ACADEMIC

EXCELLENCE

Buhari Kunle Taofeek

 DEDICATION
This Book is dedicated to the Holy spirit, without Him the idea would not have
been revealed to me and His grace made sufficient.

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The writing of this book would not have been feasible, but for the invaluable
contributions of many.
I would like to thank my co-authors, Jennifer Osaren, Adetoro Damilola,
Ekpemuaka Enameguon, Kofi Eloho, Emuan Mavis and Faniyi Oluwatobi for
rigidly proofreading this work.
I equally want to appreciate everyone that support the accomplishment of this
project.

iv
 CONTENTS
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. HAVING THE RIGHT MINDSET 2
3. THE GOD FACTOR 11
4. KNOW WHAT WORKS FOR YOU 21
5. POWER OF POSITIVE INFLUENCE 28
6. ALWAYS AIM HIGHER 34
7. PUSH TOGETHER 40
8 DIFFERENT APPROACH TO DIFFERENT CHALLENGES 45
9. INTERVIEW 1 51
10. INTERVIEW 2 65
11. INTERVIEW3 70
ADVICE 76

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 INTRODUCTION
The determinant factor of students performance have been the subject
of ongoing debate among educators, academics and policy makers.
There have been many studies that sought to examine this issue and
their findings point out to hard work, previous schooling, parents
education, family income and self motivation as factors that have
significant effect on the students GPA. Cultural differences may also
play a role in shaping the factors that affect students performance in
Nigeria.
Education is considered imperative for not only the progress of the
individuals, but also for the development of community and nation.
In order to bring about improvements in the academic sector the
authors will share their experiences to motivate students that desire
academic excellence.
The aim of this book is to share the experiences and secrets of
individuals that has gone through the strenuous academic system in
Nigerian Tertiary Institutions and came out with excellent results in
their field.
Enjoy as you read.

1
 CHAPTER 1
HAVING THE RIGHT MINDSET

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that
prevails, this words are found in the book of Proverbs 19:21 (NIV).
We all make plans, some failed, while some were success. I had
always wanted to be a medical doctor but thing didn't turn out the way
it was planned, I just finished my secondary school education and
pleaded with my dad to allow me write the JAMB examination
because he wanted me to wait till the next year but thankfully he
agreed and I passed the exam. My expectations were so high, I was so
sure my score will amount to 245 and above, I even dreamt about it
but to my greatest surprise I got less than my expectations, so I
quickly bought change of course form and changed from medicine
and surgery to medical laboratory science. It was really discouraging,
all fingers were crossed hoping to get an admission and thanks to God
I did, but the name of whatever I was given to study was more
confusing than I could ever imagine. It sounded so foreign but I had
no other option but to accept the course after getting advises from
different persons but I made up my mind to write JAMB exam again

2
next year.
So I accepted the admission to study Forest Resources and Wildlife
Management in the Faculty of Agriculture. I started my clearance and
did all the necessary things, got an accommodation at the girls hostel,
Hall 2 to be precise. I got acquainted with my roommates though at first
I was being reserved but as time went on we created this bond and we
were an inseparable family.
The whole system was so new to me, I came to the university with the
same mentality I had while still in secondary school, I thought it was no
different, just that instead of calling our tutor "teachers", we called
them "lecturers". It was so difficult trying to concentrate in class as
most time I always get to sit at the back, it sometimes baffles me how
some students get to come early to stay at the front it was as if they slept
there through out the night, because to me I got there early enough but
the crowd you get to meet in the classroom was so overwhelming. I
started reading late, I was so relaxed, always having enough time to
share experience and gist with my roommates. Though I never missed
classes despite the crowd but I had to just manage. My roommates
seemed intelligent, we sometimes ask ourselves questions and
answers, then giving explanations to the best of our understanding. It
was really fun. I read mostly on my bed, I had no specific time but
whenever I felt like reading, I brought out my books and start reading
the ones I find more interesting then before trying to tackle the difficult
ones. I could say I read for like 3 hours a day and I felt it was okay, I
never felt intimidated by some of my roommates or my course mate
that always go for night class to read through out the night, it was not
my thing though I tried it once and slept through out the night.

3
As time went on I got to understand my body mechanism, my
reading time increased and I found out I cover more pages during
the day and at night I only read for like 2hrs then sleep till the next
day.
At the first year, we were never taught anything related to my course
of study. It was just a general science course that was taught to
everyone, it was like a continuation of what I did in secondary school
but at a more advanced level. Towards the end of the semester I was
so certain that I was fully prepared for the exams I could boldly say I
read all my text books twice and was sure I covered every chapters.
My first examination as a university student was quite similar to the
normal exams I wrote while still in secondary school and I did my
best in all the courses offered. Results where released when the new
semester started and I was perplexed at what I saw at the notice board,
I had to check my matriculation number several times just to be sure
of what I was seeing there, the result was indeed 'TERRIBLE' I never
imagined ever having such results in my life because through out my
primary to secondary school days the lowest grade I ever had was a
'C' which hardly occurred. Right there and then I made a resolve to
make sure I never had anything like this result again, to put in my
very best and make my parents proud of me, to read more, be more
punctual at classes and just make sure I do the right things. My first
semester result motivated me to be better, the fear of failure was the
beginning of my seriousness. My second semester result was much
more better than the former and I had a CGPA of 3.69 at my first year.
You never know the extent of your ability if you do not push harder.
My second year was a bit tough, I decided to leave the school hostel

4
and rented an apartment with a friend of mine from my primary
school days at Ekosodin, I felt I was really distracted at the school
hostel, I spent more time talking than reading. We got acquainted
with some of our course of study in the second year, I had to change
my friends not totally cutting off those I made friends with in my 100
level, I got closer to people that seem intelligent, that when we talk it
will make me think and want to know more. There's this old saying
"show me your friends and I will tell you who you are" it made sense
to me. Some of my 100 level friend where not that serious with
classes or even reading and being with them was making me look
unserious, I got my library card and started going to read in the
library, it made me concentrate more and there was nobody there that
would starting making me to talk and keep my books aside, everyone
faced his or her book. I made new friends there also and it was really
interesting I had a good time reading and surfing the net for other
materials that could add knowledge to what I was taught in class. I
was becoming myself again and it made me happy. I read for more
than 5 hours during day but always having some interval for other
things so as not to get bored. I knew how my body works and I could
read more during the day than at night so I made good use of the day
and read for like 3 hours extra at night. I also went to school during
the weekend to read, I get there by 9am and go back home by 5pm, I
was able to cover up on time and read all my Courses more than 5
times, I was so used to the course that at a point, I spent less than 30
minutes on a particular course when reading, this system really
helped me a lot, I did not have to started going to night class to read,
during exam period I tend to rest well, I hardly stressed myself to read

5
because I started reading very early unlike some person that
start reading 2 weeks to the exam, I have always hated being
under pressure and in order avert this I try to start early. Despite
the fact I spent more time reading, I was able to balance both my
spiritual, social and economic life, I never allowed any aspect to
suffer, I had time for friends, I always attend church programmes
(Even all-night), I had everything in control because I
understood myself and I know what I wanted, getting a good
result does not come easily but through hard work and
determination. My roommate was always there to gist with, we
had great time together and when she saw me reading the way I
was she got motivated also. I got a GP of 4.365 in my second year
(having 4.28 and 4.5 in the two semesters respectively.
In 100level I had eight roommates, in my 200level I had a
roommate, I compared my results and the differences where
conspicuous. In my third year I decide to stay alone, hoping to
see if there will be a difference in my academics. Indeed, it was
one of the best decision ever. At this level I was fully in love with
my course of study, though I wrote JAMB exam again and even
tried transferring to another department but all proved futile. I
had to accept what I had and make the best use of it. I was
conversant with the terms associated with my course and willing
to learn more. I got used to keeping myself company, I had
enough time to read, eat whenever I wanted to, do what ever I
wanted to do and also spend some times with my neighbours.
The library became my second home and I had a reading
timetable that guided me on what course to read and whenever I
finish from there I attend evening masses at my church. I
6
relax at night by watching movies and doing other things that
doesn't involve reading (discussing with my neighbours). I also
engaged in reading other books that would help me grow and not
just academic books, attended seminars, conferences,
volunteered for some organizations, went for trainings and many
more, did these things to also have other experience and be able
to face the outside world and they were also a means of boosting
my CV. I also engaged in different businesses to help me
financially and not be too dependent on my parents, I had to start
learning to care for myself all these I did coupled with the fact that
I read more than I did in my 200level. I had a GPA of 4.909 in my
300level (having 5.0 and 4.85 in the two semesters respectively).
My 400level was my practical year, popularly know as 'FPT'
meaning Field Practical Training, I already knew my reading
strategy and same was also applied. A lot of my friends adopted
my method after enquiring from me how I do come about having
such wonderful grades. I was dedicated to my work and did all I
was asked to do with the best of my ability, at the end of the
session I had a GP of 4.647.
Final year was no different, though it was a critical year, and the
aim of everyone was to make sure they finished their projects,
defended it and graduated peacefully. It was a stressful year for
me but thanks to God, I conquered. I did my best in all the other
levels but at this level I knew I had to put in the best of my best,
because after calculating my CGPA I knew what I wanted so that I
could graduate with a first class. It wasn't part of my intention to

