AFRICA | A determined and excellence-driven young Nigerian lady named Ekunnimo Dare has earned his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with an impressive 3.75/4.00 CGPA from the University of Ibadan (UI).
His outstanding performance earned him recognition as the Overall Best Graduating Male Student in Civil Engineering and the Second Best Graduating Student in his department.
He graduated with First Class Honours, marking the culmination of years of discipline, resilience, and impact-driven leadership.
Dare's Story and How He Did It
Dare’s journey did not begin at UI. In 2019, he started at The Polytechnic Ibadan, where he pursued a National Diploma (ND) in Civil Engineering. He graduated with Distinction, emerging as the Best Graduating Student of his set.
Following this achievement, he completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Enugu State. Determined to deepen his expertise, he gained admission into UI through Direct Entry to pursue his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering.
The mission remained clear, pursue excellence and multiply impact. For Dare, excellence was never personal; it was collective.
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Throughout his time at UI, he intentionally ensured his colleagues improved academically by organizing structured tutorials, shared academic materials, and mentorship sessions.
At the Polytechnic, he co-founded HCT (HND Civil Tutorial), an academic support initiative that significantly improved student performance, and he continued forward during his undergraduate studies.
At UI, he established UICT (University of Ibadan Civil Tutorial), providing structured tutorials, solution guides, and academic resources that benefited numerous students.
He did not just pursue grades; he pursued growth and lifted others along the way. At UI, Dare served in multiple leadership capacities, including being a electoral Commissioner, Member, NICESA Representative Council, Electoral Commissioner, ZIK Hall, and President, Civil Engineering Department (2024/2025)
During his tenure as President, he successfully organized the 15th Annual Civil Engineering Conference, sustaining a culture of technical depth and professional engagement within the department.
Also, Dare interned at Segun Labiran Associates (SLA), a structural design firm, and Reynolds Construction Company (RCC)
He also participated in over 10–15 conferences, seminars, and inter-school competitions, including a strategic meeting in Lagos with the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers.
Additionally, Dare organised the Young Engineers Symposium, organized by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), a Professorial Inaugural Lecture at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and numerous technical seminars and professional gatherings.
These experiences sharpened his technical competence, leadership depth, and professional confidence.
Beyond academics and leadership, Dare’s journey was deeply rooted in faith. He was an active member of the Christ Apostolic Church Youth Fellowship (CACYOF), where he served in various leadership roles.
His spiritual discipline strengthened his resilience and grounded his ambition in purpose. Reflecting on his journey, Dare describes it as a representation of discipline, service-driven leadership, academic mastery, exposure beyond comfort zone, and impact beyond self
“I did not merely pursue grades. I pursued growth. I did not just aim to succeed. I aimed to lift others,” he said.
To his mentors, spiritual fathers, colleagues, friends, supporters, and family, Dare expressed heartfelt gratitude for all of their support and contributions.
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