In an academic landscape often riddled with challenges, Akinbami Oluwatobi Israel stands out as a beacon of determination and excellence.
Hailing from Ondo State and boasting a stellar 4.58 CGPA in Biochemistry from the Federal University Oye Ekiti, Israel’s story is one of relentless curiosity, faith-driven motivation, and strategic balance between leadership and scholarship.
In this exclusive interview, with KOREDE BADMUS, Oluwatobi shares insights into his journey, the hurdles he overcame, and the mindset that propelled him to academic distinction.
Can we meet you?
A: My name is Akinbami Oluwatobi Israel, a native of Ondo State and a Biochemistry graduate from the prestigious Federal University Oye Ekiti, where I earned a 4.58 CGPA. I consider myself deeply curious, always in pursuit of truth, with a special passion for biochemical studies.
Did you always aim for a first-class, or did that become a goal along the way?
From the start, I was convinced I could achieve a first-class. Though I was also passionate about student leadership and politics, I realized I could excel in both with extra effort.
Can you walk us through your journey during your time on campus?
Campus life was a mix of highs and lows, but overall a great learning experience. Every challenge taught me valuable lessons.
What study habits or routines helped you excel academically?
I didn’t have a rigid routine, but I was consistent. I reviewed my coursework at least three times before exams and created my own practice questions. I also studied daily and continuously tracked my progress.
Were there specific challenges you faced as a biochemistry student, and how did you overcome them?
I faced generic challenges like lack of academic support and poor learning environments, but I learned to anticipate and overcome obstacles before they became setbacks.
How did your faith influence your approach to academics and life in general?
My faith was my strongest pillar. I often reminded myself that understanding spiritual matters—things unseen—gave me the confidence to tackle what I could see academically.
How did you keep your motivation high throughout your academic journey?
I genuinely enjoyed learning. It wasn’t about passing exams; it was about building knowledge models I could apply.
You mentioned being active in campus politics—how did you balance that with your studies?
I was involved in strategic leadership roles aimed at improving the university. I balanced everything by planning meticulously, writing down my tasks, and using tools like sticky notes and my ‘FTACH notepad’.
Were there moments you felt overwhelmed trying to juggle everything?
Absolutely. I faced low grades, financial pressures, and disappointments, but I tracked my mental health and focused on calm and clarity.
What personal systems or tools helped you manage your time and responsibilities effectively?
A: I created my own system called ‘FTACH notepad’—Flying Thoughts Are Captured Here—a whiteboard I used to organize tasks and keep track of my progress.
Looking back, what was the most rewarding aspect of your university experience?
The most rewarding part was impacting people positively and learning from interactions beyond the lecture halls.
How did your interactions with other students shape your worldview?:
Conversations and deliberate engagement with diverse colleagues expanded my perspective and helped me make informed decisions.
Were there sacrifices you made to maintain excellence?
Yes, I deliberately limited extracurricular activities and turned down engagements to focus on my goals.
If you could advise your younger self just starting university, what would you say?
Build strategic relationships with staff and peers—both juniors and seniors. It’s invaluable.
What are your dreams going forward, and how has your time in school shaped them?
I aim to be a lifelong learner, pursue postgraduate studies, and explore social entrepreneurship in education.
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