How I Achieved Academic Excellence Without Distractions – Best Graduating Student of Wesley University

Miss Ifeoluwa Mercy Adeyemi, Wesley University’s best graduating student for 2023/2024, credited her academic success to discipline, focus, and her decision to avoid distractions, including relationships, while aspiring to make a meaningful impact in the health sector.

Miss Ifeoluwa Mercy Adeyemi, the overall best graduating student of Wesley University, Ondo, for the 2023/2024 academic session, has opened up about the disciplined choices that led to her outstanding academic performance.

Speaking during the university’s 13th convocation ceremony in Ondo Town, the 19-year-old Microbiology graduate, who achieved an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.97, revealed that she deliberately avoided having a boyfriend throughout her four years in school. According to her, this decision was made to maintain focus and avoid distractions.

“I had conversations with people about relationships during school, and while opinions varied, I saw it as a potential distraction. I knew I couldn’t divide my attention. A relationship might demand time and effort that could detract from my academics,” she said. Adeyemi added that while she currently has no plans to enter a relationship, she is open to the idea at the right time.

Adeyemi credited her success to her desire to make her parents proud. “I have parents I cannot disappoint. Whenever distractions arose, I reminded myself of the sacrifices they made for my education,” she explained.

Her ambition extends beyond academics. Adeyemi expressed her passion for making a difference in the health sector, particularly in addressing challenges related to microorganisms and diseases. “I want to solve problems in the health sector. Microbiology focuses on microorganisms, which are at the heart of health issues. To contribute meaningfully, I must stay committed to learning and growing,” she stated.

Looking to the future, Adeyemi plans to pursue a Master’s degree and a Ph.D., aiming to become a researcher and drive impactful solutions in her field.

The Vice-Chancellor of Wesley University, Prof. Sunday Samuel Obeka, announced during the convocation that out of 230 graduates, 39 earned First Class Honours. He emphasized the university’s dedication to holistic education, which balances intellectual growth, character building, and community service.

Obeka also highlighted the importance of supporting private universities, particularly their medical programs, to address the nation’s health workforce shortage.

Each First Class graduate was awarded ₦100,000 by the Chancellor, Senior Pastor Paul Enenche, who encouraged the graduates to view the milestone as the beginning of their achievements. The convocation also included a three-day spiritual crusade, themed “Wesleyan Heritage: A Panacea for Physical, Social & Spiritual Growth,” led by Evangelist Sunday Ogwuche.

In addition, Olori Comfort Kiladejo, wife of the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, was conferred an honorary degree in Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Service. Prof. Obeka expressed appreciation to notable dignitaries, including Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, High Chief Olabanji A. Akingbule, His Excellency Godswill Akpabio, and Hon. Abiola Makinde, for their support of the institution.

The convocation concluded with a call for graduates to embrace their roles as change-makers, carrying forward the Wesleyan tradition of excellence and service.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, VANGUARD