, I don?t even know why I considered Economics, because I don?t like it.

What are your secrets of success?

Consistency over intensity is the mantra. Also, I pray like it depends on God, but work like it depends on me. I am forever grateful to my amazing family and friends who constantly pushed me to aim higher.

Many people are of the opinion that first-class students are usually ?too serious?. Did you have a social life while in school?

I had a blast in school; from parties to business fairs, conferences and networking events, I did it all. Balance is everything, and one can excel academically and socially.

In what ways did your childhood inspire you to take your academics seriously?

Though I was born into a privileged family and lacked nothing, my drive to excel came from the people around me. I also drew inspiration from my family members, who are all achievers. My dad and brother are lawyers, while my mum is a medical expert. I knew I had to raise the bar even higher, and that inspired me to take my education seriously.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

One major challenge I faced was health-related. I had a severe ulcer, which was worsened by the demands of my studies and responsibilities. To manage it, I adopted healthier eating habits, stayed hydrated, and relied on regular medical advice. Through God?s help and my perseverance, I was able to balance my health and academics.

What are your secrets to success?

The number one factor is God. He carried me through every challenge. My parents have also been incredibly supportive throughout my journey. Finally, I drew motivation from those who looked up to me and those I looked up to. I earned the nickname ?Mummy Mass Communication? among my peers, and that title reminded me that I couldn?t afford to fail.

Were your parents instrumental to you making a first class?

I grew up in a home where my parents were very keen on education as there had never been a university graduate in the family. They wanted me to take this seriously, so they gave me the best education they could. Knowing that no one in my family ever went to a university and graduated was enough reason for me to take it seriously and ensure I came out with a first class to break that record.

Did you consciously set out to graduate with a first class?

I consciously ensured I made a first class because I wanted to study law initially but after four attempts, it didn?t work out. I tried Mass Communication once and it worked, so I promised myself that I was going to graduate with a first class.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

I dealt with lots of family issues and they almost got me distracted. During one exam period, my sister was hypnotised and almost kidnapped. Also, while in my final year, another sister had some birth complications and was hospitalised for four months. I almost deferred the semester just so I could be with her and help out, because I couldn?t concentrate. I also had issues juggling photography, clothing and my corporate job with school.

What are your secrets of success?

They include God, grace, great relationships, consistency, tenacity, prayer and strength.

How did you parents contribute to you making a first class?

My parents, especially my mum, made me take my academics seriously. She wasn?t able to attend a secondary school or university because of certain circumstances. When she told me the story, I made a deep resolve in my heart to excel in academics, so I can make her and my dad proud.

What motivated you to graduate with a first class?

At first, having a first class was so UNILAG could pay me the N50,000 that first class students were usually paid. But, by the second semester of my second year, I became more intentional about graduating with a first class.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

I struggled with time management at first but along the line, I found a system that worked for me.

What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?

Figure out a system that works for you. Don?t try to copy what?s working for others. Always ask for help when you need it; but let it be from people who have overcome or achieved the results you want. And most importantly, trust God.

Did you have a social life while in school?

I had an active social life. I joined the sport team and won the Dean?s Cup twice for female football on behalf of my department. I also attended lots of events while I was working as a content creator for a PR and event management company. I play a lot actually.

Did you intentionally/consciously set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes I did. My dad always said that ?first class is non-negotiable?, so I was determined to do well in school, and God helped me.

What are your secrets of success?

I don?t think it?s a secret, but God will always be the backbone of what I define as success. Something else I might chip in is to do everything with a mindset of excellence. I don?t think the direct focus should be on getting the highest grades in every course, but more about doing each test and assignment with excellence.

What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?

First, there is no pressure. We all have our individual strengths and weaknesses; and it?s important to know yours. Harness your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Take it a day at a time. Define what excellence means for you and stick to it. You have to approach academics from beyond the standpoint of high grades, but as a personal commitment to put in the effort do it with excellence.

Did you consciously set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, I came to UNILAG intending to graduate with a first-class. My elder brother did and it spurred me to dream big too. Also, we heard stories of first class students getting N50,000 at the end of each session, so that encouraged me too. We never got the prize though.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

The major challenge I faced was combining my academics and extra-curricular activities. Aside from being involved in UnilagSun, I was a member of my department?s blog team where I wrote periodic articles, tutored younger colleagues, and was always interning or volunteering as a campus ambassador for one company or the other.