7
graduate with a first class at first, all I ever wanted was to do my
best and have good grades and thankfully to God all my efforts
amounted to me being a potential first class graduate and since it
was already so, I had to do my very best to ensure it was made a
reality. The same reading strategy was applied and this time I
allocated more hours to read because I had 10 courses to prepare
for in the first semester. I started reading early enough and by the
end of the semester I had a GP of 4.90, and in my second semester
I had a GP of 5.0 (I made all A’s), graduating as the best student in
my Department, the first female first class graduate and the only
First class student after 11 years, this is indeed a breakthrough
and I am forever grateful to God.
It doesn't matter how bad you started all that matters is how well
you finish. If I had not made that resolve to do better and accepted
my course of study the way I did, I don't think I will be writing
these things to you now. I knew what I wanted, I knew it wouldn't
come easily so I had to go get it. I refused to accept failure
because I know I have what it takes to become successful it all
depends on discipline, hard work, determination and focus. I
never lost sight of these and I believe these virtues will get me to
my destination.

Jennifer Osaren Ojienon

+2348144729646

8
Ojienon osaren Jennifer from Esan South-East LGA of Edo state
attended St. Rita Comprehensive High School, then attended
University of Benin for her Bachelor’s Degree. She was born
November, 26 1996 (23), but graduated at age of 22. She is a
Conservator, Silviculturist, an entrepreneur, website and App
developer, content manager and Social media manager.

9
 SUMMARY

NOTED POINTS FROM CHAPTER 1

Ÿ As time went on I got to understand my body mechanism

Ÿ I found out I cover more pages during the day

Ÿ Right there and then I made a resolve to make sure I never have this bad result again

Ÿ the fear of failure was the beginning of my seriousness

Ÿ show me your friends and I will tell you who you are

Ÿ I got my library card and started going to read in the library

Ÿ add knowledge to what I was taught in class

Ÿ went to school during the weekend to read

Ÿ able to cover up on time and read all my Courses more than 5 times

Ÿ I spent less than 30 minutes on a particular course when reading,

Ÿ I started reading very early

Ÿ getting a good result does not come easily but through hard work and determination

Ÿ I decide to stay alone

Ÿ reading timetable that guided me on what course to read

Ÿ did all I was asked to do with the best of my ability

Ÿ I had to put in the best of my best

Ÿ allocated more hours to read

Ÿ graduated as the only First class student after 11 years

10
 CHAPTER 2
THE GOD FACTOR
Gold are not from the surface of the earth. You need to dig deep, this
applies also to been outstanding in whatsoever you find yourself
doing. Even the Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatsoever thy
hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device,
nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” With
this understanding I knew even if I sell sachet water I will have to put in
my best.
This was how it started, I wanted to be a medical doctor due to my
passion and vast knowledge in human biology, but I got admitted into
an entirely different field that I never liked or passed during my
secondary school days, even when I wrote WAEC I had ‘D7’ in
Agriculture. I was given a course I had never heard of before in my life
“Fisheries”, it was strange I purposed in my heart that I will not take
th
this course therefore, I planned writing my 5 Jamb, I wrote Jamb four
time because I wanted Medicine and Surgery. I finally accepted to take
the course because of my best friend mum (she is late now), she begged
me saying “see your friend Busayo, he is in 300 level please don’t
waste too much time staying at home” it is not as easy as you just read,
she literally almost knelt down for me, so I promised her I will take it.
I finally came to UNIBEN with the mindset that I will make a first
class in this easy course, only if I had known what was waiting for me!.
I finished my clearance the day it started, I was that smart and sensitive,
before they say go, I had gone. I started reading assiduously, met
people that were studious than I was, they read almost 8 hours daily, in

11
12
 this was nothing compared to the 4.90 GPA that I expected, I was not
close to First Class, so I intensified my reading in second semester but it
still almost the same result even lesser, I had 4.12. I concluded my 100
level with a GPA 4.15.
In my second year, I knew if I apply the same method I might/will get
the same result so I humbled myself and started attending classes, but I
won’t write notes hoping I will just study the materials and still make A’s
in the courses. But I never knew I was shooting myself in the foot, I
ignored the notes and focused more on materials, in this level I read
more in a quiet place that was well ventilated, sometimes I stay in
school for two days without bathing, reading in Faculty of Art mostly on
weekends, I also registered for library so I can concentrate and study
effectively and efficiently during lecture days, one thing is to read
another is to understand, I didn’t understand some courses like
Biochemistry, at a point I prayed for something to stop us from writing
the exam because I was not prepared, I had too many materials to read, I
read like a mad man, I relocated to a self contain in Ekosodin so I can
be in control of my environment, right environment with the right sets
of friends makes you have the right result. I met new friends in the
library, I thought they were not normal humans because they will read
from 8am to 6pm(roughly 10 hours) without standing up, all they did
was to chewing gum, it never worked for me because I love food, every
3-4 hours I visit the canteen to eat pounded yam and egusi with shaki,
meat, liver and the likes. I read well and I also ate well. When the first
semester result came out I was so sure that I will make a first class grade,
but all to no avail I had 5A’s, 3B’s and 1C, the C was as a result of me not

13
 having a note, in reality I was expecting an F but God just did it
miraculously, because I didn’t know what to write in the exam after
reading only the materials but the lecturer asked questions from his
note. Thank God for my Father and Mother Prayers I had 4.40, still
not up to a First class, and I knew if I cannot make it now it will be
difficult or impossible for me to graduate with a first class since my
course was 5 years duration with each level having different
percentages. Second semester I bought notebooks, I sat in the front
sit and I started writing notes, I became humble by my failure. I read
and was sure of 5.0 (all A’s), but when the result came out I had 4.5,
finally I made a first class, I said “I will keep having first-class”. So
my 200 level cumulative GPA was not up to first class, I had 4.44.
In my third year I did only fisheries courses so I conditioned myself
to love the lecturers, the courses, the classrooms, my classmates, in
fact everything that looks like fish. We only borrowed some courses
like Genetics, Biochemistry and Computer science. I knew it will
not be easy for me since we will be writing theory and my
handwriting was terrible almost the worst in the class, not legible at
all, so I knew there was a big problem so anytime they gave us an
assignment, I made sure I did my best, if others are doing 12 pages I
will do 16 pages with references, I practise excellence in all I did. I
continued reading in the library, I also went for night classes, but I
went most times to sleep after reading for 3hours unlike my 100level
days. My reading time dropped drastically and my assimilation
rate increased, so I read only the notes and nothing else, I read
them over and over again that I could finish the course 4-12 times
before examination. When they ask what is Aquaculture? I wrote all
14
that I knew about the word, about one and half page, I gave detailed
answers, some people calls it “I Too Know (ITK)", but the truth is there
is nothing like ITK in the University, your lectures always know more
than you, so “I DID ITK IN ALL MY EXAMS”. When the Result came
out I had 5A’s and 3B’s, that was about 4.63, I started having hopes that I
can still make a first class if I can keep having more A’s than B’s and no
C.
rd
Something happened in my 3 year, I started attending church, Winners
Chapel Ekosodin, I was just a member that added to the numbers, I had a
girlfriend and we both were sinners despite the fact that we went to
church. It dawned on me when my classmate came to the Altar to share
her testimony of her being the best student in my class, only if she knew
I was in that service!, I asked God immediately that “why cant that be
me?” and He told me by laying a scripture in my heart immediately I
checked it I saw “your iniquity has departed you from Me” so I made up
my mind to be a Christian not a church attendee, but it didn’t work out.
Second semester I applied the same strategy from first semester, but the
only problem then was I had a C and that crashed my GP to an average of
4.57 in 300 level.
In my 400 level I was ready to settle for 5.0 and nothing else, this is the
field practical training year where we traveled to different farms across
Nigeria and wrote report, I asked questions on how I can make a 5.0
GPA from my predecessors, I asked a guy called Peter who had 5.0 in his
400 level, he told me everything I needed to know and I applied them
all, its a year of discipline, determination, diligence and dependence
on God so I settled for God and I said I won’t do what displeases Him
again to see if I can come up to the top in my class, this is where the God
factor came into place, it is known that 1 + 1= 2, but 1 + 1 + God =

