Our Success Secrets – 18 UNILAG Female First-Class Graduates

DDM News

Determination and discipline helped me achieve success — Oyindamola Arikawe

Oyindamola Arikawe reflects on how her background shaped her academic journey, crediting her parents for their significant influence.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that her mother, a school owner, and her father, a firm advocate of excellence, instilled in her the drive to excel in all endeavors.

They encouraged her and her siblings with gifts for academic excellence, fostering a competitive and high-achieving spirit.

Graduating with a first-class degree was not accidental for Oyindamola; it was a deliberate goal.

She aspired to excel and became the second-best graduating student in her department.

Despite facing challenges like procrastination and balancing academics with other commitments, she learned the importance of prioritizing tasks.

Her success was anchored in her relationship with God, determination, diligence, and discipline.

She advises students to give their best, trust God, and not limit themselves.

Oyindamola also encourages them to volunteer and actively participate in other activities.

First-class was always my goal — Temiloluwa Igbinlade

For Temiloluwa Igbinlade, excelling academically was intentional from the beginning.

She was inspired to achieve a first-class after earning a perfect 5.0 GPA in her first semester of 100 level.

Her passion for talking, writing, and making an impact initially led her to study Mass Communication.

Over time, she fell in love with film and production, even having a script selected for coursework production.

Her secret to success is simple: God.

She urges students to trust God, set clear targets, and take things one step at a time.

Temiloluwa balanced her academic success with a social life, staying active in fellowship, hosting programs, and participating in stage plays.

I combined hard work with prayers — Ifedayo Ayilaran

Ifedayo Ayilaran was clear about her academic goals from the start.

Motivated by her enthusiasm from high school, she set her sights on a first-class degree and committed to going above and beyond the norm.

She acknowledges the importance of God’s grace in blessing her hard work and credits consistent prayers for her success.

During her final year, Ifedayo discovered a passion for finance.

This newfound interest led to an internship with a bank abroad, which eventually turned into a full-time job.

She believes her Mass Communication degree provided valuable transferable skills that set the stage for her budding career in finance.

I’ve always wanted to excel — Ifeoma Iwelunmor

Ifeoma Iwelunmor’s childhood struggles with academics motivated her to improve.

Competing with her twin sister, who was naturally brilliant, inspired her to excel.

A turning point came in primary six when she received the “Most Improved Student” award after a significant leap in her performance.

Determined to succeed, Ifeoma consistently aimed for excellence, achieving the highest grade point in her first semester as a diploma student.

However, her journey was not without challenges like anxiety, insomnia, and a short attention span.

She credits prayer, consistent study, and relaxation for her academic success.

Her ultimate goal is to excel as a public relations professional and content marketer.

I made first-class to prove people wrong — Chelsea Jegede

Chelsea Jegede’s parents’ investment in her education inspired her to repay them by excelling academically.

Although they never pressured her, their joy at her achievements motivated her to aim higher.

Her determination to prove naysayers wrong was another driving force, especially when told that earning a first-class in her department was nearly impossible.

Chelsea’s success formula includes hard work, discipline, ambition, and her faith in Jesus Christ.

She emphasizes the role of grace in achieving her goals.

I’ll be getting more degrees — Opeyemi Kareem

Opeyemi Kareem’s routine as a student was structured and intense, especially during exams.

She dedicated long hours to studying, balancing academics with rest to ensure productivity.

Her determination to continue excelling after being the valedictorian in secondary school fueled her pursuit of a first-class degree.

Challenges such as large class sizes and frequent strikes tested her resolve, but she persevered.

Opeyemi attributes her success to God and aims to further solidify her career by pursuing advanced degrees.

Her ultimate goal is to become a specialist in the field of communication.

I almost gave up — Feranmi Abiola

For Feranmi Abiola, balancing school with a budding career in cinematography and editing was challenging.

She juggled multiple jobs while pursuing her degree, often contemplating dropping out.

Despite her struggles, she remained determined, reminding herself of how far she had come.

Her success was fueled by God, determination, and support from loved ones.

Feranmi rejects the stereotype that first-class students are boring, as she was highly social, attending parties and participating in various activities, including sports and politics.

One can excel academically and socially — Ahuruele Akani

Ahuruele Akani’s academic journey was not without its hurdles.

She faced challenges such as group projects with uncooperative teammates, systemic inefficiencies, and demanding lecturers.

However, she maintained a positive outlook, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Originally aspiring to study Economics, she discovered her passion for Mass Communication, which became a fulfilling choice.

Her mantra of “consistency over intensity” guided her to success.

Ahuruele balanced academics with an active social life, proving that excellence in both areas is achievable.

Health challenges didn’t stop me from excelling — Eniola Daramola

Born into a privileged family, Eniola Daramola was driven to uphold her family’s legacy of achievement.

Her determination to succeed academically was tested by severe health challenges, including a debilitating ulcer.

Through healthier habits, medical advice, and her faith in God, she managed to overcome these obstacles.

Eniola’s parents and peers were instrumental in her success, constantly motivating her to aim higher.

Known as “Mummy Mass Communication,” she felt a responsibility to inspire others and uphold her reputation.

Family issues almost distracted me — Peace Onuoha

For Peace Onuoha, breaking her family’s educational record was a significant motivator.

Coming from a background where no one had graduated from university, she was determined to make history.

Although she initially wanted to study law, circumstances led her to Mass Communication, where she resolved to graduate with a first-class.

Her journey was fraught with personal challenges, including family crises that nearly derailed her focus.

Peace credits her success to God, grace, consistency, and the strength she drew from supportive relationships.

Success beyond academics

These 18 female first-class graduates from UNILAG share a common thread of determination, resilience, and reliance on God.

Their stories reveal that success is not solely about academic performance but also about personal growth, overcoming challenges, and inspiring others.

Their collective achievements demonstrate that with the right mindset, support system, and faith, success is attainable in any field.

These women have not only excelled academically but also carved paths for future endeavors, proving that success is a journey, not a destination.

By showcasing their individual journeys, these graduates inspire others to pursue excellence, regardless of the challenges they may face.

From overcoming health issues to balancing careers and academics, their stories are a testament to the power of determination and the role of faith in achieving success.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook