‘With determination and focus, you can overcome any challenge’

Semiu Taiwo recently emerged as the best graduating student of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, with a CGPA of 4.81 out of 5.0 in Economics. Currently an Associate of the Accounting Technicians of West Africa (ATSWA) and a graduate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN), Semiu has his eyes on the Chattered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) membership. He says you can achieve just anything if you are focused and determined.

What can you tell us about your background, particularly if this in any way contributed to or affected your academic progress?

I came from a family of four of which I am the second child.  My father, Mr Abdulwasiu Taiwo, is a Finance Manager in UACN Plc while my mother, Mrs Fatimat Taiwo; is an Internal Auditor in a Reinsurance company in Marina, Lagos. I am from an average family background (neither rich nor poor) and I took advantage of the little we have to be who I am today in terms of academic progress.

Who or what influenced your choice of this course?

I had a passion for Economics right from my secondary school because of the way my Economics teacher, Mr Ibrahim, taught us. Since then, I had the mindset of being a problem solver, especially solving economic problems. This mindset gave me the drive and the zeal to study Economics, regardless of the setbacks.

At what point did you start noticing you might end up as the best graduating student; or was it something you actually set out to achieve right from the start?

Graduating with a First Class degree had been something I set out to achieve right from the start, but being the best graduating student became noticeable after the release of my final year result.

Were there difficult moments, and what was the nature of the challenges?

There were difficult moments during my stay in school, such as the epileptic power supply during the 100 and 200 Level first semester examination, as well as unavailability of transportation, means from the park to the school; but what kept me going was the determination and zeal I had then to graduate with First Class.

It’s often said that brilliant students are usually targets of cult members who would want to lure or coerce them into joining the groups. Were there such overtures and how did you handle them?

No, I never had that experience throughout my stay in school. My course mates, my hall mates and my lecturers usually called me “Alfa” because of my passion for religious activities.

Brilliant students are usually also magnets for the opposite sex. What was your experience and how did you manage the pressure?

I agree with you on that, but like I said earlier, I held firmly to religious (Islam) practices and I stand my ground when dealing with the opposite sex. Apart from my getting serious religion, when you have the strong will and determination to achieve something, you will clear off any form of distractions that may hinder you from achieving your objectives. I only got into a relationship in my final year, for personal reasons.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun seemed particularly thrilled about your achievement, especially seeing you are a ‘homeboy’. Did he make any promises or offer you any gifts?

He just encouraged me to always do my best in anything I do and said he was eager to see me at the top. No promises and no gifts.

You, particularly, as well as your other colleagues were encouraged to look beyond settling for paid employment and to think of how you could use your knowledge to add value to the society. What are you thinking of going into in the near or distant future?

I have many lucrative work ideas running through my mind, but for now, I don’t have a particular vocational work to go into.

What is your immediate plan, right now?

My immediate plan is to go for my national youth service and at the same time enrol for the examination of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS). I am currently an Associate of the  Accounting Technicians of West Africa and a graduate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN).

What vital lessons did you learn along the way that you would like to share with those coming behind you?

My advice to students is that they should take care of their foundation with determination and focus.  If your foundation is strong, there is nothing you will put on it that won’t be strong; but if it is weak, you will end up struggling throughout your stay in school in order to meet up. With determination and focus, you can overcome any challenge you may encounter in life.