15
 infinity (whatever God chooses), So God was added to the equation.
When my result came out, with little effort I had 11 A’s and a B in my
400 with a GPA of 4.91 and my name appeared on UNIBEN list of
Scholars (Figure 1.0).
My final year was arduous, but I choose to serve God in a UNIT, I
encountered God through Jesus by the help of the Holy spirit I became
truly saved. Its was on a good day when I came back from night class
and God told me to stop night class, it looked like I was just going to
fail, but I obeyed him, I started reading for only 4-5 hours in the
library and slept 8-10 hours at night in my bed, I engaged in mysteries
by cleaning the chairs in the church, swept, became the cell minister,
sacrificed my weekends for Gods Kingdom advancement among
others. Our result came out every one of us failed, no first class in my
entire class, our lecturers has successfully slashed all our result with
so many C’s and D’s. I had 3 C’S, 4 A’s and one B with a GPA of 4.2
which was the second best result. Everyone failed, a friend of mine
with a GPA of 4.8 in 400level had 3.47 in first semester 500level,
some people had straight D’S. I rejoiced, Thank God I Listened to
GOD, because I would have had the same result or worse if I had still
gone for night classes, all my classmate read very well but the results
didn’t appreciate our effort. Second semester came I focused on my
Project and seminar, so I can make an A to boost my CGPA. Other
courses I put less attention and carried God work on my Head, that
even some of the most intelligent persons that were also a First class
candidates told me to be serious or else I will regret chasing God if I
don’t make a First class, at that time all I needed for a First class in 500
Level was 4.30, all the strategy was to just add little effort in my
second semester so I can graduate with a First class. The result came
16
out and my name was the top of the list of First class student in my
class, indeed serving God pays. I graduated as the best graduating
student in my class, all the glory belongs to God.
Anyone can become excellent in what ever they do and become the
best version of yourself, all you need is to first desire Proverbs 18:1;
‘Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and
intermedleth with all wisdom.’ Firstly desire, separate yourself, then
know the price, pay the price, get the reward through diligence,
dedication, discipline I call it the 3 D’s.

Buhari Kunle Taofeek

+2348182770306

17
Figure 1.0: List of UNIBEN scholars 2017, 400 level.

18
 Buhari Kunle Taofeek from Ilorin-West LGA of Kwara state
attended University of Benin and bagged a First class degree in
Aquaculture and Fisheries Management. He was born April, 13
1994 (25). He is an Academician, Aquaculturist, Fish Processor,
consultant, a Teacher, Life coach, an entrepreneur, Graphics
designer, writer, an author, Information Technology manager and
Project manager. And most importantly he is a believer and
follower of Christ.

19
 SUMMARY (NOTED POINTS FROM CHAPTER 2)

Ÿ with the mind set that I will make a first class

Ÿ I read for 18 hours straight with refreshments

Ÿ shaded 41 none of the above out of 50 questions.

Ÿ I had an A in the physic that I shaded 41 none of the above

Ÿ if I apply the same method I might/will get the same result

Ÿ registered for library so I can concentrate and study effectively and efficiently

Ÿ I relocated to a self contain

Ÿ I sat in the front sit and I started writing notes

Ÿ I conditioned myself to love the lecturers, the courses, the classrooms, my classmates, in fact everything made sure I did my best

practiced excellence in all I do

Ÿ My reading time dropped drastically and my assimilation rate increased. I read only the notes and nothing else

Ÿ finished the course 4-12 times before examination

Ÿ discipline, determination, diligence and dependence on God

Ÿ I settled for God

Ÿ it is known that 1 + 1= 2, but 1 + 1 + God = infinity (whatever God chooses)

Ÿ reading for only 4-5 hours in the library

Ÿ I focused on my Project and seminar

Ÿ my name was in the top of the list of First class student in my class

20
 CHAPTER 3
KNOW WHAT WOKRS FOR YOU

My name is Adetoro Simbiat Damilola and I would like to say that

there is no ideal/specific formula for success because everybody have
what works for them but this is my story and point of view. The first
thing I will like to mention is the importance of God in my life. He is
awesome, my friend and everything I need. I believe everyone should
have a higher power they believe in and I choose God who I was
devoted to and praise for my success. I believed and served God and he
helped me tremendously. Be it being a Muslim or a Christian, I would
advise to put God at the center of it all.
Now to the academic session, am going to start by saying this "man
know thy self”. The first key to academic excellence is to know
yourself, identify your potentials, strength and weakness. There are
different categories of students; those that understands and remembers
easily and those that don't, but let me say this, nobody is a dullard we
just have to put in different amount of effort to achieve excellence. So,
understanding yourself will give you an idea on how to handle and
propel yourself to success. Someone with a high intellectual capacity
does not need to study hard to pass but otherwise you are expected to
put in much effort. But still, I advise to study as hard as you can
regardless of how high or low your intellectual capacity is, don't leave
any room for failure. I study up-to the point where am sure of success
(A) and not to settle for less. Always aim to be the best of yourself.

21
The second important key to academic success is 'determination'. A
man is what he thinks and works for. Nobody will help you to decide
how you want your life to be, it's entirely up to you to decide on failure
or success and interestingly enough, the celebration of success and
embarrassment of failure is yours alone to bear so I advise to choose
wisely. It is very easy to choose failure though some people do this
unintentionally but it still happens due to their negligence, actions and
lazy mind. Success is difficult to achieve and tiresome but the end
result is awesome, a happy feeling of being an embodiment of
achievement. Determine to be the kind of person that you will be
proud of and not a loser, do not ever let anything defeat you.
The third point is on how to study? This is where most person go
wrong even after getting point one and two done right. I know that
studying is not fun and easy but that's why it's for victors and not
losers. If you find studying hard, just think about the end result you
desire and you will be motivated to study. Some people assimilate
easily during the day or at night so know where you fall and study
along with it.
This is how I studied, I read all through my courses for the day
before going to class that day so I can be refreshed and commit to
memory what was thought before and to also prepare myself in case of
impromptu test. This gets you familiar with the course and gives you a
better understanding, no matter how hard the course is, if you do this
all the time trust me, the course will become very simple and
understanding to you. People also make the mistake of rush reading, I
advise to take your time when reading, read until you get the points of
the course before giving up. The next time you read it, it will be a lot

22
easier.
It is also important to read all courses, don't be biased to one because
it's harder or you don't like the lecturer. Also, don't put aside a course
work till exam period before you read. I advise you to be hardworking
and go to extra miles to understand what you were taught and add your
own new points to it. when am studying a course, I browse online in
search of extra information like more examples and explanation that I
can add to what the lecturer taught me and this earns me more extra
marks. Read your books back to back, front to back and back to front,
don't miss out any point because you never can tell where the question
is coming from and study with past questions because it helps a lot.
Studying very well and hard to your best gives you a sense of
achievement because you know that you have done your best and
success is sure.
The master of all is exam because this is what shows off all your
efforts. Students hear exam and they get scared because they are not
prepared. I want you to think of exam as a way to reap the fruit of your
labour and be celebrated because you know you have worked hard
and deserves the best result there is. Like I said before, I read before
each class but my serious preparation starts a month before exam so
by exam period am fully prepared.
There are some basic exam success techniques;
(1) read well till you have nothing to read again on the course
(2) be confident to express yourself and what you read, write down
everything you know about the question asked
(3) compose yourself well, know who to sit with, where to sit, bring
every writing materials you need to the hall, dress well and arrive
23
15minutes or more before exam starts
(4) don't be lazy, write until you are satisfied and have nothing else to write
(5) read instructions carefully, this affected me once and prevented me from
having an A
(6) if you want to help others be careful not to get caught and waste your time
(7) don't waste your time on a specific question you don't know, move in and
answer others but , always come
back to it and write something
(8) choose the questions you want to answer carefully and wisely, personally
I prefer questions with many numbers like 1a to 1f or so because they give
you more leeway and better chance of high score than discuss or compressed
questions like 1a to 1c. Also list or short explanation questions are better so
choose the question you can answer best and calculate your mark yourself to
see if they are wise choice
(9) always go over your work before submission
(10) pray to God before and after each paper.
Friendship is also an important aspect of success. I want you to Know this,
some people are bad news while others are good news for you. Know who to
make an acquaintance and deep friendship with, don't be dragged into a
forceful friendship that won't be good for you. Choose that friend that adds
positively to your life, that looks for your own good and progress, that
doesn't waste your time on frivolous things, that advices and encourage you.
Make acquaintances but don't get all worked up on friends because most of
them are time and effort wasters so take your time and choose wisely those
that will affect your life positively and not negatively.
Attitude also matters a lot. Your attitude towards your elders, juniors and
peer group has an impact on your life. Be of good virtue, someone people

24
about you that will either help bring you up or down. Treat people with
respect and respect yourself too. Planning, always have a plan ahead
don't get caught up in the moment and forget the future so having a plan
keeps you in the right track.
Lastly, have fun and enjoy yourself this is key to your vitality and
happiness, don't always be about book, do somethings that you enjoy
and relieves you of stress. Spend 25-35% of your time on doing
something fun but don't go overboard. Some people I know waste more
time on playing and social media than they do on their studies. I advise
you not to be like that. All in all, be smart. I experienced increase using
this principles of success, 100level with a CGPA of 4.05, 200level 4.5,
300level 4.89, 400level 4.41, 500level 4.43 and I graduated with a first
class.

