Emmanuel Agboola, a First-Class graduate from FUOYE, shared how his commitment to studies, faith in God, and perseverance through financial and health challenges helped him excel academically, while advising students to remain focused and diligent in their pursuit of excellence.
Emmanuel Agboola, a firstborn in a family of four, graduated with a First-Class degree in History and International Studies from the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), achieving a 4.55 CGPA in the Class of 2023. Speaking to KOREDE BADMUS, Agboola shared insights into his academic journey, the challenges he faced, and the strategies that helped him excel.
Agboola attributed his success to a strong commitment to his studies and faith in God, noting that he consistently maintained a disciplined routine. Despite facing health challenges, he remained focused on his goal. He explained that he dedicated long hours to study, visited the library frequently, attended lectures, and maintained a flexible study schedule, balancing both day and night study sessions.
One of the most significant challenges Agboola encountered was financial hardship. He recounted a particularly tough experience when he went without food from one night until 7 p.m. the following day. Despite these difficulties, he persevered and remained committed to his academic pursuits.
Agboola employed a structured study method similar to the SQ3R technique, which involved scanning his notes and textbooks before diving into deep reading. He emphasized the importance of understanding material rather than cramming and used online resources to supplement his learning. Frequent revisions helped him retain information more effectively.
Agboola credited much of his success to the support of his lecturers and friends, who provided guidance and emotional assistance. His curiosity often led him to seek help from lecturers and senior students, which played a crucial role in his academic growth.
Although Agboola did not engage in extracurricular activities, he explained that this decision allowed him to remain 100% focused on his studies.
Agboola shared two particularly challenging moments during his university days. In his first year, he felt overwhelmed by a packed exam timetable and struggled to prepare for an important exam. Through determination and effort, he managed to excel, earning an A in the course. In his second year, a severe health issue nearly caused him to defer his studies, but with encouragement from a lecturer, he pressed on and achieved a perfect 5.0 GPA that semester.
Achieving a First-Class degree has boosted Agboola’s confidence and motivated him to pursue further self-improvement. Reflecting on his academic journey, he expressed a wish to have taken his general courses more seriously in his first year.
Agboola advised students to remain diligent and focused from the start of their university education. He emphasized the importance of seeking help when needed, forming the right friendships, and taking continuous assessments seriously. He also stressed the significance of building vocabulary to aid in exams and presentations. Agboola concluded by encouraging students to aim for excellence, reminding them that a First-Class degree is achievable with hard work and perseverance.
SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PLATFORM TIMES