It was a moment of mixed emotions for students, parents, and guardians of the 310 graduates of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University (AATU) as the best graduating student of the 2023/2024 set, Uthman Oloyede, shared his inspiring journey of resilience and triumph over hardship.

Uthman, who emerged as the overall best graduating student with a stellar Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.98 from the Department of Physics with Electronics, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, captivated the audience with his moving valedictory speech during the university?s 3rd and 4th combined convocation ceremony held on Friday.

Recounting his path to success, Uthman revealed he had faced multiple setbacks in securing admission into a higher institution, sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) five times before finally gaining admission on a scholarship to AATU.

Describing himself as the proud son of a devoted secondary school teacher and a tireless firewood seller, he thanked his family for their unwavering support.

He also expressed profound gratitude to the Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, who sponsored his education as part of the council?s scholarship scheme for students.

Uthman praised the Oyo State government for providing educational opportunities to students from low-income backgrounds, saying the support had made his dream of a university education possible.

The convocation ceremony was graced by dignitaries including Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; the Olubadan of?Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by Chief Adegboyega Adegoke; Chancellor of the institution, Dr. Tunde Afolabi; Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Kazeem Adesola Adeduntan; and Vice Chancellor, Professor Adesola Ajayi.

He said, ?If someone had told this firewood seller?s son, standing before you, years ago, that he would one day stand here as the overall best graduating student, he would have smiled in disbelief. Of course, I am that firewood seller?s son on the elevated podium addressing you the mighty, influential as well as budding talents and future professionals today.

?I am, therefore, a living proof that no dream is too big to become a reality, and no background is too humble to be liberated by solid education. I feel proud to say that my name is Uthman Uthman Olayode, and I am deeply honoured to address you as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the 2023/2024 academic session of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University.

?I begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty God, who has been my guiding light and source of strength throughout my academic journey. His blessings and favour have enabled me to achieve this milestone, and I am forever grateful.

?I am the proud son of a dedicated secondary school teacher and a hardworking firewood seller. Though we began from humble beginnings, my parents? unwavering support and my own determination powered me to push through every obstacle to achieve this moment of triumph.

?Despite excelling in secondary school, I faced repeated setbacks in gaining admission to a higher institution and had to sit for the UTME five times, with each attempt full of promise, and each denial a heavy blow. I watched classmates gain admission while I remained behind, wondering if my turn would ever come.

?But faith, I stress, faith, kept me going. And when it was time, God showed me that delays are not denials. On my fifth attempt, I was awarded a scholarship to this esteemed institution to study Physics with Electronics, a course known for its rigour and tough demand.

?Reflecting on my journey, I am reminded that what seems like a delay to us is often the perfectioning in God?s divine plan. Despite the challenges, I persevered, earning 55As and only 2Bs throughout my university years. You will give me the privilege to declare that, remarkably, I achieved a perfect 5.0 GPA in six out of eight semesters, five of which were consecutive.

?Additionally, I was honoured to receive three prestigious scholarships: the Federal Government Scholarship Award (FSB) in both my 300 and 400 levels, MTN Foundation Scholarship, and Oyo State bursary for final year students.

?Beyond academics, I had the privilege of serving as the Ameer of the Muslim Students? Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Abiola Ajimobi Technical University chapter, in my final year.

?Despite the numerous challenges and stress that came with leadership, including late-night meetings and travels, I was able to maintain an excellent academic record throughout my tenure. This experience has taught me that serving a higher purpose and sacrificing for a noble cause does not hinder one?s progress, but it rather propels it forward.?

Speaking in similar vein after the event, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adesola Ajayi harped on the need for resilience and determination to achieve success, while commending the state government formproviding scholarships to the students through the various local government areas of the state.

He said, ?The summary of what happened is the power of possibilities in giving support. And I want to particularly make reference to the speech of the best graduating student. He had written the UTME exam five times. Somebody like him could probably not have had an opportunity of admission, even though for the scholarship scheme.

?And now he graduated as the best in his class, in the entire university he said. And even though for the scholarship that was offered, somebody like him could have been written off. And there are many like him on the streets. I myself am a product of that. And that?s why for me, I want to specially acknowledge, recognize and commend the commitment of His Excellency to this scholarship.

?When we started, he approved that the scholarship should continue. And that?s why somebody like the best graduating student, is a beneficiary of that. So let us not rule out anybody as a society. And let nobody give up on him or herself. If he had tried two or three times and given up, he might not have been here today. And so there are several people like him. We only had the opportunity of hearing him.? (The Nation)

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