Adetoro Simbiat Damilola

+2348109068926

25
 My name is Adetoro Simbiat Damilola a native of Oba-Akoko,
Ondo State, Nigeria. I am known as an academician and that’s
probably what am best at but I can also learn and do anything.
My hobby is watching movie and reading novel. I love to excel
and I do my best to achieve that. I recently graduated and I am
hoping for a better future. Am quiet, caring, introvert but I try to
get along with people. All in all I try to be the best of myself.

26
 SUMMARY

NOTED POINTS FROM CHAPTER 3

Ÿ I believe everyone should have a higher power they believe in

Ÿ know yourself, identify your potentials, strength and weakness

Ÿ Always aim to be the best of yourself

Ÿ I read all through my courses for the day before going to class

Ÿ read until you get the points of the course

Ÿ read all courses

Ÿ Read your books back to back, front to back and back to front, don't

miss out any point

Ÿ study with past questions

Ÿ think of exam as a way to reap the fruit of your labour and be

celebrated

Ÿ my serious preparation starts a month before exam

Ÿ All in all, be smart

Ÿ I graduated with a first class degree.

27
 CHAPTER 4
POWER OF POSITIVE INFLUENCE

I had my SSCE in 2011, tried to gain admission into the university in

2012, but it was unsuccessful. It was in 2013 I gained an admission
into the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to study a course I never
bargained for or even envisaged. I had applied for pharmacy but I
couldn’t make it. I had scored 227 in my UTME and 57 in my POST-
UTME, making an aggregate of 57 which earned me an admission
into the department of soil science in the Faculty of Agriculture.
Although the admission was given around 2013, resumption was in
April 2014 due to the lingering ASUU strike and impasse between
the Union and the Federal Government of Nigeria. My 100 level
experience is one worthy to be recalled here. When we finally
resumed, by God’s grace I did my clearance on time and resumed
classes. The classes were stressful though lecturers didn’t come some
times. We would go to school in the morning and return in the
afternoon. I must confess, I was not a very hardworking student
because I wasn’t consistent in my studying.

28
When the examinations were near, I was going for ‘night classes’
where I read with some of my friends, we would study and when we
were tired or feeling sleepy we would go out of the class and discuss
because ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. It is good to
study hard but it is good to still have short breaks. We studied with
past questions and answers and are very good, they are a veritable
study guide, helping you to know the areas you need to focus on and
how prepared you are for the forthcoming examinations. I had
problem with one of the physics course and I was trying hard to study
it. The formula used were numerous and complex, I had to cry to my
friend Henry to help me with the course. Henry taught me simplified
formulas which I used to prepare for the course’s exam and I was glad
I asked for his help. If you have problems with any course or area of
study, maybe a topic, do not hesitate to ask for help from anybody
you know that is capable of rendering it. Another thing we need to
know is that, help for a particular course or topic should be sought
before the exams and not in the exam hall (examination
malpractice) nor should it be sought after the exams by way of
‘blocking’ (bribery) for it is not Godly or moral.
Another lesson I learnt in one of our chemistry class in 100 level from
Dr Ogbeide was that ‘repetition is the mother of deep and lasting
impression’. When you study something difficult several times with
great interest, it becomes simplified, easy and a part of you. One
day, I received a call from a Priest who asked me about my course of
study when I told him I was offered Soil Science in Agriculture,
29
 his remarks were ‘since you’ve been offered Agriculture instead of
Pharmacy, try to graduate with a first class, you will love it’! Of course it
is true, that when you have a goal and a target and you work towards it
diligently, you’ll achieve it by God’s grace. We wrote our exams and the
results came, behold it was a second class upper result. It was a good
result though I wanted a first class result.
In 200 level, my friends and I intensified our studies in ‘night classes’
challenged ourselves in different courses and did more group
discussions. Challenges are good when they are for the sole purpose of
learning and improvement not borne out of jealousy or strife. Challenges
helped us to learn different course and topics with the ability to retain a
lot out of what we have read. At the end of 200 level, it was a very good
outcome, I was shocked to have made a GPA of 4.70. This was a ray of
hope for me.
My 300 level was a mix of farm work and academic activities. By the
time we left class, we had to go to the farm, thus at the end of the day
fatigue had set in. It was God’s help and a little spark of diligence that
saw me through 300 level with a GPA of 4.63.
Diligence failed me in 400 level, as I expected more than what I had in
this level. It was God who helped me and I made a benchmark of 4.50
The 500 level was done with enthusiasm, I wanted to come out good but
God gave me better as at the end of the first semester I made all A’s in all

30
the courses offered, I also made all A’s in my second semester having a
CGPA of 5.0 in my Final year. Thank God I graduated as the best
student and the only First class student in my class. Now I hope and
wait for greater opportunities.

FINAL ADVICE
Ÿ Pray and seek God’s help

Ÿ Be interested in your course of study

Ÿ Have good friends for good information and awareness

Ÿ Always calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA) at the end of

every semester and session, it helps you to know where you stand,
prepare your mind better and achieve your goals.
Ÿ Write out your results and your goals

Ÿ Have a working timetable

Ÿ Be diligent in work and studyAdvice yourself

May God help us all!

Ekpemuaka Enameguon
+2348160174131

31
 8

My name is Ekpemuaka Enameguono, from Ughelli North

L.G.A., Delta State, born January 23, 1994, attended
Government College Ughelli and University of Benin. A
graduate of Soil Science. An artist, clarinetist, gardener, tailor,
etc. By God’s grace.

32
 SUMMARY

NOTED POINTS FROM CHAPTER 4

Ÿ I was going for ‘night classes’ where I read with some of my friends

Ÿ know the areas you need to focus

Ÿ do not hesitate to ask for help from anybody you know that is capable of

rendering

Ÿ help for a particular course or topic should be sought before the exams and not

in the exam hall

Ÿ repetition is the mother of deep and lasting impression

Ÿ When you study something difficult several times with great interest, it becomes

simplified, easy and a part of you

Ÿ challenged ourselves in different courses and did more group discussions

Ÿ It was God’s help and a little spark of diligence that saw me through

Ÿ Thank God I graduated as the best student and the only First class student in my

class.

33
 CHAPTER 5
ALWAYS AIM HIGHER

I applied for medicine and surgery because I don’t know what I

wanted, I had no plan for my life and I was pretty young.
Immediately after graduating from secondary school, I got
admitted into tertiary institution not to study medicine and surgery
like I originally anticipated but, a rather strange course – crop
science. Initially, probably due to ignorance I wanted to reject the
course but my dad advised against it. He said with the way the
country is going everybody is going into agriculture and I can
retake jamb the following year. It was settled, I accepted the course.
In my first year, 100level, I was denied school hostel
accommodation so I had to stay off campus. Staying off campus
meant new found freedom previously alien to me. I was far from
home, free to do whatever I wished. I misused the freedom I was
given. I started skipping classes, probably due to the unconducive
learning environment (jam packed classes, heat). However, that
could not have been regarded as an excuse. At the end of the first
semester, my grade was a 2.2. At that time I realized that if I ever
want to graduate well I needed to adjust my seat belt. At the end of
100level, my GPA was a 2.75. Who could have imagined that this
girl who did so well in secondary school, who wanted to study
medicine and surgery was failing at school?

34
Did I forget to advise you to do what rocks your boat? Here is why, in
second semester when I was trying to boost my grades, I started
attending night classes not because I enjoyed reading at night but,
because I saw others doing it. Honestly, there was no significant
difference between my first semester result and second semester
result.
In 200level I made new friends cum reading partners, three new
adorable girls who had an important role to play in my academics.
Here’s how, they motivated me to attend classes, not to go home at
class break intervals, study more and cover up my courses on time.
With them as friends, I was accountable; my GP skyrocketed from
2.75 to 3.85 in that year.
The next year (300level), I had a goal in mind which was to just
maintain the 2:1 – a sharp 2:1 like we used to call it then (a GPA
between 3.9 -4.45). I imbibed a new stud culture with the friends cum
study partners I made in 200level. Since I realized night reading was
not for me, I decided to utilize the few hours of the day properly. At
times, when there was no lecturer, we would quietly find somewhere
to study coupled with our individual reading. At the end of that
academic year, my GPA was 4.3. I would like you to compare the grade
and study patterns of 100, 200 and 300 level with yours and find out
what you’ve been doing wrong and try fixing them.
My FPT year (400level) comprised mainly of 90% training and
practical. We were told by our predecessors that this was the year to
account for all the errors we’ve been making in our academics. Also, it
was easier to get a first class in this year. After my poor 100 level grade,

35
 I decided to shoot for the “first class” to make up for my poor 100level
performance. Unfortunately, I did not make it. My GPA for that year
was 4.2. I just consoled myself; I had 1 more year to go.
500level determined 30% of the CGPA which meant more work had to
be done. Unlike every other year, this was quite eventful final year
project, seminar, project defence, final year week, started a business
etc. At the end of the first semester, there was no “first class” and no
time. I needed a new approach. I changed my reading culture in the
next semester with the help of another new friend. I started using the
students’ library and drew closer to God (previously church was a
social gathering I attended occasionally). I started spending about
8hours in the library studying, attending to my business online during
the evenings and taking the work of God seriously. At the end of that
semester, I had a 4.5 – “the first class”. I was elated, Although, I did not
graduate school with a first class, I was happy I had a first class once. I
graduated school with a 4.0CGPA (a sharp 2:1 winks!)
Whenever we decide to place a target, aim for the highest point. If you
want to hit the moon, shoot for the sun – if you miss, you’ll hit the moon
still. In the end, no matter how bad you start just keep moving – don’t
quit. As an example, I started with a 2.2GPA in 100level and ended
with a 4.5GPA in 500level and a profitable registered business. This
shows that there is always light at the end of the tunnel as long as you
do not give up. You keep working harder and acknowledging God; you
can achieve anything you set your mind to achieve. If only I had set my
mind for a first class earlier, I would have probably gotten it earlier, but
my target was too shallow, I wanted just second class upper. But
always aim higher, even if you miss you will still be in the range.

