Young Man Who Sold Chickens to Pay Tuition Graduates as Top Student With 4.88 CGPA

A Nigerian student, Ola-Gbadamosi Ridwan, a 22-year old student who sold chicken to raise funds for his education graduates from LASU as the Best Graduating Student with a CGPA of 4.88.

Ola-Gbadamosi Ridwan, a 22-year-old Nigerian who sold chickens to fund his education, has graduated from Lagos State University (LASU) as the best-graduating student with a stellar 4.88 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Ridwan earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and emerged as the university’s overall top graduate.

Ridwan faced significant challenges growing up, including the loss of his mother at age 12, which left his father solely responsible for him and his two siblings. Despite these hardships, Ridwan remained focused on his education, driven by his passion for physics and mathematics.

During his matriculation, Ridwan was acutely aware of the financial burden his education placed on his father, as LASU’s Engineering tuition in 2013 was 284,750 naira. Determined to succeed, Ridwan set a goal to achieve a high CGPA, allowing him to apply for undergraduate scholarships.

His father’s efforts covered the tuition, but Ridwan took on other financial responsibilities. He invested a cash prize from his secondary school into raising 150 broilers during the 2013 ASUU strike. The profits from this venture supported his academic and personal expenses.

Ridwan also secured scholarships from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), MTN Foundation, and the Federal Government, which helped cover the remaining costs of his education. His resourcefulness and dedication were evident in his meticulous care of the chickens, even using bandages and straws to ensure their health and productivity.

Reflecting on his journey, Ridwan described his story as one of zeal, passion, inquisitiveness, and determination. His success exemplifies the rewards of perseverance and hard work.

Other notable LASU graduates include Lopez Divine Feyisayo, the best graduating student for the 2020/2021 academic year; Madubuike Amaka Hannah, the top graduate of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences with a 4.92 CGPA; and Yusuf Aminat Imoitesemeh, who set a record with a perfect 5.00 CGPA.