Son of Firewood Seller Emerges Best Graduating Student at Abiola Ajimobi University

It was an emotional day at the 3rd and 4th combined convocation ceremony of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University (AATU) as Uthman Oloyede, the son of a firewood seller and a secondary school teacher, was celebrated as the best graduating student of the 2023/2024 academic session. Uthman, who studied Physics with Electronics at the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, graduated with an exceptional Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.98.

In a powerful valedictory speech, Uthman recounted his difficult journey to academic excellence, including sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) five times before gaining admission on a scholarship. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family for their unwavering support, particularly his parents, whom he described as the backbone of his success. He also acknowledged the Chairman of Lagelu Local Government for sponsoring his education under a local scholarship scheme.

Uthman paid tribute to the Oyo State Government for creating opportunities for students from underprivileged backgrounds, stating that the support made his university dream a reality. Reflecting on his academic journey, he revealed that he earned 55 A’s and only 2 B’s throughout his university career, achieving a perfect 5.0 GPA in six out of eight semesters.

He also spoke of his time as the Ameer of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) at AATU, balancing academic excellence with leadership responsibilities. “Serving a higher purpose and sacrificing for a noble cause does not hinder one’s progress—it propels it,” he said.

The convocation was attended by notable dignitaries including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by Chief Adegboyega Adegoke; Chancellor Dr. Tunde Afolabi; Chairman of the Governing Council Dr. Kazeem Adesola Adeduntan; and Vice Chancellor Professor Adesola Ajayi.

Speaking after the ceremony, Professor Ajayi highlighted Uthman’s story as a symbol of what is possible when opportunities meet determination. He stressed the importance of continuing support for scholarship schemes, noting that many students like Uthman exist and can thrive when given a chance. “If he had tried two or three times and given up, he might not have been here today,” the Vice Chancellor said. “Let nobody give up on him or herself.”