36
 So for the young ones out there study hard, pray, learn to manage your
time, get good friends that share your visions and goal and everything
will fall into place. I did not graduate with a first class but second
class upper with a CGPA of 4.04, that’s my story.

Oghenebrume Eloho Kofi

+2348139284356

37
Oghenebrume Eloho Kofi from Irobo South-East LGA of Delta
state attended Federal Government College, Ijaniki, then
attended University of Benin for her Bachelor’s Degree. She
was born August, 31 1997 (22), but graduated at age of 21. She
is a Crop scientist, CEO Mako naturals skin care company.
38
 SUMMARY

NOTED POINTS FROM CHAPTER 5

Ÿ end of 100level, my CGPA was a 2.75

Ÿ started attending night classes not because I enjoyed reading at night

Ÿ but, because I saw others doing it

Ÿ made new friends cum reading partners

Ÿ they motivated me to attend classes

Ÿ With them as friends, I was accountable

Ÿ decided to utilize the few hours of the day properly

Ÿ always aim higher, even if you miss you will still be in the range

Ÿ I did not graduate with a first class but second class upper with a CGPA

of 4.04

39
 CHAPTER 6
PUSH TOGETHER

It was during one of the lengthy ASUU strike in 2013, I was home
with my family when I received a mail informing me that I had been
admitted to study Social work at the University of Benin, I was only
17 so I was very enthusiastic about the “Campus Living”. As all the
heightened emotions simmered down then came a rush of mixed
emotions because the course I was handed was not what I had put in
for, on one hand I was quite happy and on the other I had zero idea of
what Social work even meant as I applied originally for economics
and statistics.
100 level was a real eye opener for me, It came with many thoughts
and feelings. First of them was the feeling of being truly free from
any form or manner of supervision, to do whatever I wanted,
wherever and with whoever I choose. It got even to a point where I
found myself over indulging with too many things that I never
really needed, but when it came to my book work because of the
“Fear of Failure” instilled in me by my folks before I left for school,
there was no turning back. Then it was make or break for me, I
attended a large percentage of my classes I studied my eyes out, I
basically did everything right because I really wanted to transfer
back to my department of choice and needed good grades for that.

40
When the 100level results came out, I was so tensed, me and my
friends, I checked and it came out good, I found out I was pretty
steady book wise, that year my CGPA was a 4.0. Then I took another
glance at the results of some of my close colleagues and it wasn’t fair
at all they had some of the poorest GPA’s that year and it really
saddens me, so I figured I had to up the ante, if we were going to
succeed we would do it TOGETHER.
In 200level I started a small study group and did a little tutoring
myself also in the same way trying to improve my oral skills. I was the
youngest in my class and in the study group so been a tutor was a little
complex but the results were astonishing. The first semester results
came in and I made a 4.5, that of my friends also became very good
too. We saw ourselves GROWING TOGETHER. That year I had a
CGPA rise to 4.2 and all members of my study group also hit the 4.0
marker.
In 300 level things got a little tougher for my group although we were
at the right pace and had already known what we wanted when the
academic calendar comes to an end so “Consistency” became our
main focus. Field work became more intense, the group became
further spilt by our curriculum and various areas of specialization.
The results that year for me and some members of my group broke my
expectation, for many having a 4.0 CGPA was not too bad but for me
and the group it was it showed a slight drop in overall performance.
We were heading various group assignments and projects really gave
it our all but it seemed like it wasn’t good enough.
In my final year (400), myself and the group decided to PUSH
TOGETHER, we refused to blame the system, we refused to blame

41
 any lecturer or suspect any manner of witch hunting, for us it was a
task we needed to finish and finish very strong. We know what was at
stake and knew we were in the end game and everyone had to be at
their best despite our diverse curriculum. We worked hard in field
work, studied even harder and like a well oiled machine we rode to
success. Prior to my years In the university I always did most of my
work in solitude but right there I found that most times I needed the
right words, inspiration, motivation to push me further. That small
study group became the home of SOME OF THE BEST MINDS in
the class of social work 17’ and giving all glory to God for His
mercies and grace we pulled through and did it the best way possible
TOGETHER.
So to the young ones out there align yourselves with the best of the
best, those who you have a similar vision with, those who are ready to
stand and support you when you need it the most. I graduated with a
CGPA of 4.0 from the university.

Emuan Oni Marvis

+2349036622451

42
 Emuan Oni Marvis from Esan North-East LGA of Edo State.
Attended Prismoni Comprehensive High School, Lagos, then
attended University of Benin for his Bachelor’s degree. He was
born February 16, 1996 (23), but graduated at the age of 21. He is
a social worker, teacher, therapist and budding entrepreneur.

43
 SUMMARY

NOTED POINTS FROM CHAPTER 6

Ÿ my 100level CGPA was a 4.0

Ÿ some of my close colleagues and it wasn’t fair at all the had some of

the poorest GPA’s that year

Ÿ if we were going to succeed we would do it TOGETHER

Ÿ we saw ourselves GROWING TOGETHER

Ÿ myself and the group decided to PUSH TOGETHER

Ÿ That small study group became the home of SOME OF THE BEST

MINDS in the class

Ÿ align yourselves with the best of the best

44
 CHAPTER 7
DIFFERENT APPROACH TO DIFFERENT CHALLENGES

My Life and academic story is quite notable because I have been

opportune to taste “the both sides of life” literally in terms of academic
performance, I have known what it means to achieve a set goal and
failure.
My journey into the university is a spectacular one because I struggled
to gain admission into the university for about three years despite
getting a little above average grades in the Jamb exams. I eventually
got admitted at the fourth attempt to study Medicine and Surgery into
Lagos State University. My name came first on the admission list for
MBBS making me a sort of celebrity in 100L this had it advantage and
disadvantages in that I gained a lot of respect but a great disadvantage
was that I was under a lot of pressure to perform excellently because I
wanted to live up to my reputation, I was also under pressure to transit
into 200L because I was able to overcome this by converting the
pressure into Energy and Motivation so I read overtime, I tried to
understand every concept, taught my fellow colleagues and reviewed
almost every relevant past questions I could lay hands on. My
primary aim while studying in 100L was to pass my exams not for
knowledge per se because I was a medical student and a lot of those
stuffs will not really be relevant for my carrier path. I was able to
transit into Medical school with a CGPA of 4.95.

45
 It is very important to know and differentiate when you need to study
to pass and when you need to study for knowledge because it will
save you from wasting valuable reading time.
Upon resuming Medical school in 200L like every other newly
transiting medical student my first few weeks were overwhelming
because of the amount of concepts being unleashed upon us per
week. My courses were Physiology, Biochemistry and Anatomy
each of this is a course taken for a degree in the university we were
expected to finish all the core components of each of this courses in
18 months. Most of it was new and it was so much that I was
practically drowning in Knowledge, I couldn’t keep up, I was
reading a lot but it seems I was forgetting all I have read, in Medical
school our courses were divided into blocks after which we wrote a
continuous assessment exam after each block I found myself going
into the exam hall to take my continuous assessment without being
fully prepared despite all this I managed to score between the late 60s
and the early 70s, this was the trend for the next couple of months
until I was able to strike a balance. The solution was very simple I
ensured that whatever I learned I understood it very well and
memorized it. I didn’t make finishing the whole syllabus my number
one priority especially at the beginning of a new block. Towards the
end of the block I began to prioritize finishing the syllabus but
never at the expense of understanding and memorizing. whatever I
couldn’t study in depth I just crammed it into the exam hall, YEA I
CRAMMED IT. Have you heard of the saying that you can’t know it

46
 all this is very true in medical school so from time to time there are
somethings you just have to store in your short term memory for the
purpose of examination and you forget after the exams.
I wrote my first professional exams in 300l and I passed at one attempt,
I got into 400L where I had to change my exam preparation tactics to
fit the new environment and this is a very important skill one needs to
cultivate the ability to tailor examination preparation pattern to fit the
prevailing conditions. In 400L I continued to do the things I have been
doing to pass in 200L and 300L but my grades dropped to the Late 50s
and early 60s something was wrong I thought to myself so I checked
my performance in comparison to those of my colleagues it hadn’t
really changed I was usually top 3 in a class of about 88 students I was
still top 3 that means there was a general drop in performance of the
whole class so I needed to go back to the drawing board and strategize
If you observed I never spoke anything about solving Past questions in
200L and 300L that was because they didn’t release their questions
and they rarely repeated past questions so it was mostly futile trying to
solve past questions but in 400L this was a different story entirely
firstly we were taking five courses in 400L for 13 months- each with
so much to learn plus all the big textbooks that it was literally
impossible to actually finish the course requirements plus the fact that
the lecturers repeat past questions more frequently than in the
previous class so I had to combine a bit of past questions into my
study schedule. It is also important that I mention at this point that for
every professional exam I wrote I prepared for it specially with
maximal effort as if that is the last one I will write.