What are your secrets of success?

God, consistency and hard work. I believe that God?s hands are at work in my life, hence the spirit of excellence. On the flip side, I live by a Robin Sharma mantra which says, ?Show up, work hard, repeat?.

In what ways did your background inspire you to take your education seriously?

My parents have always encouraged me to be the best I can be wherever I find myself. I caught on to this very quickly right from when I was a little child. Since then, no graduation has ever ended without me being called up for recognition and for prizes. The teachings of my parents and my decision to be exceptional at everything I do pushed me to take my academics seriously, and to stay focused on always being at the top.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

When I got into school, I just wanted to be excellent. However, when I started my first year one with a 4.89 GPA (first class), I desired to maintain it, and to the glory of God, I was able to do that.

What are your secrets of success?

Jesus, razor-sharp focus, committed friends, and an uncompromising desire for success and excellence are the secrets of my success.

What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?

Stay focused on why you are in school, don?t compromise on excellence, push yourself, choose the right company of success-minded people, and draw close to Jesus.

What ways did your background inspire you to take your academics seriously?

I will make reference to my secondary school ? Preston International School ? where I learnt time management and how to be responsible.

Also, I learnt to study from my mum. I saw her burn midnight candles while being active in every other thing.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, I intentionally worked to get a first class. Initially, I was almost discouraged but I knew I didn?t want to be an average student.

I intentionally surrounded myself with like-minded friends who motivated me whenever I felt discouraged. I?m glad to see a good number of them also at the top.

Also, I heard that UNILAG often rewarded each first-class student with N50,000. I?m not sure if this rule still applies but it really motivated me.

What are your secrets of success?

I took every step knowing that God was with me, and I also put in the work. God can give you a vision but if you?re lazy, you?ll find it hard to execute. I ensured I put in the work and trusted God to do His part. Also, I read early before exams and tests.

In what ways did your background inspire you to take your education seriously?

I grew up with parents that are go-getters, so it was difficult to just do the bare minimum and be happy with yourself. They were particular about the fact that we had to study hard if we wanted to go far.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, I did. From year one, it was first class or nothing for me.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

A major challenge I faced was distractions. I get distracted very easily. Not by social activities on campus, because I?m an introvert, but by my hobbies. I love reading quality novels and watching movies with strong plots, so my major challenge was learning to say ?no? to those. Another major difficulty I had was ?academic closure?. I was usually bothered whenever I didn?t do well in a course (like when I got a C).

What are your secrets of success?

My first secret is God. Not to sound too spiritual, but I?m serious when I say reading the Bible taught me things about discipline. God doesn?t condone laziness and anything that distracts you from purpose can?t survive in your relationship with Him. Another secret is prioritisation. Many people idolise balance in school, but you can?t always find balance. My trick was to identify what was most important to me every year and give that top priority on my list of things to do.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

I did not really face challenges. I loved reading and learning, meeting people and doing assignments. I embraced everything thrown my way like a challenge that could be overcome because I enjoyed it.

However, one thing that stood out was balancing being a very devout and high-ranking official in church and being a top student. It was a stretch that I was willing to take.

What are your secrets of success?

God, family, friends and constant study. I also watched movies and read good novels to feel alive.

Did you have a social life while in school?

My friends and I who graduated with first class in Mass Communication are about the most fun and lively bunch you could ever come across. We had fun while working and studying. The beauty is in the art of balancing and maintaining good relationships that make doing great things and staying a success the most fun thing one can do in life.

I did have a social life and I attended some parties. I had friends from church who had fun outings outside of church, and I participated in some of them.

In what ways did your background inspire you to take your education seriously?

My background definitely inspired me, because I grew up in a rural area where people did not tend to advance their education and young girls were getting married. I told myself that I did not want to be like those people. Rather, I wanted to be better. That influenced my choice of university, because I wanted to experience the city. Also, I had heard stories about great people whose backgrounds were tied to UNILAG. I wanted a change in mindset; a mentality that there was more to life than my present environment.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, I did. It was non-negotiable for me. It was planned, prepared and rehearsed for; and not by accident. In fact, I would panic whenever I was getting B grades. One time, a family friend promised to give me capital to start a make-up business if I made a 5.0 GPA. And, I made it. My goal every semester was to have a first class GPA. (Saturday PUNCH)

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