The valedictorian of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University (AATU), Utman Olayode, has disclosed that after five failed attempts at the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, he gained admission to the institution where he emerged as the overall best student with a CGPA of 4.98 in the 2023/2024 academic session.
He made this known in a sideline interview during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 combined convocation ceremony of the institution in Ibadan on Friday.
Olayode said his initial plan was to study Medicine and Surgery, but his inability to meet the cut-off mark denied him the opportunity.
His words, “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 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 perfect timing in God’s divine plan. Alhamdulillahi Rabbil’Aalamin.
“Despite the challenges, I persevered, earning 55 As and only 2 Bs 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.”
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adesola Ajayi, commended the valedictorian for his resilience, dedication and hard work.
He said, “I want to make reference to the speech of the best graduating student. He had written the UTME examination 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.
“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 and 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, with man with man today, 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.
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“We only had the opportunity of hearing him. And that’s the summary of my impression about him. How open are you to partnership, collaboration with corporate bodies? We are open indeed.”
In his address, the Visitor to the university and Governor of the state, Engr. Seyi Makinde, restated the commitment of his administration to the upliftment of the education sector.
The governor, who was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Barr. Adebayo Lawal, disclosed that the state presently has three public universities: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso; Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo; and Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan.
The number of universities, according to him, further shows the commitment of the administration to the education sector.
The governor also added that the state has the highest number of UTME candidates in the country.
He stated that the administration would continue to give the needed support to the sector.
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