…Earned 55 As, 5.0 GPA in six semesters
Uthman Uthman Olayode, the overall best graduating student of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, has revealed that he failed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) five times before eventually securing admission and excelling academically.
Olayode shared his story during the combined convocation ceremony of the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions held on Friday at the institution’s premises in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by Chief Adegboyega Adegoke; Chancellor of the institution, Dr. Tunde Afolabi; Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Kazeem Adesola Adeduntan; and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adesola Ajayi.
Recounting his academic journey, Olayode stated that despite his outstanding performance in secondary school, his dreams of attending a university faced multiple rejections due to repeated UTME failures.
“Despite excelling in secondary school, I faced repeated setbacks in gaining admission to a higher institution and had to sit for the UTME five times, with each attempt full of promise and each denial a heavy blow.
I watched classmates gain admission while I remained behind, wondering if my turn would ever come,” he said.
However, he noted that on his fifth attempt, he was awarded a scholarship to study Physics with Electronics at AATU.
“God showed me that delays are not denials. Reflecting on my journey, I am reminded that what seems like a delay to us is often the perfect timing in God’s divine plan. Alhamdulillahi Rabbil’Aalamin,” he added.
Olayode said that during his time at the university, he earned 55 As and only two Bs, with a perfect 5.0 Grade Point Average in six of eight semesters — five of which were consecutive.
“I am, therefore, a living proof that no dream is too big to become a reality, and no background is too humble to be liberated by solid education,” he declared to the applause of guests.
He further disclosed that he received three major scholarships: the Federal Government Scholarship Award in both his 300 and 400 levels, the MTN Foundation Scholarship, and the Oyo State Bursary for final year students.
Beyond academics, Olayode served as the Ameer (leader) of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), AATU chapter during his final year.
He credited his ability to maintain academic excellence alongside leadership responsibilities to faith, discipline, and purpose.
“Serving a higher purpose and sacrificing for a noble cause does not hinder one’s progress; it rather propels it forward,” he said.
Olayode dedicated his achievement to MSSN and the Muslim Ummah, while also paying tribute to his parents, Alhaji Usman Kamorudeen and Hajiah Usman Ramat, for their unrelenting moral, financial, and spiritual support.
“Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and I will always remain deeply grateful to them,” he added.
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