Co-best graduate at the University of Lagos, Damilare Adebakin, speaks with AJIBADE OMAPE on how balancing academics with other aspects of his life was instrumental in achieving such a remarkable feat at the prestigious university...READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE |
Can you share a bit of your background with us?
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I am a native of Ogun State, grew up in Abeokuta, and had my primary school education at Saint Birgitta Nursery and Primary School, Abeokuta. Then I proceeded to Abeokuta Grammar School, where I had my secondary education. I am from a family of five. I graduated as the joint overall best-graduating student of the University of Lagos with a perfect CGPA of 5.0.
Would you say your upbringing affected or influenced your pursuit of academic success?
My parents played a crucial role in my development. I grew up in a community where many kids were guided into apprenticeships after their secondary education and became independent, but my parents prioritised tertiary education.
My dad would always express his belief that the best thing a parent can give a child is a strong educational foundation. He and my mum were the champions of ensuring that kids had a proper educational foundation.
How does it feel to be the joint best-graduating student at the University of Lagos?
One word: I feel eximious (distinguished). I began this journey with the goal of earning a 5.0 grade point every semester, and I had the conviction that it was possible. Uncertainty sometimes throws one off balance, and it breeds fear that can inhibit movement. I am grateful that I delved into the uncertain, strove, and achieved results by the grace of Allah. I am immensely grateful to Allah for His blessings upon me.
What motivated you to pursue a degree in Cell Biology and Genetics?
Upon gaining admission into Cell Biology and Genetics, I resolved to give it my all. I always wanted to study Medicine and Surgery but could only gain admission into the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics. I recall wondering what Cell Biology and Genetics as a course stood for. I did not even know it existed.
However, after spending more than four years in the department, I am very glad I did not take the opportunity lightly. Even medical students now appreciate the research and work done by Cell Biology and Genetics specialists. The contribution of molecular biology and genetics to our survival during the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be emphasised enough.
Maintaining a 5.0 GPA is no small feat. What study habits or strategies helped you achieve this academic excellence?
Up to this point, I am still learning about myself. Every individual is unique, and finding what works for one is an iterative process. Anyone can achieve their dreams as long as they are willing to begin the journey and learn. The essential characteristics we must all embody are perseverance, patience, fortitude, sufferance, grit, humility, courage, determination, and high moral conduct.
In my first year at the university, I frequented the library a lot. But I noticed that after two weeks, I would fall sick. This happened repeatedly until I realised it was due to sitting for too long and being sedentary. Following that realisation, I reduced the time I spent in the library and instead read more in my room, giving time for study breaks, rest, and exercise.
Was there any particular challenge you faced during your time at the University of Lagos, and how did you overcome it?
Some challenges I faced included health issues because I did not realise my study habits were not suitable for my kind of person. Success requires that a person starts and strives.
Along the journey, there will be numerous obstacles, but as long as a person does not give up, they will keep learning how to overcome those obstacles, and this will translate into becoming a better version of oneself.
Another challenge was doing many things at the same time. I was chasing 5.0 GPA every semester, yet I was also learning the Qur’an and its proper recitation. I was also learning the Chinese language as a student at the Confucius Institute, University of Lagos.
There was also a time when I had to be at the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu three times weekly for a Data Science fellowship while writing my final year project and preparing for exams. What I have learnt from doing many things at the same time is that it is better to prioritise mastery over versatility.
I would advise that students study diligently and aim for mastery in any other thing that they have an interest in, rather than doing too many things at once.
Did you always aim for a perfect GPA, or was it something that gradually became a goal as you progressed?
A 5.0 GPA was my goal right from the start. Alhamdulillah. Excellence should be the goal of every human being in everything we do, and it is possible to achieve it. What matters is the belief we hold in our hearts; gradually, that belief becomes our reality.
Beyond academics, were you involved in extracurricular activities, research, or internships, and how did you balance them with your studies?
I was the captain of my department’s football team. I was the chairperson of the final year field trip, where I redesigned the trip to involve exploring a city and staying in a comfortable residence. I also had internships at ACUTIGenetics Nigeria Limited and the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta. At FMCA, I worked with Dr. Ramat Faro-Tella, a sincere leader who focused on my all-around development and nurturing.
