OAU Graduate Achieves Perfect 4.0 CGPA from American Online University, Named Valedictorian

Oluwasegun Ogundiran, an Obafemi Awolowo University graduate, achieved a perfect 4.0 CGPA in his MBA at Nexford University, earning the valedictorian title and advocating for the transformative potential of online education in Nigeria.

A Nigerian scholar, Oluwasegun Ogundiran, an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has emerged as the best-graduating student at Nexford University (NXU), an online institution based in Washington, DC, after earning a perfect 4.0 CGPA in his Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Sustainability.

Mr. Ogundiran was honored as the valedictorian of NXU’s 2024 graduating class, which comprised 1,200 students. The award, presented by Nexford’s Country Director, Oghogho Inneh, recognizes graduates who achieve the highest academic distinction and display exceptional dedication to their studies.

The graduation ceremony, held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, featured a keynote speech by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Other distinguished attendees included:

• Oby Ezekwesili – Former Minister of Solid Minerals & CEO of Human Capital Africa

• Bola Adesola – Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria

• Okechukwu Enelamah – Former Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment

Mr. Ogundiran credited his disciplined upbringing and lifelong learning mindset for his academic achievements. Before pursuing his MBA, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Economics from OAU, where he actively participated in leadership roles, including serving as Vice President of his campus fellowship.

His passion for continuous learning led him to acquire global certifications, such as:

• 21st Century Employee Engagement (Doha, Qatar)

• HR Analytics (Singapore)

These experiences motivated his decision to enroll at NXU, drawn by its world-class faculty and flexible learning structure, which allowed him to balance his studies with his career.

Beyond academics, Mr. Ogundiran is currently a full-time HR Advisor at Shoreline Natural Resources. He is also the co-founder of Gold Weather Ltd, a renewable energy startup.

Mr. Ogundiran believes that online education can revolutionize learning in Nigeria. He urged the government to:

• Invest in digital education infrastructure

• Foster partnerships with global institutions

• Expand access to quality online learning

During the event, Peter Obi emphasized the importance of online education in addressing Nigeria’s educational challenges. He cited successful models from Pakistan, India, and Turkey, which have used digital platforms to educate large populations effectively.

Oby Ezekwesili also encouraged graduates to focus on acquiring relevant skills and attach their names to innovative solutions that address societal challenges.

Nexford University’s CEO, Fadl Al-Tarzi, praised Nigerian students for their resilience and ambition. He highlighted that 75% of NXU graduates have successfully transitioned into meaningful careers and entrepreneurial ventures.

Mr. Al-Tarzi also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to leveraging technology, noting that NXU has offered AI specializations for nearly five years and has integrated AI across all courses.

Founded in 2019, NXU is an American online university headquartered in Washington, DC, with thousands of Nigerian students enrolled in various programs, including:

• BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)

• MBA (Master of Business Administration)

• MSDT (Master of Science in Digital Transformation)

• MSDA (Master of Science in Data Analytics)

• MSE (Master of Science in Entrepreneurship)

Other notable awardees at the graduation ceremony included:

• Omolade Yusuf – Best Peer Mentor (BBA Program)

• Kayode Owoyemi – Outstanding Volunteer Award (MBA Program)

Mr. Ogundiran’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how online education can empower Nigerian students to achieve academic excellence and drive global impact.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION