Faith Faromika’s journey to becoming one of the best graduating students of the 2022-2023 academic session at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is nothing short of inspirational. With a CGPA of 4.96, he has set a benchmark for successors.
The foundation of success
Faith attributed his accomplishment to God, coupled with hard work and strategic planning. He understood early on that excellence is not achieved overnight but is the result of consistent effort.
From the onset, he set clear goals and cultivated a daily habit of studying. His learning strategy through his years in school emphasised understanding over memorisation, focusing on the “why” and “how” behind concepts. This approach not only deepened his knowledge but also allowed him to apply what he learnt to real-world scenarios, making his education both practical and engaging.
To expand his understanding, he explored additional resources such as textbooks and online materials. He also participated in group study sessions with his peers, gaining diverse perspectives and insights that enriched his academic experience.
Faith and focus
Faith’s journey was not just about academics — it was also about balance. Guided by the Biblical principle in Matthew 6:33, he kept his faith at the centre of his efforts.
Prioritising his spiritual commitments, he found strength and clarity to navigate his academic pursuits. A well-structured schedule enabled him to allocate time for classes, study sessions, and personal moments without feeling overwhelmed.
Despite his achievements, Faith made significant sacrifices, particularly in sports and social activities. While these choices were challenging, his family’s support provided a steady foundation.
His parents’ encouragement and guidance, particularly in subjects like mathematics and physics, were instrumental. His mother, a Professor of Physics, played a vital role during Faith’s secondary school years by patiently explaining complex topics, while his father’s early intervention built a strong foundation in mathematics.
Challenges and overcoming them
Faith’s academic journey was not without hurdles. Tight deadlines, financial challenges, and occasional feelings of burnout tested his resolve. However, he developed effective strategies to overcome these obstacles.
Breaking tasks into manageable parts helped him tackle daunting workloads while prioritising self-care—through rest, healthy eating, and relaxation— kept him balanced.
His network of mentors and peers also played a critical role. From his primary school mathematics teacher, Pastor Fatoki, to his university lecturers and colleagues, Faith consistently found support and inspiration. Whether it was sharing course resources or breaking down difficult concepts, these relationships enriched his learning experience.
Advice to aspiring students
Faith’s advice to aspiring students is rooted in his journey: Set clear goals, define what you want to achieve and stay focused on it, develop a consistent study routine, reinforce your knowledge daily to avoid last-minute cramming, master time management by allocating time wisely, and prioritise critical tasks.
Embrace active learning: focus on understanding core concepts and connecting them to real-life applications, collaborate and seek support, and engage with peers, mentors, and lecturers for diverse perspectives and guidance.
Take care of yourself: Balance academics with physical and mental well-being, keep faith central, trust in God, and dedicate your efforts to His guidance.
The road ahead
Faith’s aspirations are as ambitious as his academic achievements. He plans to pursue advanced degrees and contribute to research and development in his field, aiming to leave a lasting impact.
READ ALSO: Gov Abiodun awards N2m each to OOU’s best graduating students
and then