Firewood Seller’s Son Who Took UTME 5 Times Becomes Best Graduating Student at Nigerian University

After five failed UTME attempts and overcoming financial hardship, Uthman Olayode—the son of a firewood seller and teacher—graduated as the best student at Abiola Ajimobi Technical University with a 4.98 CGPA, earning multiple scholarships and national recognition for his academic excellence and leadership.

After five unsuccessful attempts at the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Uthman Olayode—son of a firewood seller and a secondary school teacher—has emerged as the best graduating student at Abiola Ajimobi Technical University (AATU) in Ibadan.

Olayode, who studied Physics with Electronics at the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, graduated with an outstanding CGPA of 4.98 out of 5.00. He was honored during the university’s combined 3rd and 4th convocation ceremony held on Friday.

A Journey Marked by Perseverance

In an emotional valedictory address, Olayode shared the struggles of his academic journey: repeated admission rejections, financial hardship, and the pain of watching peers advance while he remained behind.

“I sat for UTME five times before I was finally admitted. It was tough watching others move forward while I stayed behind,” he said.

His breakthrough came with a scholarship from Lagelu Local Government Area, which he credits as the turning point in his life. He also acknowledged the Oyo State Government for supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds.

“I am the son of a dedicated teacher and a hardworking woman who sold firewood. Today, I stand as proof that no background is too humble for excellence,” he added, earning a standing ovation.

Academic Excellence and Leadership

Olayode’s academic record is nothing short of exceptional: 55 A’s, only 2 B’s, and a perfect 5.0 GPA in six out of eight semesters, including five consecutive terms.

Beyond academics, he served as Ameer (leader) of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) on campus and chaired the group’s Education Committee during his final year. He credits his leadership roles for teaching him discipline and time management.

Olayode also received several prestigious awards, including:

• Federal Government Scholarship Award (FSB)
• MTN Foundation Scholarship
• Oyo State Bursary

Recognized by Dignitaries

The convocation ceremony was attended by top dignitaries, including:

• Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal (representing Governor Seyi Makinde)
• The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin (represented by Chief Adegboyega Adegoke)
• AATU Chancellor, Dr. Tunde Afolabi
• Governing Council Chairman, Dr. Kazeem Adeduntan
• Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adesola Ajayi

In his closing remarks, Olayode urged the government and private sector to invest more in education and youth development:

“Brilliance exists everywhere, but opportunity does not.”

He is expected to begin his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) later this year and has expressed interest in furthering his studies and contributing to research and innovation in Nigeria.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, LEGIT