•Lawal, 20, emerges overall best graduate with 4.97 CGPA

By Gabriel Dike

At the recent convocation of Babcock University (BU), Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Oyiza Fatimah Lawal, stood tall among 3,568 graduating students as she emerged overall best graduate with 4.97CGPA. It is highest CGPA in the history of the university.

She told Daily Sun how strike forced her to abandon pursuit of admission in a public university, her Babcock journey and study style.

Tell us about your primary and secondary education and JAMB results.

I attended Pampers Private School, Alaka, Lagos and served as the Head Girl. I came out as the second overall best pupil of my set (2015). I went to the Secondary School arm of my primary school, Rainbow College Surulere. I also served as the Head Girl and was the valedictorian/best graduating student of my set (2021).

I took the May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In WASSCE, I had 8A1s (Mathematics, Civic Education, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Food and Nutrition, Catering Craft, and Computer Studies) and 1B2 (English Language). I scored 304 in the UTME

How many times did you write JAMB or WAEC?

I wrote WAEC and JAMB once.

Did your parents influence your choice of university and course?

No my parents did not influence my choice of university and course. They have always been supportive and have always allowed me follow my own path and make my decisions. I knew I wanted to study Economics from SS1 despite being a science student. After doing the subject in school for about two terms, I fell in love with it and became very passionate about it, hence my decision to study it in the University.

I considered three universities, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Babcock and Pan-Atlantic University. My first choice was UNILAG but the school was on strike at the time and I wasn’t sure when it would be called off. I went with my second choice and I don’t regret it at all.

How did you usually prepare for exams?

Usually I ensure that I’ve read every aspect of the course at least once or twice before the examination. I don’t pull all nighters or do much reading during exams, just revision and past questions. I do not like to feel stressed or anxious so, I ensure I’m prepared at least a week to exams. Additionally, I understood myself and the reading pattern that worked for me.

I barely ever read late at night except if I absolutely had to due to a very busy day. I always read early in the morning, sometimes as early as 4.00am, I would read till maybe 11.00am on days when I don’t have class, but I take a lot of breaks in between. I also don’t read in the library, it’s too quiet for me also; I read the most comprehensive version of any course note or handout. It helps me understand the concept completely, I never read summaries, having all possible information in my head helps me create my own summary then put that down during the examination.

Can you describe your journey to making a First Class?

Being a First Class student was non negotiable for me. It was a goal I had set since I knew what first class meant. What I worked towards mostly was trying to be the overall best graduating student. I had set this goal since I started at Babcock University. I ensured I was consistent in every thing I did, from reading to attending classes. Consistency gives excellent results.

I showed up every semester no matter how stressful it was because when trying to be the best, every mark matters. I also created time for other aspects of my life, like spending time with friends and talking to my family regularly, reading novels, personal time, social activities. Pouring into these other aspects of my life gave me the energy and motivation I needed to achieve my goals.

At what point did you realise you emerged best overall graduate?

I realised I was the best overall graduate at the graduating class banquet during the convocation week. The highest CGPAs in each school (faculty) and department were called. Mine, 4.97, Department of Economics, Veronica Adeleke School of Social Sciences, was the highest.

Will you take to lecturing if offered a job in BU?

I’ve learnt to never to say never in life, and I don’t know what God’s plans for me are. However, academia is not in my plan at the moment. I don’t think I will take the job

Do you think free university education is possible in Nigeria?

Yes, I think it is possible. It’s just a matter of making education a priority in the economy, as well as ensuring that the ROI is as high as possible. This means making education, particularly university education, as practical as possible, ensuring that students are learning not only theories but also how to apply these theories to grow and develop the economy.

With the large number of candidates every year seeking admissions, do you think we need more universities?

I don’t think we need more universities, there are barely enough jobs for the graduates being produced by the universities. We need to be more diverse with education. Give people an opportunity to attend technical/trade schools by making them available and affordable.

Sensitise the people on the value they add and the entrepreneurial opportunities. This will allow for more entrepreneurs, leading to innovation and development. It will reduce the pressure on the existing conventional universities, as well the pressure on the job market

Which of these did you achieve, break BU record with the highest CGPA, department or school?

Highest in Babcock University at the moment. Highest in the Faculty and highest in the department for 2025.

Who is Oyiza Lawal?

I am Oyiza Fatimah Lawal, 20 years of age. I’m from Kogi State, Okene Local Government. I am the first born from a family of three children, I have two younger sisters. My father is software developer and my mum is a beauty products entrepreneur.