I envisaged making first class, but emerging overall best was out of it, says Oyin, FUNAAB Best graduand

 Godwin Akomah

 The popular saying is that if you want to get to the tree top, aim at the sky so that when the arrow misses the sky, it can comfortably settle at the tree top.

However, for the overall Best graduating student at the recent convocation of the Federal University of Agriculture(FUNAAB), Abeokuta,  Miss Akinyele, Oluwatobiloba Oyindamola, the reverse seemed to be the case.

The 23 years old Oyindamola and graduand of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, did aim her intellectual arrow at the academic tree top but ended up hitting the sky - thus, clinching the status of the overall best graduating student for the 2016/2017 convocation set.

The pretty girl who dedicated the feat and honor to her mother, for playing both fatherly and motherly roles to make her who she has become today, said she would have laughed it off if anybody had told her  before hand that she would emerge the overall best graduating student in FUNAAB.

In her candid reckoning, Oyindamola said she never envisaged herself as becoming the Best Graduating Student in the University, moreso when her initial goal was just to make the first class category, but providence, thirst for knowledge and hardwork, combined to crown her efforts with excellence beyond expectations.

“I never envisaged it. Eight years ago, if someone had told me a day like this would come, I would have laughed in the person’s face just because I never thought I could reach this academic height.

“I knew from the start that it wasn’t going to be easy, considering the fact that I crossed from Agricultural Technology to Nutrition and Dietetics through Direct Entry but through hardwork, consistent learning and most of all, God, she was able to achieve the feat."

          

She expressed gratitude to Dr Adeyinka Sanda of the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics for his mentorship role, which changed her orientation and goal. 

She also expressed appreciation to the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and other Principal Officers of FUNAAB for the smooth running of the University and for ensuring that it gets to the apex.

 She lauded institution's lecturers too, for not engaging in sex for marks, disclosing that, she was not disturbed by her lecturers throughout her study. 

 “I wasn’t disturbed by the lecturers and I thank God for that.  I am happy God answered my prayers,” she said.

            Oyindamola, who frowned at the educational system of the country said, “our educational system is not encouraging,” and urged  government to pay more attention to educational sector like others sectors. 

       According to her, she hopes to work as a lecturer if the opportunity arises or work with the World Health Organisation (WHO).