First Class Diary: Everyone Had Lost Hope in Me, But I Rewrote My Academic Chapter- DA

First Class Diary: Everyone Had Lost Hope in Me, But I rewrote my Academic Chapter- DA

Hello everyone! It’s the second edition in the June series. The feedbacks from last week were really amazing. Guess what, I have another interesting interview today. I am certain you will enjoy it.

So, meet Damilola Oluwafunsho Awotula, a first-class graduate of Law from Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Damilola has changed the narrative in his department. Let me save the rest of the story.

In his words,

Everyone had lost hope in me including my teachers. My new school, Mabunmi Memorial Schools, afforded me a new chance to rewrite my academic reputation.

Abigael Ibikunle of Edugist: Please share with Edugist, a little about your background.

Damilola Awotula: My name is Damilola Oluwafunsho Awotula. I am from Ondo State but I was born and raised in Ogun State. I had my Nursery & Primary School Education at Happy Day Nursery and Primary School, Ijebu Ode.

Thereafter, I proceeded to Epic Model College (now Epic International Schools) for my junior and Secondary School.

However, I completed my final Secondary School Education at Mabunmi Memorial School, Ijebu Ode in 2011.

Moreover, I had a poor academic background. My first result in JSS 1 earned me the 23rd of 26th position in class and an instant demotion to the least class- Class C.

My experience right from junior school till graduation was more of a struggle and apparently below average.

Everyone had lost hope in me including my teachers. My new school, Mabunmi Memorial Schools, afforded me a new chance to rewrite my academic reputation.

It was a new atmosphere and I could make new choices. After graduation from High School without having a complete result, I needed to sit for WAEC GCE.

That was the real turning point for me. I wrote the exam in the following year and I made my papers.

I wrote JAMB four times and I finally got into Olabisi Onabanjo University for the 2013/2014 set. Still, I lost the admission for financial constraints.

Eventually, I put in for a Diploma in Law and I made it through as the Best Graduating Student with a 4.50 of 5.0 (Distinction).

With that, I secured admission into the Law Degree Program. In addition, I graduated as the Best Graduand in the 2018/2019 Academic Set with a First Class 4.60 of 5.0.

This made me the 1st Male First Class and 2nd Student to graduate with a First Class in the Faculty of Law. Since the inception of the department, 35 years ago.

AI: Was there any motivating factor(s) that influenced your choice of discipline and institution?

DA: As regard my choice of discipline. I initially thought of studying Literature in English at Obafemi Awolowo University but I also personally loved Law.

I definitely have more reasons for my discipline now. Lol! I would say that my father’s particular interest in Law was also another motivating factor.

Olabisi Onabanjo University has a reputable Law program and that was one major factor for choosing the school.

AI: There are two major skills that every student must possess: COMPETENCE and PERFORMANCE. While competence revolves around skill acquisition, performance is much more concerned about skills application. It is believed that most graduates are competent because their academic performance testifies to this, but they are performance-challenged. This poor performance ipso facto hinders them from getting lucrative jobs in the labour market. What can you say about this assertion?

DA: I agree with this assertion and it clearly reveals the seemingly professional incompetence of graduates.

No doubt, this is as a result of the poor learning experience in a typical Nigerian University.

But, I will also say that the high-flying grades are not sufficient prove of competence.

That is, especially in an undergraduate Professional course like Law. It is true that the educational system doesn’t prepare the average Nigerian Graduate with the required Professional skills to perform in the labor market.

 

AI: What do you think is responsible for competence without performance? Please suggest ways of improving the performance level of university students and graduates.

DA: The issue of supposed competence (good CGPA) without performance, will only apply to students who chase good grades alone. That is, at the expense of practical knowledge acquisition and transferable skills, needed to make them competitive in the real world.

Students must know that learning doesn’t stop in the class room. Internships, volunteering, attending conferences, among others is a huge advantage.

 

AI: Achievement in life transcends one’s personal efforts. There were people who, during your programme, rendered some assistance that made your dreams a reality. Who are specific persons whose contribution you can’t forget in your first-class feat?

DA: I was blessed to have lived in the midst of encouragements all through my days in school.

From my fellowship where I pastored Christ Image Assembly, Pastor Dare Oke (now late), Pastor Priscilla Adebayo.

I cannot forget my very good friends Odugbemi Michael, Ololade Badmus, Tioluwani Princess, James Omotara, Owadara Kingsley.

I have a lot of lovely people around me. They were my study partners and we named our group Team Excellence. My dearest Olanipekun Pipeloluwa was a huge support all through.

I cannot also forget the benevolence of the OSULaw Class of ’91. Thanks for the 250,000 Naira Annual scholarship offered to me from my 300 Level till graduation and a 500,000 Naira for my Law School program.

AI: As a first-class graduate, are you currently gainfully employed?

DA: I am not currently gainfully employed because I am in the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus. But certainly, I will in due time.

I am hoping to start a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the Faculty of Law, Olabisi Onabanjo University for my NYSC.

 

AI: Do you think your grades have or is giving you any major advantage over other graduates with lesser grades?

DA: Yes. Like I said, I went through school on scholarship. I have also been awarded prizes in thousands of naira.

It also offered an opportunity to pick up a Graduate Teaching Assistant position, an offer I will be taking up soonest.

Above all, Christ has been the real major advantage for me.

I hope students will understand that your grades matter and not listen to some folks who downplay the importance of acquiring good grades.

 

AI: For students who aspire to graduate with outstanding grade like yours, what would you advise them?

DA: I will advise them to stay strong on their conviction.

Be yourself, because everyone else has been taken

-Oscar Wilde.

 

AI: What would you advise the government to do to improve the standard of our education system?

DA: There is a whole to be done honestly. I will just say that the stakeholders should upgrade the academic curriculum.

They should ensure it accumulates current global practices that will make university graduate fit for real life practice.

AI: Any other thing you would like to share?

DA: I believe in God and I know nothing is held together without Him. Student, graduates alike and other persons reading this interview must always ensure to put God in the midst of all they do.

Your good grade is not enough for a successful and impactful life.

Thanks to Edugist for this interview!

 

That’s it for this week’s episode. I hope you enjoyed the interview. Got a scholar you would love to be featured?

Would you like to sponsor any of our scholars you find their stories inspiring?
Or want to contact any of them for engagements?

Please reach out to me directly: abigail@edugist.org

I am Abigael Ibikunle and celebrating excellence is a top priority for me. iTeach, iSpeak, iTrain, iFacilitate, iWrite, iInterview and iLoveYou all. Smile! See you next week!