Graduating with a first-class degree is a remarkable feat, but doing so while leading a major campus tutorial and serving as a student pastor makes it even more extraordinary.
Samuel Sodunke Sunday, a recent first-class graduate from the Department of English and Literary Studies at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), achieved a CGPA of 4.62.
In this exclusive interview with KOREDE BADMUS, he shares his journey of balancing academics, leadership, and personal growth while offering insights to students striving for excellence.
Can we meet you?
I am Samuel Sodunke Sunday, a recent graduate of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, where I studied English and Literary Studies.
What was your CGPA upon graduation?
4.62.
Looking back to your first year, did you ever imagine you would graduate with a first-class?
Yes. It was a dream I nurtured, and I am glad it came true.
What was the biggest challenge you faced as an English and Literary Studies student, and how did you overcome it?
Time management was my biggest challenge. Balancing various activities was tough, but I developed strategies early on to manage my time effectively.
Many students struggle with consistency. How did you manage to stay focused and maintain excellence for four years?
There were moments of discouragement, especially when I did not immediately see the results of my hard work. However, I remained focused by reminding myself of my goals and the progress I had made. That mindset kept me going.
Were there moments when you doubted yourself? How did you silence those doubts?
Yes, there were times I doubted myself. I overcame them by leaning on my faith in God and His promises.
What study habits or personal principles helped you achieve academic success?
My top principle was maintaining a positive mindset. I believed that if I studied, I would pass. I also prayed and planned my academic goals at the start of every semester.
Additionally, I sought guidance from my seniors, studied past questions, and made sure to understand my lecturers’ expectations.
You started Fuoye Question Bank tutorials as a 100-level student—what inspired you to take on such a responsibility so early?
During the COVID-19 lockdown, there were no physical lectures, and I disliked studying alone. I created a study group, which later evolved into a full-fledged tutorial centre, Fuoye Question Bank.
What was the most fulfilling moment in your journey as a tutorial leader?
Seeing students excel and even surpass my own academic performance was deeply fulfilling.
If you could teach one life lesson beyond academics to your students, what would it be?
Grades matter, but they are not everything. Experience, impact, and skills are equally important. I have attended five interviews since graduating, and only one asked for my CGPA—the rest focused on my skills and experiences. Students should start preparing for life after school early by volunteering, acquiring skills, and engaging in meaningful activities.
How did you balance being a top student with extracurricular activities?
It was challenging, but I relied on God’s help and effective time management. I prioritized my academics while making room for leadership and other engagements.
What does the word ‘failure’ mean to you? Do you think failure and success go hand in hand?
Failure, to me, is giving up. It is a catalyst for success, depending on one’s perspective. Whenever I fail at something, I channel my emotions into working harder until I achieve my goal.
You were also the pastor of your fellowship. How did your faith influence your academic journey?
Being a pastor did not automatically guarantee academic success, but it gave me a sense of accountability. It also provided a platform to influence lives positively while keeping me grounded in faith and discipline.
Many students struggle with balancing spirituality and academics. What is your advice to them?
Do not separate your academic life from your spiritual life. God is interested in every aspect of your life.
However, missing lectures or exams for fellowship programs is not God’s standard—students should plan wisely.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned about leadership?
Leadership is about taking responsibility and making sacrifices.
What would you say to students who feel lost, unmotivated, or unsure of their path?
Whenever I felt unmotivated, I reminded myself of my journey so far. The key is to keep going. Life is a journey, not a destination.
If you could go back in time and give your 100-level self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to be bolder. I was initially afraid of my lecturers, which made me miss out on a lot of learning opportunities. When I finally started engaging with them, I realized it was almost too late.
Lastly, as you step into the next phase of your journey, what is one message you’d love to leave with the world?
It is not over until it is over.
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