My 196 UTME score still remains a mystery to me —Adeola Joseph, UNILORIN best overall graduating student

With 4.92 CGPA, Adeola Joseph recently emerged the overall graduating student of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN). The 22-year-old Mathematician, in this interview by ENIOLA OYEMOLADE, speaks on how he achieved this feat, some challenges he faced and how he overcame them.

At what point did it dawn on you that you were going to finish with a very high grade? Or did you even know you would emerge as the best overall graduating student of the year?

I realised I could finish with a very  high grade after my 200 level results were released. I knew if I consistently performed exceptionally, I could graduate as the overall best. Well.. Let’s say, I knew about it even though I wasn’t so sure about it.

 

You scored 196 in your UTME, but you are now the best student. That is a huge turnaround. What happened along the line?

My 196 UTME score is unexplainable. It still remains a mystery to me. I was a pretty smart kid and was the overall best graduating student in my secondary school. I had the lowest UTME score among all my classmates, some had 256, 283, etc, even though I was the best student in the class. After I failed UTME, I was humbled, and I drew closer to God. It was one of the incidents that crushed me. I began to trust God for success, not Just relying on my efforts alone.

 

What made you decide to study mathematics?

Since I couldn’t meet up the required cut-off mark for mechanical engineering which I initially applied for, I decided to change my course to mathematics with the thought that God can use a mathematician like me just like He used my fathers in the Lord. Also, I liked calculations and knew I could do well in mathematics.

 

What were some of the challenges you faced as a student and how did you overcome them?

My major challenge was time management. I was involved in other activities aside academics. I was able to overcome this by sacrificing some things.

Whenever I see some of my mates wasting time, I knew I could not do that because I had extra responsibilities to bear, and my nights went for it. I spent most of the nights in class because I’m primarily a night reader. So I handle other activities during the day.

 

What was your reading pattern like?

I didn’t have a single reading pattern but I read everyday, particularly night time. I had several reading styles.

 

You were an active member of you Christian fellowship, how did you combine this with your academics?

God’s grace was sufficient. I had to make personal sacrifices on my own part. Being a good self learner, there were times I finished my coursework before resumption and come to class for revision when my mates are just learning for the first time. Also, properly planning my time and priorities helped out.

 

Tell us the most extreme thing you think you did to ensure you finished with good grades/attain the best graduating student title?

This isn’t funny. There was a time I had examinations throughout a week and was only left with N10. I went to school on Monday, stayed through till Thursday when I finished my examinations before leaving the school. I didn’t get a proper bath, slept in class, ate little food (through some friends’ help). I had to read on empty stomach at times. (That was my first year in school). But I never had to do that in subsequent years as I got used to the system.

 

How would you describe this recent academic feat? What does this mean to you?

I’m really excited and grateful to God for everything. It means a lot to me. Seeing God bring my desire to pass make me excited and trust Him more. And I believe it’s just the beginning and it’s all to the glory of God.

 

What interests you the most about mathematics?

The fact that mathematics is interdisciplinary makes it  interesting. Being able to apply mathematics in several fields is what I enjoy. Particularly in data science, machine learning and other modern applications of mathematics.

 

As a mathematician, what do you plan on delving into?

I plan to specialise in modern technological application of mathematics. My interests cut across artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science.

 

Asides being a mathematician, what else do you love to do?

Asides Mathematics and programming, I enjoy reading books in theology, Christian biography, economics, church history, astronomy, business and lots more. I also enjoy writing across all these fields too, plus other volunteering and helping others.

 

Tell us a little about your background

I was born on October 27, 1999, to the family of late Mr and Mrs Adeola Johnson Agbana. I am the last of five children.

I had my primary education at Kings Grace Academy, Lokoja, where I graduated as the second best student in 2010. From there, I proceeded to Government Day Secondary School, Adankolo, Lokoja, where I had my secondary education and graduated as the overall best student in 2016.

My father (of blessed memory) who went to be with the Lord in April 2020, was a committed and disciplined Christian who taught us God’s word and the reward of work. Right from when I was a child, my father would always pray for me that I will be the head.

Although we were not rich, my parents sent all of us to school since they couldn’t further their education due to financial challenges even though they were intelligent.

I’m the first university graduate in my family, my siblings attended colleges of education.

 

Tell us a major event that transformed your life

The major event that transformed my life happened at the end of JSS1 third term, when I came back home with a result stating “third position” and one of my neighbours mocked me saying “you came third in a government school, so if you were to be in a private school you’d almost be coming last in class.” I felt so bad, because I had the desire to attend a private school but my parents couldn’t afford the money. I cried that day, and I prayed to God. I said “Lord, from this point in my life, till I’m done with school, I’ll never come second to anyone,” and God answered that prayer. From my JSS2 first term till now, I’ve never come second.

My success is attributed to God alone, because He fulfilled His word and answered the prayers of my parents. Although I had a part to play, by diligently applying my heart to study.

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