22-year-old Awoleke Samuel has emerged the overall best graduating student of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ekiti State. He had 4.85 CGPA and also received five awards. The Geologist of Osun State origin tells ENIOLA OYEMOLADE about his educational journey.
Why Geology? Was it on purpose or an accident?
Geology was not the actual course I wanted to study, I wanted medicine but I wasn’t given it when I applied for the course at the University of Ibadan. This made me put in for Ekiti State University with the same course (medicine) but I was given geology because medicine was not accredited at that time.
How was your admission into EKSU like?
My admission into Ekiti State University was quite hard because like I mentioned, I did not choose the school at first. My name eventually came out with the third admission list on December 24, 2016.
How has your educational journey been? Have you always been a brilliant student?
My educational journey has been interesting right from time because I have always been a brilliant student. During the valedictory service in my secondary school, I graduated as the overall best graduating student winning 10 awards in the possible 11 subjects I offered.
What do you find most interesting about studying Geology?
The most interesting thing about studying geology is the fieldwork/trip where we go out to see, examine and describe rocks which could in turn give information about the history of that environment. I find it very interesting going out to experience things like that.
What motivates you to be excellent in your academics?
I am actually motivated by success because I love success. Being successful in everything I do is what motivates me. So I give my all to everything I do or lay my hands on.
With a 4.85 CGPA, you emerged the best graduating student in your department and overall best graduating student in EKSU. How were you able to achieve this feat and how does it make you feel?
I have always wanted to be the best graduating student in my department and I was able to achieve this because I dedicated so much time to reading and preparing for examinations. I feel so happy achieving this feat.
Would you say you saw it coming or prepared for it?
I never saw it coming, although I prepared for it. At some point when I was in 300 level, I saw that I was going to graduate as the best graduating student in my department. Now being the overall best graduating student was really surprising.
Was it strictly academics for you or you also had time to socialise?
I socialised a little bit. I love football so much, so I play and watch football sometimes, but it was like an 80:20 ratio (academics 80, others 20).
Did you encounter any challenges while in school? How did you solve them?
I never really had any challenges in school. It was not all rosy but I never had a major challenge.
Was there any time you ever gave up on graduating with a first-class degree?
No. I always had the mindset of graduating with a first class, not at any time did I doubt that.
What were your study patterns? How did you read?
I make sure I get enough sleep when I get back from school. I sleep till around 9:00 pm, then I read from 10:00 p.m till 4:00 a.m or sometimes 5:00 a.m on the average. However, I sleep early on Saturday because of church on Sunday.
How many awards did you get? List them.
I got five awards. They are Overall Best graduating student (awarded twice), overall best graduating student in geology, best graduating student in geology and best graduating student in geochemistry.
Can you share an interesting aspect of Geology that can be used to solve a real-life problem?
One interesting thing about geology is the study of seismic (just like underground movements in wavelike form) activities within the earth surface. This helps to assist in preparing for natural disasters.
Who are your role models and why?
My first role model is my father. This is because I know the importance he attaches to education and how much he achieved with it. In addition, Mr Femi Otedola is also someone I idolise because I love how he has built his empire with so much patience, humility and relentless pursuit of excellence.
What is your future ambition?
My future ambition is to be a petroleum geoscientist who can help influence the fossil fuel world.
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“If you are a private sector, you’re producing something, certainly, you need to know the population of an area if you want to create a market there.
“So, census data is very crucial, very important because the data we’ve been using are just projections, estimation and are sort of obsolete. We need the actual census data to use for our planning.“
Also speaking, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said the Council of State approved 159 out of 162 applications presented for consideration for the prerogative of mercy for convicts and inmates in correctional centres.
According to sources close to the meeting, among the applications rejected was that of former Managing Director of defunct Bank PHB, Francis Atuche, who was sentenced to 120 years for stealing over N25 billion.
He was said to have applied for pardon due to a life-threatening illness he is battling with.
The second person who had his application rejected was convicted for forgery and sentenced to 14 years out of which he has so far done one year and six months in prison.
The third person was convicted for obtaining money by false pretence and sentenced to seven years in prison.
The Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru, on his part disclosed that Buhari will meet security chiefs on Tuesday next week over the worsening security situation following recommendations and comments by the Council of State.
In his contribution, the Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, said the Council approved the conferment of the National Honours Award on 434 Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their various field of endeavours.
At the meeting, members observed a minute silence in honour of the former head of Interim government Ernest Shonekan who died on January 11, 2022.
Apart from Buhari, the meeting was attended by former leaders including Generals Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar and Dr Goodluck Jonathan.
Membership of the Council includes; the President, Vice President, past presidents, Senate President, House of Representatives Speaker Chief Justice of Nigeria, serving and past; Attorney General of the Federation, all State Governors and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
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