I also participated in a deep learning project at the Sprint AI Training for Medical Imaging Knowledge Translation Academy, where we aimed to develop a deep learning algorithm for brain tumour segmentation. I also founded TechBio, a non-profit initiative that provides free data science and soft skills training to underrepresented students studying life sciences in Nigerian universities.
Who or what would you say played the biggest role in your academic success?
The Department of Cell Biology and Genetics played a very big role in my success. Before I gained admission into the university, I heard numerous stories about how lecturers in Nigerian universities were difficult to relate to.
I heard about those who would say “A is for God, B is for themselves,” and the remaining grades are what students can strive for. That even made me reserved and anxious. However, I found lecturers in the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, to be very receptive. They wanted the best for us. They were even very proactive whenever a student had a missing script.
One of my colleagues wrote a number of her exams in the hospital due to the challenges of being a sickle cell warrior. Yet, they created an environment in the hospital that allowed her to write her exams without disruption. My course adviser even organised study sessions for the girl in the hospital to ensure she was prepared and had adequate revision.
I also had immense support from my family and mentors. They were the rock that a young lad like me stood on. This is why I always say, I achieved the feat by standing on the shoulders of elders. Above all, I am grateful to Allah for His blessings and glorious plans.
Was there any moment during your studies when you felt overwhelmed or discouraged? How did you push through?
Yes. At the beginning of every semester, I always felt anxious, wondering if it would be possible to achieve a 5.0 again. But what mattered was not overthinking or worrying over the matter; it was sticking to diligence and the habits that worked for me.
Many students struggle with motivation and focus. What advice would you give to those aspiring for academic excellence?
I would advise that we all strive to build a supportive environment right from our homes, then in our schools, workplaces, and elsewhere. Some youths just need someone to tell them that they are capable and loved. These elements of support from homes, schools, and workplaces are beginning to be lost in our society.
Broken homes are also increasing, and people are beginning to ignore their responsibilities. We must all know that each individual is just a unit of a larger society and a representative of what surrounds him or her.
On an individual note, I would say to all students: do not seek external validation before believing that Allah has blessed you with enough potential to succeed, and do not procrastinate. You can always write a new story.
With a degree in Cell Biology and Genetics, what are your career aspirations?
I am very open-minded at the moment. I am open to opportunities in industry and academia.
How do you think Nigeria can improve its support for students pursuing careers in science and research?
I think Nigeria should define clearly what contribution fresh graduates should be capable of making to economic development. Beyond the National Youth Service Corps, I think there should be something the government expects from fresh graduates.
The government should create an environment in schools that enables that. It could be technological advancement, research, social impact, and more. I see that once the goal is clearly defined, the path to achieving it can be constructed.
If you could change anything about the Nigerian education system, what would it be, and why?
The Nigerian education system appears to be focused more on theory than on combining theories with practical applications. Yes, there have been strides made to correct this, but more still has to be done.
The time when students are in universities and focused on their studies with little responsibility is when their minds and talents can be harnessed and polished. We, as a country, are missing out on this huge opportunity to harness the potential of our youth, which could be a means to national development.
What message do you have for students who want to excel but face financial, academic, or personal difficulties?
Always remember that life is unscripted. No one is guaranteed anything in particular for tomorrow. Where you are now does not necessarily have a direct link to where you will be or what you will become.
Scholars of Islam have explained in great detail that the obstacles to success arise when a person blames everything else but themselves.
A person may say he grew up in a local area, or complain that his parents were not rich, or even think that he is not cut out for success. We must know that what is required of us is to strive. Perhaps a person would strive and even get more than he hopes for.
A very essential component is that a person has very good thoughts of the Divine—Allah—and does not think that everything is superficial. How often is a beautiful flower produced from a plant growing in the dirt? Do not let your circumstances define you.
In addition, I extend love and support to every individual who has faced some trauma growing up. Society does not speak about these things, but they happen, and I say to everyone who has faced some trauma: you are valued, you are capable, and you are deserving of so much goodness, kindness, and love.
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