AFRICA | A brilliant Nigerian man named Animashaun Paul has graduated from Lagos State University, Nigeria, with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, finishing with first-class honours and an impressive 4.82 cumulative grade point average (CGPA).
His remarkable performance earned him the award of Best Graduating Student in the university’s Department of Psychology.
Celebrating his achievement, Paul took to LinkedIn to reflect on his journey. For him, it was more than just a chase for grades—it was four years of stretching limits, discovering purpose, and growing in unexpected ways.
He shared how he started his academic journey with a 4.42 GPA in his first semester, the lowest he ever had, and gradually rose to a level where he earned a perfect 5.00 GPA multiple times across eight semesters.
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Aside from academics, he was also involved in other activities that added to his growth. Paul worked as a videographer, took on data analysis and research support gigs, and built a strong portfolio as a freelance creative designer.
During his second year, he developed a deep research interest, which led to co-authoring three publications before his graduation. That same creative spirit pushed him to lead design campaigns, including Lagos State University’s first-ever mental health awareness initiative.
He also rekindled his passion for frontend development—something he started before university. Though the academic schedule made consistency difficult, a collaborative project with his best friend reminded him that growth comes with persistence, not perfection.
Alongside graduating top of his department, he was recognized among the top two best graduating students in the Faculty of Social Sciences and received multiple honors for his contributions in academic and extracurricular activities.
Paul won an award as the winner of the Okunola Mg Memorial Essay Competition, was the Best Speaker, LASUSPA Pharmacology Debate, and won the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence and Recognition.
As he looks ahead, Paul is eager to delve deeper into the psychology of addiction, especially substance-related issues. He expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and the KAAPIT squad for their constant support.
He also thanked his mentor, Pedepo Emmanuel, for igniting his passion for psychology from the very beginning, and appreciated his course adviser and lecturers who helped shape his journey.
For Paul, the achievement is not just a conclusion. It is the beginning of something greater—a launchpad into a future filled with purpose and impact.
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