Oluwatobi Opesade is the overall best-graduating student of Lead City University, Ibadan, for the 2022/2023 academic session. She graduated from the Department of Physiology with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.96 on a scale of 5. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, she speaks about her academic journey.
What secondary school experience prepared you well for your university education?
My secondary school education not only broadened my perspective but also equipped me with the adaptability needed to excel in various academic settings. It became particularly helpful in university, where each lecturer brought their approach to the lecture room.
What or who inspired you to study Physiology? And why choose Lead City University?
When I was deciding on the course to pursue at the university, my primary goal was to deepen my understanding of the human body and its intricate functions in normal and disease conditions. During this decisive period, I was fortunate to meet a lecturer who passionately explained the profound aspects of physiology and sparked my fascination for the subject.
My decision to study Physiology was driven by a desire to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and potentially pursue a career in research or academia.
In terms of choosing Lead City University, my sister was already a student there, so the prospect of attending the same institution was very appealing. Also, during my admission process, I was drawn to the supportive academic environment displayed by the university staff. The university also boasts a great physiology programme with supportive lecturers and non-teaching staff as well as standard facilities.
You graduated with a CGPA of 4.96. How did not making a perfect CGPA after the hard work and closeness to it make you feel?
Primarily, the challenges that impacted my CGPA were concentrated in my first-year courses. At that time, I had not fully grasped the significance of maintaining a high CGPA and was also preoccupied with some other commitments. The realisation of the importance of CGPA and the commitment needed for academic success became more evident as I progressed in my studies. Despite the initial challenges, I am genuinely content with the CGPA I graduated with. It stands as a testament to the seeds of hard work, dedication, and God’s divine grace and mercy that sustained me throughout my academic journey.
As the best student, what gifts, awards, and prizes came with the feat? If the university offers you employment as a lecturer, would you accept it?
As the best-graduating student, I was honoured to have been awarded the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor prizes, along with awards from private organisations. Additionally, the support and acknowledgement from my parents, siblings, friends and the university community have been truly rewarding and humbling.
The prospect of contributing to the academic community as a lecturer is appealing. I derive immense joy from engaging in deep discussions about the intricacies of the human body. I often share the knowledge I gain in class with my family. Teaching is not only a way to impart knowledge but also a means of inspiring others to explore the wonders of the human body. If the university offers me a position as a lecturer, I would enthusiastically embrace the chance to contribute to the academic community and foster a love for learning among students.
What were your best physiology courses and why?
One of the standout courses for me was Microbiology and Biotechnology. What made Microbiology and Biotechnology interesting was the practical dimension it brought to our studies. The course highlighted the transformative role of our discipline in addressing real-world challenges and positively impacting the health and lives of people.
What is the title of your final-year project, and what were the major findings from it?
The title of my final-year project was ‘Antiamnesic Properties of Glibenclamide in Lipopolysaccharide-Imduced Neurotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats.’ Studies have shown the potential use of antidiabetic drugs in amnesia treatment due to several shared features between diabetes and memory loss. In this light, I investigated the potential cognitive benefits of an antidiabetic drug called glibenclamide in mitigating memory deficits in laboratory animals.
The major findings from my final-year project revealed that glibenclamide appeared to improve memory deficits via the cholinergic pathway of the animals, paving the way for further investigations into potential treatment options for amnesia.
I sincerely appreciate my supervisor, Mr Busayo T. Oladun, for his constructive criticisms and mentoring that led to the success of the project.
In what ways do you think your training in physiology has made you a better person in terms of how you view life, people, and society?
My training in physiology has cultivated in me a profound appreciation for the complexity and resilience of the human body and life in general. It has also heightened my sensitivity to the health struggles and challenges that people may face, fueling a desire to contribute positively to the well-being of others. On a societal level, my education in physiology has increased my awareness of public health issues, inspiring a commitment to contribute to initiatives that promote health equity and well-being
Apart from physiology, what other skills and training did you acquire in the course of your academic journey at Lead City?
In addition to my in-depth training in physiology, I have acquired skills in knitting and other crafts through an entrepreneurship course, which greatly appeals to my artsy and creative side. Furthermore, I have developed valuable computer skills, as well as communication and public speaking skills through classroom activities, seminars, presentations, and my involvement in the Lead City University Model United Nations. Additionally, I gained valuable leadership experience during my tenure as the academic director of my faculty in 300L and department in 400L, enhancing my ability to lead and collaborate effectively. Throughout my academic journey, I also honed time management and research skills, contributing to a well-rounded skill set.
What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your university education and how did you overcome them?
The major challenge was managing multiple responsibilities, including academic commitments, leadership and extracurricular activities, and other obligations. To overcome this challenge, I learned to establish a structured study routine, set realistic goals and prioritise tasks to ensure a balance between academic and personal life.
What two physiological health conditions do you think are commonly neglected by people, but could be detrimental to health and wellbeing? And, what are people like you, in your profession, doing to create awareness on these conditions?
I believe that the two commonly neglected health conditions are abnormal blood pressure and blood sugar levels. High blood pressure (hypertension) is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ because it may not cause noticeable symptoms but can damage arteries, the heart, and other organs over time. Low blood pressure, on the other hand, can cause dizziness, fainting, and shock. High blood sugar levels, as seen in conditions like diabetes, can cause damage to blood vessels, nerves, and organs, leading to debilitating complications. On the other hand, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion and loss of consciousness.
To address these issues, people in my profession actively engage in various initiatives to create awareness. Regular checkups are organised as part of community outreaches, student weeks, and events such as World Physiology Day. During these occasions, health professionals, including physiologists, provide information on the significance of monitoring and managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels to empower people to make informed decisions about their health.
Health is important to everyone. If you were the governor of Oyo State, how would you ensure that basic medical services are available to the citizens, especially those at the grassroots?
I would achieve this by establishing well-equipped primary healthcare facilities in every town and village, ensuring that these facilities are adequately staffed with trained healthcare professionals capable of providing essential medical services. Additionally, I would implement regular community health outreach programmes to bring healthcare services directly to the grassroots, incorporating mobile clinics, health screenings, immunisation campaigns, and health education sessions.
Moreover, I would introduce health insurance programmes to ensure that citizens have access to affordable healthcare services. Furthermore, I would invest in the infrastructure needed to support healthcare delivery, including roads, transportation systems, and communication networks. A motivated and well-compensated healthcare workforce is essential for delivering quality services and maintaining the efficiency of medical facilities. So, I would ensure that the workers receive attractive salaries.
What is next for you after graduation? And where do you see yourself in five years?
Serving my fatherland through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. Also, I plan to pursue opportunities for advanced studies, allowing me to deepen my knowledge of the human body and stay at the forefront of developments in the field of physiology. Looking ahead to the next five years, by the special grace of God, I envision myself actively playing a role in advancing healthcare whether through research, community engagement, or educational initiatives.
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