47
It is worthy to mention that from my journey I have realized the
importance of unforeseen circumstances or chance which can be
sometimes favourable or unfavourable. There were times I was not
able to prepare adequately for an examination and the questions were
asked from only the few areas I concentrated on, there was an
occasion in which I read extensively and the question was asked from
one little area I overlooked the converse situation of this are also true
and this is very important if you have done your possible best and
somethings are not falling into place. Just do the best you can at each
level.

Faniyi Oluwatobi Ayodele

+2348127855728

48
Faniyi Oluwatobi Ayodele (24 years) from Osun state, attended
Command Day Secondary School a final year medical student in
Lagos State University and among the top 3 student in a class of
88. He loves reading, music and art. He is also a Christian.

49
 SUMMARY

NOTED POINTS FROM CHAPTER 7

Ÿ was under a lot of pressure to perform excellently because I wanted to live up to my reputation.

Ÿ converting the pressure into Energy and Motivation so I read overtime, I tried to understand

every concept, taught my fellow colleagues and reviewed almost every relevant past questions I

could lay hands on.

Ÿ was able to transit into Medical school with a CGPA of 4.95

Ÿ Most of it was new and it was so much that I was practically drowning in Knowledge

Ÿ The solution was very simple I ensured that whatever I learned I understood it very well and

memorized it.

Ÿ Towards the end of the block I began to prioritize finishing the syllabus but never at the

expense of understanding and memorizing.

Ÿ YEA I CRAMMED IT

Ÿ there are somethings you just have to store in your short term memory for the purpose of

examination

Ÿ was usually top 3 in a class of about 88 students

Ÿ had to combine a bit of past questions into my study schedule.for every professionalexam I

wrote I prepared for it specially with maximal effort as if that is the last one I will write

50
 .INTERVIEW 1
UNILAG produces first graduate with 5.0 CGPA

Ayodele Dada has made history by graduating from the

University of Lagos (UNILAG) with an amazing 5.0 CGPA. In this

interview with UNILAG Sun’s Miftaudeen Raji, he reveals the

secrets behind his remarkable life. Excerpts:

51
Would you briefly tell us about yourself?

My name is Ayodele Daniel Dada. I graduated from department

of Psychology, Faculty of Social science, University of Lagos.
I’m from Ekiti State. We are just two siblings, I have a younger
brother. I am a kind of person who is open to various
experiences. I try to experiment a lot and I have tried so many
things. I have been into music production in the past.

Your educational background?

I had primary education and secondary education here in Lagos.

My secondary school is Hopebay College, Ajegunle-Apapa, off
Lagos-Badagry expressway. We lived close to that area. So after
secondary school, it took me a while to decide on what I wanted
to do because I had a brief stint learning how to do some bit of IT,
bit of network business but it wasn’t really serious, it was just on
the surface level and I did some French. I’m interested in
languages especially European languages so I learnt French
though I’m not efficient at it now. I’m also trying to translate that
into a bit of music production. Eventually, I read a book that just
made me see how psychology can be applied in the real life so it

52
 just captured my imagination and I decided that I was going to
devote my time to Psychology. Yes, it was difficult at first. For
example, when I decided I was going to do Psychology, I devoted
three months to preparing to take JAMB/UTME and I really
studied hard for it and I wrote the exam, confident that I really did
well only to hear some couple of weeks later that my result was
seized. I was devastated. That was in the year 2011. They said I
cheated or so. I felt sad but I took it as fate. I initially wanted to go
through the complaining procedure but it didn’t really work out
because it was taking too long. I really wanted to resume as quickly
as I could and then that was when I took the Diploma option, the
foundation programme. That was how I came into UNILAG.

How did you finance your programme?

It was challenging because of the expense. Meanwhile, at that time,

I had been doing several jobs. I worked a bit with my uncle. I did a
bit of sales job selling computer accessories for some time. I also
did some tutoring, I was teaching some people trying to at least
make ends meet for myself and I didn’t stop that even when I
started my programme at UNILAG. Most of my expenses except
one or two occasions, I was taking care of my daily expenses. So, I
had to plan my time such that it will not affect my study.

Before I was able to get on board the foundation programme, I had

to get money from several sources. There were quite a few of

53
 family friends who were very helpful. They really came in and
stood in for me because I could not take the bill myself. They were
so kind because they were ready to help me without any string
attached and that was how I started the Diploma programme and
then it was challenging because they kept on telling me my name
was written in pencil. “You are not part of the system.” There was
even a student in this faculty (FSS) who would just come and tell
us :“All of you that did this, you are bribing your way into school:
and those things just kept on adding to my motivation. But I felt
like people have to understand that we did that because of some
certain circumstances, it was not as if we had all the money to
come and spend. So I started the programme, kept on going
through it and I was really driven to succeed in it.

What was your standing like at the end of the programme?

My first result the first semester, I had 4.55. I had a D in

Geography and I tried to ask for what happened because even
people who I was tutoring were having Bs and As but they said
my CA or part of my exam was not recorded then I said fine, I
would work better in the semester. The next semester, I had 4.91,
exactly for the second semester. So, the aggregate was like 4.72.
That’s for the foundation programme. That was how I gained
admission into UNILAG.

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Could you tell us how many JAMB exams you took?

I have taken just two JAMB exams and the reason is that I actually
got the admission but it wasn’t what I wanted and the thing about
me is that if it is not something I really want to do, my motivation is
always very poor and I have to commit to the task and once I
commit I could actually go to any length to achieve it. The second
one was the one that was seized as I said earlier.

What about the SSCE exams, how many WAEC did you
write?

I wrote one and I made it at once. I wasn’t the best overall but at
least I made everything that was required.

Now, how can you describe your study habit?

My study habits are not very predictable because I adapt my study

habit to whatever that is needed at the time. Take for example, I
have a policy of never studying at night but, sometimes I had to
change that based on the situation.

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How were you able to sustain your GP considering how
difficult the hurdles could be?

I have been asked that question severally and the simple answer
I will give is that I never looked at everything on a long term path.
I was looking at it from one day to the next. What I mean is I was
thinking short term instead of the long term because I know quite
a few people who were thinking this is what I want to finish with
but then you have that long goal and you are looking at that
meanwhile, things are happening right in front of you in short
term. I was just preoccupied with winning the short terms. That
was where my focus was on. This assignment, do it well; this
test, do it well; this current exam, do it well. Do today well
because, tomorrow is another today and then it will keep coming.
So, just keep doing each they well and when it adds up, then you
get to wherever you want to be.

What was your relationship with your lecturers likewhile in

school?

(Cuts in) Yes my relationship with my lecturers were very good.

Now you may say it’s because I was one of their best students
but, it doesn’t always work that way because I know that there

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were some people who were also very good. Infact, I have to say
that my class was one of the best classes that my department has
had in a long time.

What you social life like?

Yes I go to cinemas. I attend people’s birthdays. Some of my

colleagues can attest to that. I’m not completely the type but, of
course on occasions I have been to quite a number of functions. I
participate in events and activities even though I will not be the
main person all the time but, i’m just there and I try to socialite a
lot. I interact with so many people although i’m not the kind who
is always attending every party. I tried to create a blend.

How were you able to manage the wave of the social media?

For most of the initial years in Psychology, I was only doing

social media on my laptop because I felt it’s easier to control on a
laptop because the laptop is not something you are checking all
the time. When I got to final year, I decided to change that. So, I
got a phone that would enable me monitor the social media and I
downloaded all the apps. I told myself I was going to participate
seriously in social media and I was quite visible. My class had a
whatsapp group chat, I tried to participate in that as well. I tried to

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 be involved. I don’t just lock myself away and say because I’m
studying I won’t do that.

What can you say on your level of performance in extra-

curricular activities?

