Ireoluwa Kayode Graduates with First-Class in Architecture from University of Ibadan, Overcomes Early Struggles to Become Best in Class

Ireoluwa Kayode overcame early academic struggles, pandemic challenges, and self-doubt to graduate as the best student in Architecture with a First-Class degree from the University of Ibadan.

A determined Nigerian student, Ireoluwa Kayode, has graduated with a First-Class degree in Architecture from the University of Ibadan, earning an impressive CGPA of 4.52/5.00 and emerging as the best student in her department.

Admitted directly from SS2 in 2020, Ireoluwa began her journey amidst uncertainty, mental strain, and academic pressure—nearly switching departments early on due to the intense demands of studio work and technical expectations.

With COVID-19 disruptions, unstable internet, and lack of traditional final-year secondary school preparation, her first year ended in a Second Class Lower, yet recognition as Class Rep of the Year helped rebuild her confidence.

Despite an 8-month academic strike, she self-learned design software through free resources and joined a local firm, balancing leadership roles like Welfare and Health Director while continuing to grow academically.

Her mindset shifted from survival to service, driven by the mantra: “Read to escape carryovers.” Through relentless effort, late nights, anxiety, and faith, she overcame setbacks and improved steadily.

By final year, she had earned top academic honors in her class and, after achieving straight A’s in her last semester, graduated with a first-class degree, fulfilling a dream she once thought was out of reach.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION