Unlocking Excellence: Decoding The Essence Of Being The Best
Being the best is more than just a title; it’s a dedication to constant improvement and unwavering commitment to goals. For students, being the best goes beyond grades; it’s about embracing a mindset of curiosity, resilience, and continuous learning. It means seeing challenges as opportunities for growth and not as obstacles. The best students are not those who never fail but those who rise stronger after each setback. It’s about nurturing a passion for knowledge, a hunger for understanding, and a spirit of innovation. Being the best isn’t a static achievement; it’s a dynamic journey of self-discovery and constant elevation. It’s a commitment to excellence in every aspect of life, paving the way for a future marked by meaningful contributions and enduring success.
Being the best involves setting high standards for oneself, both academically and personally. It’s about understanding that true success isn’t just measured by external validation but by the internal satisfaction of knowing you’ve given your best effort. The best students engage in deep learning, seeking to understand the “why” behind the information rather than just memorizing facts.
Moreover, being the best extends beyond the academic realm. It’s about being a compassionate friend, a responsible member of the community, and a considerate collaborator. The best students are those who lead not only with intelligence but also with empathy. They recognize that their actions impact not just their own journey but also the journeys of those around them.
Being the best requires resilience in the face of challenges. It’s an acknowledgment that setbacks are not failures but stepping stones toward improvement. The best students view mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow, fostering a mindset that values the process as much as the outcome.
Becoming the best is a comprehensive endeavour that involves excelling academically, developing personally, and making positive contributions to the community. It requires a continuous commitment to self-improvement, innovation, and pursuing one’s passions. As students embark on this journey, they realize that excellence is not a destination but an ongoing evolution toward a brighter and more fulfilling future.
This article is a continuation of part 1. I highly recommend reading it before proceeding.
Let’s Learn From These Top Students
#1
Oluwatoyin Naheemah Tijani, the Best Graduating Student of the 2020/2021 Academic Session at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), shared her inspiring life story during the 30th Convocation. She described her journey as more than just academic success, highlighting her resilience and determination to overcome personal and societal challenges. Tijani studied nutrition and dietetics and achieved a GPA of 4.90/5.0, making her one of the top students in the history of the university to accomplish such a feat.
Oluwatoyin recounted the loss of her father and the support she received from her family, especially her brother, who stepped in as a father figure. She also expressed gratitude for her loving husband and child, acknowledging the difficulties of balancing motherhood with academics. She credited her family for their support and emphasized the importance of not letting personal circumstances become excuses for failure.
She also recognized the Dean of her College, dedicated lecturers, and the school’s management for their commitment to education and nurturing young minds. Oluwatoyin encouraged her fellow graduands to embrace challenges with courage and conviction, urging them to be trailblazers, innovators, empathetic leaders, and change-makers in their generation.
#2
Nelson Elijah Ifechukwu, a student in the Department of Electrical Electronics Engineering at Covenant University, emerged as the best-graduating student (2022/2023 academic session) with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.98 during the 18th convocation ceremony on September 29, 2023. He maintained a straight A and scored just one B throughout his time in school, outperforming 1175 other graduating students. Elijah is also an alumnus of Deeper Life High School and has a background in Robotic Engineering, working on projects involving artificial intelligence (AI) such as CamAI and a Quadocopter.
#3
Lawal Omolola Blessing was the top graduating student of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Obafemi Awolowo University for the 2021/2022 academic session, achieving a GPA of 4.72. Hailing from Iwo, Osun State, she comes from a family of 5. Her father, an OAU alumnus, was an engineer, and her mother is a civil servant. She lost her father 8 years ago. She is also a budding data scientist and Python developer with a few years of experience. Since gaining admission, she has made conscious efforts to graduate with excellent grades, believing that anything worth doing is worth doing well. Her choice of friends greatly influenced her grades, as they were all focused on academics and encouraged each other to give their best.
She prioritized her studies and remained focused on achieving her goals throughout her time in the faculty of Pharmacy. She avoided engaging in any romantic relationship until her final year to focus on her academic work. Her advice to students aiming for academic excellence is to dream big, prioritize their goals, and seek guidance from God.
#4
Meet Oluwanifemi Favour Olajuyigbe, the top female engineering graduate in Nigeria. She graduated from the Federal University of Technology, Akure with a CGPA of 4.93, the highest among female engineering students in 2023. She was honoured with the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Best Graduating Female Student of Engineering in Nigeria Award at the association’s Annual International Conference/AGM on September 20, 2023. The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, congratulated her for this remarkable achievement, recognizing her as a beacon of hope for the future. APWEN is dedicated to advancing the professional development of female engineers and inspiring young girls to pursue STEM fields.
Also, she was awarded the Aramide Adeyoye Prize for the Highest CGPA Female Graduating Student in Public University across the Nation. Olajuyigbe achieved an exceptional cumulative GPA of 4.93/5.0, earning her a place on the department’s Academic Roll of Honour. She consistently made the Dean’s Honours List from her first year to her final year, with her lowest semester GPA at an impressive 4.87.
In addition to her academic achievements, Olajuyigbe was a recipient of the MTN Foundation Science & Technology Scholarship, which she held from her 300 level to 500 level. She also received the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Students (NIEEES) Excellence Award in her 3rd year.
Olajuyigbe is passionate about data science and machine learning, with a focus on their practical application in solving real-world problems and optimizing diverse systems. She is a member of professional bodies such as the Network of Nigerian Women in STEM (NWiSTEM), Data Scientists Network (DSN), and Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Students (NIEEES). She is also an active member of Dynamicity, a platform dedicated to the professional development of young individuals and undergraduates.
Olajuyigbe believes that determination and perseverance are key to success and is grateful for the opportunity to be an inspiration and role model to female engineering students and all aspiring students.
#5
Enoch Olanrewaju Akinleye, the top graduate of the University of Ilorin’s Biochemistry department in 2021, achieved a remarkable 4.96 CGPA. Despite facing numerous setbacks, he persevered and excelled. A committed Christian with a passion for music, Enoch comes from a family of five boys, with him being the fourth child, and hails from Ogbomosho in Oyo State. He worked hard to avoid getting a B in any course, starting from the 100 level.
In an interview, Enoch emphasized the importance of mindset in academic success, stating that one’s self-perception significantly impacts their performance in tests and examinations. He shared several key philosophies for success, including developing an excellent spirit, maintaining strong self-esteem, collaborating with high-achieving peers and seniors, consciously choosing one’s circle of influence, embracing failure, and practising self-management.
Enoch also stressed the significance of setting clear goals and celebrating small victories. He encouraged students to prioritize their pursuits and activities by writing down their vision.
Attention All Undergraduate Students!
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#6
Chika Juan Stephen, a shining example of beauty and brains, has shattered records at Bells University by graduating as the top student of the 2016/2017 set with an impressive 4.97 Cumulative Grade Point Average in Accounting. She received five awards at her convocation, recognizing her outstanding achievements during her four years of study.
#7
Nigerian twin sisters, Divine and Miracle Gosioha, have graduated as the best students in their respective departments at Near East University in Nicosia, Cyprus, achieving 100% first-class grades. Their father is extremely proud of their achievement.
The sisters, who hail from Aba, Anambra State in South-East Nigeria, shared in a TikTok video that their father was involved in a serious accident that fractured his thigh bone just as they were preparing to further their studies in Cyprus. Despite this setback, their father was determined to support his daughters with the limited resources he had. After they traveled abroad, their father faced ridicule for investing in the education of his daughters outside Nigeria.
After four years, Miracle graduated with a perfect GPA of 4.00 in Journalism, while Divine finished with a GPA of 3.95 in International Law, both ranking as the top students in their respective fields.
At their graduation ceremony, the twins were elegantly dressed, radiating joy and fulfillment as they celebrated their accomplishments and made their parents the happiest in the world.
In a viral video, the sisters expressed their desire to inspire others by sharing their story and encouraging people to pursue their dreams, emphasizing that one’s destiny is not determined by others. The video was captioned: “Your story isn’t finished until God says so.”
Having An “Impossibility Mindset” Can Prevent You From Achieving Super Success
Throughout history, countless individuals have defied the notion of impossibility. Innovators, scientists, and leaders have broken through barriers that seemed insurmountable. Students should see challenges as opportunities to showcase resilience and creativity. Change the mindset that education is a scam. Determination is crucial for achieving great success.
It’s important to recognize that the mind is a powerful tool, capable of shaping reality. Believing something is impossible creates a mental barrier, but those who challenge this concept often achieve feats deemed unimaginable.
As students and young people, I encourage you to start seeing obstacles as stepping stones. Embracing challenges with curiosity and determination can open up a realm of untapped potential and endless possibilities.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) celebrated exceptional academic achievement at its 54th convocation ceremonies (from January 14th-21st, 2024), where seven Master’s degree students graduated with a perfect CGPA of 5.0. The brilliant master’s degree graduates who recorded the significant milestone include:
a. Gabriel Olamidotun Isenere (M.Sc in Economics)
b. Nnadube Jonathan Ejiogu (Master of Art in English Literature)
c. Olabode Johnson Ojo (M.Sc in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering)
d. Okpara Paul Orji (Master of Art in Philosophy)
e. Rauf Olayiwola Hassan (M.Sc in Civil and Environmental Engineering)
f. Onyinye Ginika Aniekwe (M.Sc in Medical Microbiology)
g. Joseph Nosa Bruno (M.Sc in Civil and Environmental Engineering)
Dear friend, the only thing holding you back is the mental barrier you’ve created. Embrace change and strive to be your best this academic session. You have the potential to succeed beyond your wildest imagination. #Believe in yourself!