I didn’t do much of extra-curricular activities because most of the

times I spent my time either tutoring my colleagues or those in the
lower level apart from my personal academic work and also
collaborating to an extent with some of my lecturers. There was
one event I attended with one of my lecturers, she has been very
supportive and she has tried to mentor so many young people in
the department. We actually went to Enugu State. She was the one
who advocated and showed the idea to us. She actually led the
contingent where we presented a research to a group of people
who are also members of Nigerian Psychology Association and
they applauded our effort because, it was a research where
basically we were the only undergraduates to present that year.
That was November – December 2014. So, it was the 50 years
anniversary of Psychology in Nigeria. It was something
wonderful, I would say that was more of extra-curricular activity
for me. I was always in some way connected to curricular activity.

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When it comes to fellowship or association on campus, did
you at one time serve as the leader?

Well, I wasn’t really part of the fellowship but, the association I

participated in and that was in my final year was Impart Your
World Leadership Initiative (IYWLI) and there was an event that
was organised to inspire leadership and I still have a good rapport
with the CEO of the organisation and it was because the event
which launched it was the one that really captivated our minds
and it was highly inspirational and it’s something that reshape the
academic landscape of this university in times to come so, that
was how much I participated as far as association is concerned.

Could you also talk about your hobbies?

My hobbies include reading. I read quite a number of books, a

wide variety of books and some of the books I read I have shown
them to some my colleagues and they feel like this is really
boring but, If I know that I’m going to learn one thing from it I’m
always interested and I don’t finish all the books I pick up. When
I pick up a book I read it I get through some parts, if I feel like this
is as much as what I want from this book I don’t feel obligated to
finish the book. I can put the book aside, pick another one and

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 begin to read so, I read a wide variety and that’s one of my key
hobbies. Then like I said I’m also into music production so I do it
as a hobby now. I was even as serious as it was then but, now I do
it as my hobby and I like board games, strategy games, chess,
scrabble, monopoly although I’m not extremely good at them but
the strategy games I really like are computer strategy games.

Apart from academics, were you also into business or other

things?

I still did a bit of sales job while I was studying Psychology

because I had to support myself. It was something I had to do. I
had to sell to some of my lecturers, to my colleagues as well and
then I was also going to Ikeja because my uncle was the one who
really introduce me to it. We would go to Computer Village and
even sell in wholesales then I also did a bit of private tutoring.
That was one of the key areas I major in. as far as business is
concerned, I participated briefly in entrepreneurship challenge
although I wasn’t the leader but, I just participated to gain some
experience. It was organized by Google, some departments in
engineering pioneered it in UNILAG and I participated at a
point so, it was connected to entrepreneurship where we have to
promote particularly a small, start-up business. It was good and
a learning experience for me but owning a business and running

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it, I don’t think I have that much time because the demands the
academic climate put on me as well as other things I was doing I
just make sure that time for such was highly limited.

What of your relationship status while in school?

No I wasn’t in any serious relationship because I read a study that

just made me realized that most people who really achieved the
strongest grades in their schools were single at the time and I was
able to identify with it because for me, when I go into things I go
into them fully and when I’m in a relationship I want to be able to
at least devote time to it and time was one of my major
challenges. I always have a lot of things to do and so many things
are coming up. I don’t want to be in a relationship and it will now
suffer because I didn’t have enough time for my partner or my
girlfriend or something so, I just said I would put that on hold till
I’m done with my programme.

What was your experience with girls generally like?

In fact, most of my friends are girls and they are the ones who
would call to check up on me. I related well with girls. I seem to
be able to connect with them a lot easier because I know that I am
a patient person when it comes to listening even though the girl

61
has a lot to say about her life, I would sit down with her and listen
even if it took hours. Some of them had challenges and I would
give advice and be of help. So, my relationship with girls was quite
good, but relationship wise, no, I wasn’t into any relationship.

How did you get your motivation?

From most things I have done, my motivation has always been

intrinsic. I’m not doing it for anything most people say they are
doing this to get that but, I do things for their own sake. For
example even though I was doing private tutor, there were times
when some people would not pay me completely, yes they would
pay part but they won’t complete payment. I was passionate about
imparting knowledge to them.

It’s quite brilliant that you are already working. How can you
describe your experience at your place of work?

My experience at work has been wonderful. I have interacted with

some of the best minds at work. These are smart and driven
people who will want to win in any way possible as long as it is
legal and it is the right thing to do. These are highly principled
people who are determined to achieve great things. It has been a
great experience. I have to learn things and I have even surprised

62
myself by learning things that I have not even learnt before.

Where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years?

By the grace of God, five years horizon, I want to have at least

furthered my education. I won’t say exactly now at least I want to
be somewhere where my expertise, efficiency and certification in
my field is a lot higher than it is now. I want to be professional and
recognised in my field. Ten years I want to be really distinguished
but, five years, I want to be on that path, whatever it’s I have to
achieve the level of distinction in my field not just at this level. I
really want to go far.

For the first time since its establishment 54 years ago, a student of
the Department of Psychology in the University of Lagos, Mr.
Ayodele Daniel Dada, has set a record in the institution by
becoming the first student of the university to graduate with a
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0 at its 2014/2015
convocation ceremony slated to start on February 28. He made a
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.00, which the Vice
Chancellor of the university, Prof Rahamon Bello described as a
perfect score record during a pre-convocation briefing Wednesday.

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Bello said the Psychology student is one of the 178 First Class
students that would graduate during the three-day convocation
programme.

This year, a record has been set. A graduating student in the

Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Mr
Ayodele Daniel Dada is graduating with a CGPA of 5.0, this means
he scored As in all courses he took in the programme.

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 INTERVIEW 2

UNILAG: 2 female graduates with 5.0 CGPA reveal secret

of success On January 18, 10:00am In News

When Ayodele Daniel Dada, in 2016 broke UNILAG academic

records as the best graduating student ever with Cumulative
Grade Point Average CGPA 5.0, little did he know that he was
indirectly setting an academic standard for those coming
behind, as Taiwo Bankole and Oyindamola Omotuyi have
matched his academic feat of CGPA 5.0 in 2017. Apparently,
with the feat of Miss Taiwo Bankole, 21 and Miss Oyindamola
Omotuyi 22, the saying that what a man can do, a woman can
do better is confirmed. What 5.0 CGPA portends is that these
graduates made the A grade in all their courses throughout their
stay in the university. While Omotuyi studied System
Engineering at the University of Lagos, Bankole on her part,
studied Cell Biology and Genetics in the same institution.
Incidentally, the duo are both fellowship members at the
Redeemed Christian Church of God on campus. Bankole who
is second in the family of six, hailed from Ipaja, Lagos State,
just as Omotuyi, from Ondo, in Ondo State is the first daughter
65
 among three girls. Speaking to Vanguard, Omotuyi who said she
drew inspiration for reading from her father said: ‘My father, an
engineer reads all night and I tried to emulate him.’ Relating how
she came about her first class, Omotuyi disclosed that she was
not born a genius, but worked hard for it. Not born a genius
According to her: ‘While in primary one, I took 11th position in
my class and in UNILAG, I had two bad results. A day before the
exam of a particular course, I saw my test result where I scored
9/30. Before the test, I had read very well, yet, I got 9/30. When I
saw it, I was downcast. I asked God what was going on and I
cried. That was in 200 level. However, I didn’t let it stop me
because I don’t believe in falling and not rising again. After
crying, I met people to brush me up on the course to know what
the lecturer really wants and the exam turned out beautifully
later. “In another course, I had 5/40 in the test and the highest in
the class was 10/40, however, at the end, I scored 70 per cent.”
She encouraged students to do the needful, adding that getting
admission was not particularly hard, if every student did his or
her own part. She also pointed out that after school lessons
helped her when she was in the secondary school. That was how I
had 315 in JAMB and 76 in post-UME, she said. Taiwo Bankole
and Oyindamola Omotuyi Speaking on the secret of her
academic performance, Omotuyi pointed out hardwork among
others as the key. She said: I read a lot with my classmates, I
enjoy learning from everybody irrespective of the level. I am
more interested in the knowledge I will get and not CGPA. This is
because of the family I come from; my daddy was a scholar who
got a scholarship to study in Russia. He is a very strict person in
terms of reading. Even at old age, he still reads till day break. I
learnt the discipline from him and applied it in school. Asked if
she has any reading technique, the scholar said she did not have
specific hours spent on reading, neither did she has any reading
technique. At every point, I depended on the wisdom from the
Lord to do things better. I realised that when I obeyed, it worked.
Thus, the exceptional thing is that I followed the directions that
God gave me. I really did not just go to the library to read, I went

66
to my seniors and asked what the lecturer of a course really wants
students to focus on. I wasn’t so concerned about writing what I
feel, but what the lecturer wants to see. I remember once in the
exam hall, the Lord told me to write what the lecturer wants to see
not just want you want to write. I see lecturers as humans, and they
are the ones marking the script, they have feelings and they know
what they want to see because of what they have deposited in you,
so they don’t want to see just anything; they know what they are
looking for. That is the mindset with which I face my courses and
exams. Write what lecturers want to see, not what you feel you
know. On her social life, Omotuyi said that her social life was spent
with her friends and church members. She, however disclosed that
she sometimes attended birthday meetings and went to watch
movies. I never had a boyfriend. I understand what school
relationships really are and I don’t do things because everyone
does it, I have where I am going to. It is not that I wasn’t
approached by boys, but there is a right time for everything, she
said. On her future, she said: I am waiting for my NYSC’, but if the
lord will have me do a master’s degree, sure. My course of study is
really broad just that on BSc, it looks small. I am looking at
furthering in computer vision, artificial intelligence and
programming because I have interest in programming,
mathematics and hardware.

