AFRICA| A brilliant Nigerian man named Ajayi David Bamidele has achieved outstanding academic success, emerging as the Overall Best Graduating Student of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU).
He achieved this success, earning a First Class degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering with an exceptional 4.89 CGPA. David’s achievement is even more inspiring because his journey did not begin smoothly.
Before reaching this milestone, he wrote WAEC three times and initially scored 199 in JAMB, setbacks that could have discouraged many students. Instead, he transformed those struggles into motivation, eventually graduating with record-breaking excellence.
David's Story and How He Did It
David’s early academic path was far from perfect. He faced repeated examination challenges and had to rewrite important qualifying exams before finally gaining admission. But rather than give up, he chose persistence.
In 2019, he began his academic journey at Olabisi Onabanjo University, determined to rewrite his story. From that moment, he committed himself to consistent improvement, discipline, and hard work.
Five years later, that determination paid off historically. David not only graduated with distinction, but he also made history.
He emerged as the overall Best Graduating Student of OOU, Best Graduating Student, College of Engineering and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, and the Highest CGPA ever recorded in the Faculty of Engineering.
David’s brilliance attracted widespread recognition throughout his undergraduate journey. He received eight different scholarships from reputable foundations, showing that his excellence consistently earned support and recognition beyond the classroom.
Among the numerous awards he received are the Chancellor’s Prize for Best All-Round Graduating Student, Vice-Chancellor’s Prize, Best Academically Overall Graduating Student Award, and Faculty and Departmental Prizes for Academic Excellence.
He was also awarded the Dr. Raymond Zard Scholarship Prize, the Oba Gbadebo (Alake of Egbaland) Prize for best student, OOU Alumni Abeokuta Chapter Prize for Outstanding Academic Excellence, Osogbo Alumni Chapter Award, and College of Engineering and Environmental Studies Prize
These awards reflect sustained scholarly excellence across all levels of his study. David’s achievements went beyond classroom performance. While still an undergraduate, he recorded three peer-reviewed publications in international academic journals, an uncommon achievement for many students at that level.
This shows that his academic journey was not just about passing exams but contributing to knowledge within his field.
While delivering his valedictory speech, David reflected emotionally on his journey, acknowledging how far he had come.
“As I stepped onto the stage to deliver my valedictory speech, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far God has brought me. Years of tears, prayers, setbacks, laughter, and perseverance finally paid off,” he said.
He also revealed a part of his story that many students can relate to: “I wrote WASSCE three times. My first JAMB score was 199/400. Truly, nothing is impossible when the required work is put in, and God is involved.”
David’s journey encourages students to keep pushing, keep improving, and keep believing in their journey. “Grateful. Honoured. Focused. Congratulations to me,” he concluded.
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