Exceptional Nigerian Graduate Achieves Perfect 5.00 CGPA at UNILAG, Breaks 60-Year Faculty Record

Samuel Badekale made history at the University of Lagos by graduating with a perfect 5.00 CGPA in Cell Biology and Genetics, breaking a 60-year Faculty of Science record while excelling in leadership, social impact, research, and extracurricular activities.

Samuel Badekale, an extraordinary Nigerian scholar, has made history at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) by graduating with a perfect 5.00 CGPA in Cell Biology and Genetics. This groundbreaking achievement marks him as the first male student in the Faculty of Science to reach this milestone in its 60-year history.

Samuel, who also emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student for the 2023/2024 academic session, shared his inspiring journey on LinkedIn. Reflecting on his six-year pursuit of academic excellence, he revealed that his singular goal upon entering UNILAG was to graduate with a perfect CGPA—a dream he has now realized.

Samuel’s accomplishments extend far beyond his academic record. In 2022, he was selected from over 30,000 international applicants for the Millennium Campus Network (MCN) and United Nations Academic Impact Millennium Fellowship. Through this platform, he co-founded the Students’ Mental Health Advocates (SMA) initiative, which raised mental health awareness among students by partnering with the university’s counseling unit and conducting outreach programs.

To address the digital skills gap in his community, Samuel co-launched The SkillUp Initiative, which trained 82 students in Mushin, Lagos, in digital literacy and donated textbooks to support their education. Further demonstrating his passion for community development, Samuel co-founded and secured a license for TEDxIdiAraba, creating a platform to amplify inspiring stories of resilience and innovation within his community.

Samuel’s undergraduate years were enriched by hands-on research and professional internships. His notable achievements include:

Conducting research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) on the In Vitro Antisickling Activity of Crude Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Theobroma Cacao L. Stem Bark, which he presented at the 2024 Annual International Conference of Health Advancement and Innovative Research, earning him a nomination for the External Young Scientist Award.

• Completing internships at the Redeemer’s University (Department of Biological Sciences), the Redeemed Christian Church of God Department of Public Health, and NOBLEKINMAT Ltd.

Samuel also excelled in extracurricular activities. As the coach of his level’s football team, he led them to victory in the HOD Cup and the Departmental All-Star Cup. Additionally, as Chief Editor of the department’s yearbook, Bioscope, he revived the publication after six years of inactivity and raised 50% of the production budget through sponsorships.

Samuel expressed profound gratitude to his mentors, lecturers, family, and friends for their unwavering support. He acknowledged their role in his success and credited them with helping him achieve his goals.

Samuel’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to students across Nigeria and beyond, showcasing the power of determination, academic excellence, and community impact.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, TWITTER