Emmanuel Agboola, the firstborn in a family of four, graduated with a 4.55 CGPA in History and International Studies from the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Class of 2023. He said he enjoys good music and the beauty of nature. He spoke with KOREDE BADMUS on his journey to the stardom. Excerpt.
Can you briefly share your academic journey, leading up to your First-Class degree?
I started with God, stayed with God, and ended with God. I had a strong zeal in my first year, and even when I faced health challenges, my vision kept me on track. I did everything a first-class student should do: I studied for more than seven hours at a stretch, visited the library, attended lectures, and so on. During my university days, I was a dynamic reader. I didn’t limit myself to day reading alone; I also read at night. I read when it was convenient and when it wasn’t. I made sure to always get enough rest because a healthy brain makes exams and tests easier.
Were there any significant challenges you faced during your studies? If yes, kindly share.
Finance. I can never forget one of the bitter experiences I had. One night, I didn’t have dinner and had to go without food until 7 p.m. the next day. Most of the other challenges were related to financial constraints.
What study technique worked best for you?
I read in paragraphs and follow a pattern similar to the SQ3R method. For each topic, I start by scanning through my lecture notes, e-books, and textbooks. Scanning before reading helps me assimilate faster. I devote my time to gradual learning and breaking down complex information into smaller chunks. I also avoid cramming, except for important things like dates, names, figures, and quotations. Additionally, I surf the internet for extra details on specific parts of my notes. Regardless of how fast I assimilate certain information, I constantly revise it.
How important was seeking help from lecturers, peers, or tutors in your academic success?
I cannot overemphasize the role of my lecturers and friends; they were like propellers that kept my boat moving. I’m a curious person, and I ask a lot of questions. Randomly, I would go to my lecturers’ offices to ask questions, especially after coming across puzzling information in e-books, articles, or textbooks. My amazing friends also provided emotional and financial support when the burden was too heavy to bear. I also sought advice from senior students.
Did you engage in any extracurricular activities? If yes, how did you balance them with your academics?
No, I didn’t. It was a difficult but worthwhile decision to be 100% focused on my studies.
What were some of the toughest moments during your studies, and how did you overcome them?
In my first year, there was a time I had an exam to write but felt blank the night before. I couldn’t organize myself properly because the exam timetable was packed with almost no breaks. I had to push myself beyond my normal reading limit before rushing to the exam hall. I did my best, and God rewarded my efforts with an A in that course. In my second year, I faced another tough period due to a major health challenge. It was so bad that I considered deferring my admission, but I was fortunate to express my fears to one of my lecturers. He advised me to stick with God and not defer. That semester, I achieved my first 5.0 GPA. I cried tears of happiness.
How has achieving a First-Class degree impacted your personal growth?
The achievement has boosted my confidence. It has also increased my desire to add more value to myself and be ready to seize opportunities.
If not History and International Studies, what else?
Psychology.
Looking back, is there anything you would do differently in your academic journey?
I wish I had taken my general courses more seriously in my first year.
What advice would you give to students striving for academic excellence?
I’ll tell you this for free: stick with God; life is spiritual. First-Class or any kind of achievement is not given, it is earned. If you genuinely desire a First-Class and its benefits, you need to be diligent from your first year and cut out distractions. Choose your friends wisely, and ask questions when you don’t understand what has been taught. Also, request past questions and notes from senior students before the semester begins, and take your continuous assessments seriously by treating tests and assignments like exams. It is also important to build your vocabulary so that you can express yourself easily in exams and class presentations. A First-Class degree is achievable. Always remember, if excellence is attainable, you should never settle for less
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