Clinton Ayodeji Akanbi of the Department of Biochemistry emerged as the overall best-graduating student of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria, for the 2023/2024 academic session with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.99 on a scale of 5. In this interview by KEHINDE ADIO, he shares his academic experience, among other issues.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>

Could you please share your educational background with us?

I completed my secondary education at Newton College, Iwo. I performed excellently in my WAEC, with distinctions in core science subjects, which gave me a strong foundation for my academic journey.  Moreover, I attempted the UTME multiple times. My first attempt was for admission to the University of Ibadan (UI), where I scored 249. Later, I took the UTME again for admission to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and scored 279, which secured my admission. Subsequently, I took the exam twice, scoring 301 and 304, but did not pursue admission with these scores due to certain circumstances.

What were the circumstances?

I attempted the UTME multiple times to study Medicine. My first attempt was for admission to UI, where I scored 249. Unfortunately, I did not meet the cutoff mark for Medicine. Determined to succeed, I retook the UTME and scored 273, which secured me admission to study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at OAU.

Still hopeful about pursuing Medicine, I took the UTME two more times, scoring 301 and 304. When I scored 301, I applied for Medicine at OAU again, but narrowly missed the cutoff mark. On my final attempt, when I scored 304, I decided to change my university of choice to the University of Ilorin, as I had failed to meet OAU’s cutoff mark twice.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>

For this last attempt, I kept my plans private, only informing my older sister, while keeping it from my parents. However, on the day of the post-UTME at the University of Ilorin, I faced an unexpected challenge ─ a physics lecturer at OAU scheduled a test on the same day. I prioritised attending the test, as it was part of my primary responsibility as a student. I believed skipping it would reflect poorly on my dedication and I knew my parents would not approve of it if they discovered I had neglected my academic duties. Ultimately, I accepted the situation and focused on completing my Biochemistry programme.

For my tertiary education, I spent four years at (OAU), completing two years of coursework before transferring to Bowen University, Iwo, where I earned a First-Class degree in Biochemistry.

What do you mean?

I spent four years at OAU studying Biochemistry but was only able to complete two years of coursework due to prolonged academic disruptions caused by strikes, which significantly delayed my progress. After leaving OAU, I joined Bowen University at the 300 level to continue my Biochemistry degree. To meet the academic requirements, I completed 100-level and 200-level courses during the summer period, making it a total of four years of coursework.

Why did you choose Bowen University?

My journey to Bowen University was unconventional. After spending four years at OAU and still being at the 200 level, due to strikes and instability, I transferred to Bowen for its academic stability and supportive learning environment. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I made.

What is the secret of your academic success as the overall best student?

My success is rooted in discipline, hard work, and a structured approach to learning. I set realistic goals, sought help when needed, and maintained a balance between academics and personal life. My faith in God and the unwavering support of my family also played a significant role.

Share your challenges during the course of your study and how you overcame them.

Transferring from one university to the other was a major challenge. Adjusting to a new environment, different teaching methods, and expectations were tough, but I overcame it by staying focused, building relationships with my lecturers, and leveraging the support systems at Bowen.

Did you fail any courses? What can students do to avoid failure? 

I did not fail any course, but I had some challenging moments in OAU due to errors in grading systems.

Students can avoid failure by attending classes regularly, actively engaging with lecturers, forming study groups, and staying consistent in their efforts.

If you were in UI, would you have done well too?

Yes. I believe I would have excelled. My focus and determination would have allowed me to thrive in any environment, including public universities, by utilising available resources and seeking mentorship. A testament to this is my achievement of a First-Class degree after transferring from a public university, OAU. So, I am confident the same success would have followed in other public institutions.

How can students overcome learning difficulties? 

Students should identify their learning styles, break complex topics into manageable parts, and seek help when needed. Utilising available resources like library materials, online tools, and study groups can also help.

How would you describe Bowen University, having passed through the school?

Bowen fosters a friendly and supportive lecturer-student relationship. Lecturers are approachable and committed to students’ success. The learning system is structured with a focus on academic discipline and moral development.

What is your comparison of Bowen University’s educational system with public universities like OAU, UNILAG, and UI? 

Bowen offers a more personalised and stable academic experience, free from strikes and delays. However, public universities like OAU and UI have a richer history and exposure to larger, more competitive environments, which can also be beneficial.

Public universities, while offering exposure to larger academic communities, often suffer from strikes and overcrowding, which can hinder academic progress.

In what way do you think parents can support their children’s academic success in university education? 

Parents should provide emotional, financial, and moral support. Encouraging open communication and creating a stable home environment can help students focus on their studies.

How relevant is your course of study to the nation-building process? 

Biochemistry is highly relevant to nation-building. It contributes to healthcare, agriculture, biotechnology, and addressing environmental challenges, which are essential for sustainable development.

If you were the minister of education, what would you fix education in Nigeria? 

I would prioritise funding for education, ensure prompt payment of staff salaries to avoid strikes, and invest in infrastructure and research. Additionally, I would create policies that encourage partnerships between institutions and industries to enhance employability.

Nigerian leaders need to invest in education and prioritise it as a tool for national development. Transparent governance, proper allocation of resources, and accountability are crucial.

What can government do to make public universities more attractive to students in terms of academic stability? 

The government should resolve issues that lead to strikes, improve infrastructure, provide funding for research, and offer competitive salaries to academic staff.

How do you think entrepreneurial education should be taught in tertiary education in Nigeria? Share your entrepreneurial education in Bowen.

Entrepreneurial education should involve practical, hands-on training and mentorship from industry experts.

At Bowen, the emphasis on entrepreneurial education was evident through practical, hands-on training and mentorship from industry experts. Students were exposed to workshops and projects that not only equipped us with valuable skills but also prepared us for real-world challenges. Some courses even focus on entrepreneurship, with industry leaders invited to speak and share their insights, further enhancing our learning experience.

Can you discuss and compare learning, character building, and skill development in public and private institutions?

In terms of learning, both public and private institutions offer valuable educational experiences. However, there are some differences. Public universities often have larger class sizes, which may impact personalised attention, while private institutions tend to have smaller classes, allowing for more interaction between students and lecturers.

Public institutions may have more research resources due to government funding, while private institutions may offer more modern teaching methods, often integrating technology in the classroom.

Character building in both settings is shaped by the environment and the ethos of the institution. Public universities, with their larger and more diverse student populations, often expose students to a variety of perspectives and backgrounds, which can promote a broader understanding of the world.

On the other hand, private institutions, with their smaller communities, may foster a more closely-knit environment where students receive more individualised mentorship, potentially encouraging stronger personal development and leadership skills.

When it comes to skill development, private institutions may provide more opportunities for specialised training, internships, and industry connections due to their resources and focus on preparing students for the workforce. Public universities, while they may have more research-oriented programmes, also provide students with opportunities for hands-on learning, particularly in scientific fields, but might lack some of the more targeted career development services found in private institutions.

What did you enjoy from your parents? 

I deeply appreciated their unwavering support, prayers, and sacrifices. They believed in my potential, even during difficult times.  They frequently visited me, offering constant encouragement.

What is your advice for undergraduates on academic success? 

Stay focused, plan your time wisely, and never be afraid to ask for help. Build relationships with your lecturers and peers, and always aim for excellence.