AFRICA | Young man who worked as a gateman and teacher to pay his school fees finally graduates, bags bachelors degree with 4.58 first-class.
A young Nigerian man, Balogun Emmanuel Olorunfemi, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology with a first-class CGPA of 4.58 from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Nigeria.
Celebrating his achievement, Emmanuel reflected on the immense challenges he faced during his academic journey, expressing gratitude for his resilience and the support he received along the way.
In 2017, Emmanuel gained admission to FUTA, marking the start of a difficult yet rewarding path.
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His arrival in Akure was met with immediate challenges—he had no place to stay. Fortunately, a school proprietor, Mr. Fadare Tolulope, extended a helping hand by offering him accommodation and a teaching position at his newly established school in Ilara-Mokin, Nigeria.
While striving to excel academically, Emmanuel’s struggles intensified when his mother, a midwife, suffered a partial stroke, affecting her ability to work.
Determined not to give up, he balanced his studies with multiple jobs, including teaching at the school, providing home tutoring services, and running a laundry business.
In his second year, Emmanuel found stability when a generous friend and his family welcomed him into their home. This act of kindness gave him the opportunity to focus more on his studies, though he continued to work tirelessly to support himself.
Emmanuel’s third year brought its own set of challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. He moved back in with Mr. Fadare, who had relocated his property management business to Akure.
To earn more income, Emmanuel took on a full-time teaching position while maintaining his tutoring and laundry services. However, this period was fraught with difficulties, including an incident where he accidentally left a client’s clothes in a taxi.
Coupled with the withdrawal of financial support from an organization that had been assisting with his tuition, Emmanuel faced a significant drop in his CGPA and severe financial strain.
At his lowest point, Emmanuel contemplated giving up on his dreams. But the encouragement of his mentor and the unwavering support of his departmental mother reignited his determination.
To make ends meet, Emmanuel worked as a night-shift security guard while continuing his teaching, tutoring, and laundry jobs. Despite these demands, he remained focused on his academics, even taking on additional 500-level courses to graduate with his peers.
Through sheer determination and faith, Emmanuel successfully completed his studies, graduating with first-class honors. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed profound gratitude to all those who contributed to his success.
“The journey was not easy, but by the grace of God and the support of kind-hearted individuals, I made it. I hope my story inspires others to keep pushing, no matter the challenges they face,” he said.
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