A brilliant young man named Olusegun Francis has emerged as the overall best graduating student of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Nigeria, after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a perfect 5.00/5.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
He made history as the first student to achieve the remarkable academic feat at the university. Olusegun’s achievement is particularly outstanding because he maintained a perfect grade point average throughout his undergraduate studies, completing eight semesters without dropping a single grade point.
Behind this record-breaking performance were years of hard work, personal sacrifices, self-discipline, and a determination to achieve a goal he had set for himself early in his university journey.
Olusegun's Story and How He Did It
Olusegun’s passion for Mathematics began in primary school. His natural connection with the subject eventually influenced his decision to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at the University of Ilorin in 2021.
Although he entered university with a desire to excel academically, the ambition to graduate with a perfect 5.00 CGPA developed after he saw his results during his first year.
Reflecting on the moment, he explained that his 100-level results made him realise that achieving a perfect score might be possible, even though no student had accomplished the feat before him.
He had initially set his sights on becoming the best graduating student, but as his academic performance improved, he added another goal graduate with a perfect CGPA. And beyond liking the course, the discipline involves abstract reasoning, complex calculations, logical thinking, and the ability to understand and apply mathematical theories to different problems.
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To stay ahead, Olusegun developed a study system that worked for him rather than relying entirely on a rigid timetable. He made a habit of reviewing what lecturers taught on the same day, revisiting difficult concepts, and seeking additional learning resources whenever he needed a clearer understanding of a topic.
He also recognised that academic success required mental preparation. While he worked hard to maintain his grades, he admitted that he sometimes felt he was not doing enough, describing himself as his own toughest critic.
Nevertheless, he continued learning, adapting, and improving throughout his undergraduate years. His journey also extended beyond the classroom. Olusgun explored technology, participated in sports and extracurricular activities, took up leadership responsibilities, and engaged in counselling, consulting, and community service.
At the Mathematical Science Students’ Research Association (MASSRA), he served as Deputy Research Director, contributing to the academic and research community within his department.
Despite his outstanding results, Olusegun’s journey was not without difficulties. During his first year, his mobile phone broke down and could not be repaired before his first-semester examinations, making it difficult to access the digital resources he needed for studying.
A friend eventually helped by lending him a spare device, allowing him to continue preparing for his examinations.
Another challenge he faces was financial difficulties, however, rather than allowing these circumstances to affect his ambitions, he sought assistance when necessary and continued working towards his goals.
Olusegun explained that his parents did not have formal education, meaning much of the responsibility for setting and pursuing his academic ambitions rested on him.
“I pushed myself because I knew what I wanted to achieve,” he said, reflecting on the determination that sustained him throughout his studies.
He also acknowledged the support of his family, friends, church members, lecturers, mentors, and departmental alumni, whose encouragement and assistance helped him navigate difficult periods.
After four years of academic commitment, Olusegun Francis graduated from the University of Ilorin with a perfect 5.00/5.00 CGPA in Mathematics, earning recognition as the institution’s overall best graduating student for the 2025/2026 graduating class.
Sharing the achievement on LinkedIn, Olusegun reflected on how a question he once asked himself had become his reality: how could one student emerge as the overall best graduating student when tens of thousands of students had passed through the university?
Olusegun described the milestone as the result of hard work, dedication, personal growth, and the willingness to develop a study system suited to his strengths. He also expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him, acknowledging that his journey involved much more than individual effort.
Beyond his undergraduate achievement, Olusegun has developed research interests at the intersection of mathematical modelling, machine learning, and public health.
His undergraduate thesis examined numerical solutions to fractional differential equations using the Least Squares Method and Shifted Hermite Polynomials, reflecting his interest in applying mathematical techniques to complex problems.
He is particularly interested in mathematical epidemiology, infectious disease modelling, tumour dynamics, and artificial intelligence and machine learning engineering.
Outside research, Olusegun has also contributed to education through free Mathematics tutoring, student mentorship, and outreach programmes for secondary school students. Looking forward, he is seeking internships, scholarships, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities that will help him deepen his expertise and pursue his research interests.
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