Her words for students: For those still in the system; it is very
beautiful to have a good result, everybody can do it, irrespective of
what has happened before. Some persons did not have a good
secondary school or probably a bad result; they should never let
that stop them. I really didn’t have a good primary school result.
When I got to secondary school, I was discouraged because I met a
lot of people that came from very big schools and they were

67
very good. I felt I couldn’t do anything to beat them, that I was a dull
student in the class; that was in Jss1. I didn’t like relating, just stayed
on my own. A teacher noticed me and brought me to the front of the
class, then I started responding, started picking up. Meanwhile,
Taiwo Bankole on her part noted that all was not rosy before she
gained admission into UNILAG, She disclosed that though she had
her WAEC and NECO at one sitting, she took UTME and failed. I
ended up entering school with direct entry by doing diploma in
UNILAG. According to her, graduating with first class was not her
target. Relating her experience, she said: When I did diploma, my
CGPA started from zero in my 200 level. In my degree, when my
CGPA rose to 5.0, I decided to maintain it by reading for six hours
everyday. I keep my studies interesting and simple. I use the library, I
read in my room, I listen attentively in class, and I trust God for
success. Reading for six hours everyday Bankole disclosed that
through her focus and constant reading, from 200 level her CGPA
started rising and she determined to have an A in each course of the
total course units of 102. On her future plans, Bankole said: ‘After
my NYSC, I will do my Masters in genetics because I love the course.
For social life, she said: I go out with my friends, watch movies and
go to church. I don’t have a boyfriend. Asked the reasons, she simply
said: ‘This is because I came to face my books and not relationships.
When the time is right, God will provide the right person for me.’ She
urged students to be hardworking and never to loose focus. Be
hardworking, determined and diligent in all your endeavours. Trust
in God in everything you do to overcome challenges.

68
Taiwo Bankole and Oyindamola Omotuyi

69
 INTERVIEW 3

Covenant University produces another perfect CGPA of 5.0 in

2019. 5.0 CGPA she reveals her secret of success

For the first time in the History of Covenant University, a student

named MOTUNRAYO Ajia, 21, from the Department of
Petroleum Engineering made it happen in 2018/2019 academic
session. She was interviewed by Tuned Ajaja, she speaks on that
achievement and things that made it possible.

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Were there times you almost gave up due to the pressure?

Yes, of course. There were times like that but my parent, siblings
and friends were always there. In fact, during my final year, I
cried to my friends a couple of times due to the enormous
pressure but they encouraged me not to give up.

How would you have felt if you didn’t finish with 5.0CGPA?

Oh! I would have been sad. I had come so far for me to lose that
reward. I mean, having perfect result back to back, only to drop in
my final semester? That would have been sad and I Thank God it
didn’t happen.

Some people would assume that you must have spent all your
free time reading to have that excellent result, was that the
case?

(laugh) I understand some people tend to assume that, but I

simply tried to read in my free time. So, it wasn’t all the time. I
saw movies too and there were times that all I wanted was to have
casual conversations with my friends; I wasn’t the type who
loved to go out, so I would rather stay in my room and enjoy the
comfort of my bed. I think it would also interest you to know that

71
Its the first time Covenant University would Produce a graduate
with 5.0CGPA, did you plan from the outset to achieve that?

I would say no. What I wanted was a first class grade. Interestingly,
my friend used to pray for 5.0 GPA and I used to think that if I did, I
might be asking for too much. But, when I had 5.0GPA in my first
semester, I was extremely surprised more like when you put in your
best and you simply hope for the best and of course, I was happy.
However, I would admit that when my brothers friend, Victor
Ubong, who had only one B throughout his stay in school told me his
story, I was inspired to surpass that. From that first semester, I kept
scoring 5.00 GPA and after my four semesters, he said someday that I
could be the best graduating student if I continued with that
performance. When he said it, I knew it was possible and at that point,
it became my target and I simply worked towards it. I thank God it
became a reality.

Since you started with the perfect score, meaning that you had A
in all your courses, did it make the subsequent semester easier?

It wasn’t so easy, especially when I started getting the grade back to

back; the pressure was much and I thought I was going to slip from
that perfect score, but thank God I didn’t.

72
 I didn’t have a defined reading schedule. If I didn’t understand
what was taught in class, I would read it as soon as I could and I
wouldn’t give up until I understood it very well. When I felt like
lazing around, my friend, Onas, was there to encourage me to
continue reading. And once I felt tired, I would sleep. It was as
simple as that. I love to have my deserved rest. So, I read well
and I slept well. I believe its good to have a balance. I remember
that in my second year, my roommate wrote a prayer request to
have grace like me, seeing that I spent quality time in the library
and still slept well.

Were there things you would have loved to do that you could
not do because of your studies?

I think I would have loved to do more voluntary work and go for

voluntary work and go for more programmes and conferences,
but I couldn’t, not really due to my studies but because of the
school factor.

Have you always wanted to be an engineer?

No, I wanted to be in the medical field. Specifically, for a long

time, I wanted to be a paediatrician. I have natural drive to help
people but couldn’t go for any course in that line because I
realised I couldn’t bear to see people in so much pain. So, I had
to go for something else, and that was where the attraction for
petroleum engineering stemmed from. I could have considered

73
biochemistry because I have always loved biology and
chemistry, but I was quite sure I would get this course,
especially as there is no medicine in CU yet. It was really the
only other course I felt at home with, and I believed being in
that field will avail me the funds to help people, especially
children.

Overall, what would you say was responsible for your

excellence?

God’s favour, good genes (laugh), a great support system,

hard work and commitment. I think it is worthy of note that we
are all different and everyone has their time to shine. My
advice to students is ‘bide your time to know yourself’; your
journey can begin early or late, but it is still valid. It is still a
journey. Enjoy the process while you figure out who you are.
As I said, we are not all the same.

Some people would even think you are a genius.

A genius? No, I’m not (laugh). I believe I assimilate quickly

and I rest well, in addition to the points I mentioned above. For
example, at my leisure time, I could see movies or just play
with my friends. While at home, I spent my free time with my
family, maybe going on vacation or reading novels. I believe
one needs to live a balance life, and not reading all time.
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 What are the other interests you have?

Voluntary work with kids and now I like learning about

machines and tourism.

Where would like to work?

I would like to work with the best minds; I don’t want to limit
myself but the likes of Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Shell
have caught my eyes. I would like to work in google, NGO
helping organization.

Some people feel relationship in school could be a

distraction. Did you have any or did you see it as a
distraction?

I am currently in a relationship that started in my third year. I

don’t think its a distraction if your partner understands you
and support your dream. Its rather a driver, to be honest.

Source of Interviews: Punch.com.ng

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 ADVICE
Nothing good comes easily, be diligent, consistent and have
reverence for God then success is guaranteed.

Even the dullest person can be the best in a field of study if

He/She pays the price.

Try to know more to ascend to the top, someone who had F

scored 32, he knew something but he did not know
enough to score 90; just a little effort can change 32 to
70.

Never give up until you make it.

Be humble, summit and commit your self to mentorship.

This book has at least 10 excellent scholars mysteries.

Use the methods you have learnt and I guarantee you will
get the same result.

Pray Always

Live Healthy

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YOU ARE WHAT YOU DO, BE EXCELLENT IN

EVERYTHING YOU DO

WE WILL LIKE TO HEAR FROM

YOU!

IF YOU HAVE BEEN IMPARTED BY THIS BOOK AND

WANT TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE, COMMENT OR
TESTIMONY, WE WILL BE DELIGHTED TO HEAR
FROM YOU.

77
 IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION TO ASK OR SIMPLY WANT
TO CONTACT THE AUTHORS FOR MORE, PLEASE USE
THE INFORMATION BELOW.

NAMES OF AUTHORS LOCATION CONTACT

Jennifer Osaren Ojienon Benin city +2348144729646

Buhari Kunle Taofeek Lagos state +2348182770306

Adetoro Simbiat Damilola Ondo state +2348109068926

Ekpemuaka Enameguon Delta state +2348160174131

Oghenebrume Eloho Kofi Lagos State +2348139284356

Emuan Oni Mavis Abuja +2349036622451

Faniyi oluwatobi Lagos State +2348127855728

78
We wish you all
success

79