Juggling books and leadership is a tough balancing act for many undergraduates, but for Samuel Sodunke Sunday, it became a path to personal excellence. Graduating with a CGPA of 4.62 in English and Literary Studies from the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, he not only earned first-class honours but also left an imprint through his tutorial initiative and spiritual leadership.
In this interview with KOREDE BADMUS, Sodunke shares how faith, discipline, and service shaped his success story — and why students must prepare for more than academic triumphs.
Can we meet you?
I’m Samuel Sunday Sodunke, a recent graduate of English and Literary Studies from the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.
What was your CGPA upon graduation?
4.62.
Did you ever imagine graduating with a
first-class from the beginning?
Yes, I dreamed about it from my first year, and I’m glad it came true.
What was your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
Time management. Balancing my activities early enough helped me overcome it.
How did you maintain consistency over four years?
I had moments of discouragement, but reflecting on where I started and where I was going kept me focused. That internal reminder was a fuel that sustained me.
Were there moments of self-doubt? How did you deal with them?
Absolutely. During such moments, I leaned on God’s promises and consciously resisted fear.
What study habits helped you achieve academic success?
Mindset was everything. I believed that if I studied, I would pass. I also prayed and outlined my desired grades at the start of each semester. I didn’t follow general reading patterns—just what worked for me. I met with seniors for advice and tried to understand my lecturers. That made a lot of difference.
You started FUOYE Question Bank tutorials in your first year. What inspired you?
It started during the COVID-19 lockdown. I disliked studying alone, so I created a virtual study group. We later moved it to a physical space after school resumed. That’s how Fuoye Question Bank was born.
What was your most fulfilling moment as a tutorial leader?
When students I tutored performed excellently—especially those who did better than I did. That felt fulfilling.
What life lesson would you teach your students beyond academics?
Good grades are not enough. From my post-graduation experience, employers and scholarship boards want skills and experience. I would advise students to start building beyond the classroom—volunteer, gain experience, and acquire relevant skills.
How did you balance academic success with extracurricular involvement?
It was tough, but I prioritized and managed my time strategically, with God’s help.
What does “failure” mean to you? Do you think it’s part of success?
Failure is giving up. In the path to success, failure can be a catalyst. When I fail, I channel the emotions into doing better.
You were also a fellowship pastor. How did that affect your academic journey?
It brought a sense of responsibility. People looked up to me, and that motivated me to do better. Being a leader deepened my devotion and also provided a platform to influence lives positively.
Many students struggle with combining spirituality and academics. What’s your take?
The struggle usually comes from trying to separate both. God is interested in every part of our lives. Missing classes for fellowship isn’t spiritual. Balance is key.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about leadership?
Leadership is responsibility and sacrifice.
What advice do you have for students who feel lost or unmotivated?
Look back at how far you’ve come. That always gave me strength. Life is a journey—don’t stop.
What advice would you give your 100-level self?
Be bold. I was scared of my lecturers, and that made me miss some opportunities. I’d tell myself to be more daring.
What final message would you like to leave with the world?
It’s not over until it’s over.
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