Exceptional Nigerian Man Emerges as UNILAG’s Best Graduating Student with Perfect 5.00 CGPA

Damilare Haroun Adebakin, the best-graduating student of the 2023/2024 session at UNILAG, achieved a perfect 5.00 CGPA in Cell Biology and Genetics through resilience, strategic planning, and dedication, excelling academically, in leadership, and personal development.

Damilare Haroun Adebakin, a remarkable Nigerian scholar, has set a new standard of academic excellence at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) by graduating as the overall best student for the 2023/2024 academic session with a perfect 5.00 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) in Cell Biology and Genetics. His historic achievement reflects his unwavering dedication and exceptional work ethic.

In an interview with Sun Nigeria, Damilare revealed that his goal from the very beginning was to graduate with a perfect CGPA. “I recall saying to one of my mates in year one, ‘We die there.’ Yes, it required a lot, but like the statement of Ibn al-Jawzi, ‘Where is the hard work of the scholar? It has all left him, and what is left is the knowledge and station he has attained,’” he shared.

Initially aspiring to study Medicine and Surgery, Damilare faced rejection for four consecutive years. However, when he gained admission to study Cell Biology and Genetics at UNILAG, he embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly, turning his disappointment into motivation.

Damilare credited his success to three key strategies:

He made it a priority to deeply understand his course material.

He emphasized the importance of paying attention to lecturers’ cues, solving past questions, and seeking clarification directly.

Even in the face of challenges, such as preparing for difficult exams, he remained focused and committed to his goals.

Damilare’s accomplishments extended far beyond academics. As the captain and star player of his level’s football team, he led his department to victory in the Dean’s Games. He also spearheaded the planning of his department’s final-year field trip, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for his peers.

Damilare actively pursued personal growth, excelling in multiple areas:

At the Confucius Institute, UNILAG, he mastered Mandarin Chinese, earning perfect scores in HSK 1 and HSK 2 exams. He also advanced in Arabic and Qur’anic recitation.

Through a fellowship at SAIL Innovation Lab, he honed his skills in data science, commuting long distances three times a week. He also participated in a deep learning project at SPARK Academy for African Medical Imaging Knowledge Translation.

Damilare’s journey was not without hurdles. During his first semester, he battled severe illnesses, including back pain and fever, but still excelled in all his courses. In his final semester, he balanced multiple responsibilities, including his academic project, laboratory work, and fellowship commitments. Reflecting on these challenges, he humbly credited his success to divine favor.

Damilare describes himself as an open-minded individual passionate about creating scalable and lasting solutions. With a strong interest in Artificial Intelligence, innovation, and policy, he is eager to contribute meaningfully to global progress through opportunities in both academia and industry.

Damilare’s inspiring journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION