Adebola Kazeem is the second best-graduating student of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State. He graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.88. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, he speaks about how he achieved the academic feat and other issues.
How did the secondary school you attended prepare you for your university education?
In secondary school, the classes were tough, but they taught me to work hard and keep trying. I read a lot and learned about different subjects. This helped me think critically and get better at school. Special appreciation for the teachers who taught me, especially Mr Oladipo (Uncle Jide).
Why did you decide to study Mechanical Engineering?
During my primary school days, my ambition was to study law. I liked the idea of learning about laws and making things fair in society. But as I went through school, especially in the first part of high school, I found out that I was good at science.
I did better than I thought in subjects like Physics, Math, and Chemistry. So, when I had to pick which classes to take in the last part of high school, I decided to go for the science classes instead of law. Choosing the science classes was a big deal for me. I started to understand how things work in the world around us and what I wanted to do in the future.
In the last part of high school, I kept doing well in science classes and was sure I wanted to do something related to science for my job. When it was time to pick what to study in the university, I thought about how I did well in Physics, Math, and Chemistry. So, I decided that Mechanical Engineering would be the best for me. It seemed like the right choice for me to use what I’m good at and keep learning about science and technology.
What did you do differently to graduate with a First Class?
I wouldn’t say I did anything special. Along the way, I stuck to the basic rules with a lot of commitment and effort. I made my studies a priority, spending many hours studying hard because I enjoyed learning and wanted to do well. I also found comfort and direction in praying, relying on Allah to help me through tough times and give me strength when things were uncertain.
Even though my way of doing things might seem ordinary to some people, I believe that sticking to my goals and working hard while keeping faith has helped me achieve important things. By consistently studying and asking for help from above, I’ve been able to steadily move forward toward my goals, reaching my potential and making positive contributions along the way.
How did you feel when you learnt you were the second best-graduating student of your university?
My family was happy and excited when I told them the news, especially my parents, and lots of people celebrated with me. The happiness in my family was the best feeling ever. Seeing my parents so proud made me feel good. It was nice when my dad shared the news with his friends. I felt great knowing that so many people were happy for me. Everyone’s support and cheers made me feel special. I was grateful for all the love and joy that surrounded me.
What prizes or awards were you given for being the second overall best student?
Directorate Indigent Students Scholarship Award (DISSA) 2022 (One-time payment of 30 per cent of undergraduate tuition fee); Dr Raymond Zard Scholarship 2021/2022 (given to the best student in the Faculty of Engineering in 300 level); Outstanding Student of the Year 2023, Award by The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NiMechE – OOU) 2023; Peer Mentor of the Year 2023 Award by The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NiMechE – OOU) 2023; Outstanding Student Scholar Award by The Nigerian Universities Engineering Students’ Association (NUESA – OOU) 2023; Professor Afolabi Soyode’s Prize 2024 (for being the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Engineering).
Others were the Israel Olubunmi Sanyaolu Memorial Prize 2024 (for being the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Engineering); Senate’s Award to the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Engineering 2024; Senate’s Award to the Best Graduating Student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering 2024; and the College of Engineering and Environmental Studies Award for being the Best Graduating Student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering 2024.
What was the title of your final-year project and what were the major findings from it?
The title was ‘Computational predictions of dimple characteristics of heat surfaces in a wind channel’.
I carried out numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics software called starCCM+ to predict the behaviour of a simple shape in terms of flow distribution. I also investigated the characteristics of dimples on heat transfer in the wind channel. Lastly, I validated the accuracy and reliability of computational models used to predict the characteristics of dimples in the wind channel.
What were the challenges you faced at the university and how did you manage them?
I faced some big challenges that tested how strong and determined I was. The main problems were not having enough money and dealing with health issues. My family couldn’t give me any extra money, so I had to figure out how to manage my expenses while also dealing with the pressures of being a student. On top of that, I had health problems to deal with, which made things even harder because I had to juggle taking care of myself and doing well in my classes.
But even though things were tough, I found a lot of support from the people around me. I also decided to start my own business to try and make some extra money. Running my own business wasn’t easy, but it gave me a sense of independence and made me feel like I could take control of my situation.
Slowly, I started to overcome the challenges that had seemed impossible at first. By staying determined and finding ways to overcome obstacles, I came out the other side feeling more resilient and ready to take on whatever else life throws my way.
With your mechanical engineering skills and knowledge, how do you think you can impact your community and the Nigerian engineering industry?
I’ll use technology and new ideas to solve problems we face locally. I hope to help with things like finding better ways to get renewable energy and improving and building stronger infrastructure. I plan to work with local groups and people involved to make these projects happen. Together, we can make things work better, take care of the environment, and make life better for everyone.
Besides, I want to teach and encourage the next group of engineers. I’ll do this by supporting education and reaching out to the community. My goal is to create a culture where people are excited to come up with new ideas and do great things in engineering.
In the course of your studies, what were the things you think your university or state government could improve on to make life and schooling comfortable for students and staff?
First, we need to improve our buildings. Our classrooms, labs, and libraries need better equipment to help students learn better. We also need to get better computers and the internet so everyone can use technology for their work. Next, we need to take care of people’s mental health. Counselling and wellness programmes could help everyone deal with stress and feel better. We also need to make sure classrooms are not too crowded. We also need to make sure people get their money on time. Students and staff need their scholarships, grants, and salaries when they are supposed to get them.
To make all these changes happen, schools and the government need to work together. By listening to each other and working together, we could make studying and working better for everyone.
Teaching and learning engineering courses in Nigerian universities are mostly based on theory rather than practical, which does not put Nigerian engineering graduates on par with their peers in developed countries. How would you advise the government and industry stakeholders in the country on this issue?
In Nigeria, the way we teach engineering needs to change so it’s more practical. The government, businesses, and schools need to work together to make this happen. Schools should focus more on practical lessons, like workshops and projects, alongside the theory. Businesses can help by offering students chances to work on real projects or do internships. Schools also need better facilities, like good labs, to give students practical experience.
Teachers should get training to improve how they teach practical skills. They should also be encouraged to do research with businesses to stay up-to-date. Rules about what makes a good engineering programme should include practical learning. This would push schools to improve their facilities and work more with businesses.
Students should also be encouraged to be creative and start their own projects or businesses. Giving businesses tax breaks to help students could get more of them involved.
Unemployment is on the rise in the country and even first-class graduates are finding it difficult to find jobs. What are your plans for getting or creating a job after NYSC?
I am passionate about advancing my education to deepen my knowledge while simultaneously honing my skills and expanding my business endeavours. This dual pursuit reflects my commitment to lifelong learning, personal growth, and professional success.
What is your advice to students who are aspiring to achieve the kind of academic feat you achieved?
Set clear goals, stay true to yourself, and always learn from someone doing better than you — most especially, your colleagues.
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