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| Osho Samuel himself... |
Here I am again; I promised you all that I will be introducing one of
the outstanding products from the Premier University, University of Ibadan this
week (#MeetOneofUniversityofIbadanBestGraduatingStudent). Knowing fully well that ‘promise is a debt’, I have sincerely had
sleepless nights and less social days in catching up with this brilliant
graduate, so as to make this interview published. Last week, I introduce to you
a fantastic lad, who finished top of the faculty of Science with a CGPA of
6.6/7, this time around, I will be introducing to you one of the very best from
the faculty of Engineering who graduated with a CGPA of 6.7/7. His name is Osho Samuel Adetunji, he graduated
from the department of Mechanical Engineering in the 2013/2014 academic year.
He tells me how the journey has been and what it took him to accomplish such
feat.
Please, do not forget the intent of this column or article; ‘to show
the world what product Nigeria/Africa can produce when it comes to providing
excellence in academic and innovative ideas’. This is also aimed at telling the
Nigerian government that we the Youth can do extraordinary things and still
remain the hope of this country, they just need to believe in ‘us’.
Next week, I will be introducing to you, the best graduating student of
the University of Ibadan, for the 2013/2014 academic session. Believe me; you
would not want to miss this interview, as the person in question is a
motivating story to ladies across Africa. She is the perfect attestation to the
African saying that “what a man can do, a woman can do better”. Subscribe to
this blog so you will not miss this upcoming interview. But for the main time, savour
this brilliant and coordinated response from my friend Osho Samuel below:
More than two decades ago when I started the
journey of life, I was christened Osho
Samuel Adetunji. I am a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the
nation’s premier University, University of Ibadan. I hail from Aiyede in Ekiti
State though born, bred and buttered in the largest city in West Africa;
Ibadan. I am a writer cum Public Speaker who believes that journalists have a
key role to play in nation building. At the moment, I am joyfully serving the
nation as a corp member in Ministry of Agriculture, Umuahia, Abia State.
How easy was it to graduate with a
first class, especially in Engineering, giving your type of course?
It is highly imperative to state emphatically that
my course; Mechanical Engineering is regarded as the Father of engineering due
to its wide range of application. The course no doubt has a broad horizon which
gives room for students to explore the creativity in them. If on a scale of
1-10 where 10 is the easiest, I will like to say that the easiness to graduate
with a first class in my course stands at 6.
What attracted you to the course initially?
My strong proclivity for the course started from my
secondary school days; I was opportune to attend Oladipo Alayande School of
Science where I was consistently exposed to the rudiments of Science. I
discovered my proficiency in subjects involving calculations and strong desire
for solving problems around me. I actually wanted to study Petroleum
Engineering because of my love for Organic Chemistry. However, after a
memorable chat with one of my mentors, he advised me and successfully convinced
me to put in for Mechanical Engineering which is not as streamlined as
Petroleum Engineering.
Which other course could have
appealed to you if you didn’t get Mechanical Engineering?
Due to my love for Sciences, Petroleum Engineering
would have been my second love and assuming I was never a Science student, I
would have studied Law.
How was your performance from your
elementary school till you gained admission to the university?
During my formative years, I was an ordinary
student with a drive to succeed. In elementary school, I did not make the list
of school prefects, I was just known for my exceptional mastery of Geography
subject where I got an award as the best student in SSS3. I was an easy going
lad who was well above average.
Which part of your course(s) did you
love most, and which part did you find challenging?
I love Material Science, Thermo fluids and courses
involving calculations. Abstract courses were very challenging.
What was your inspiration?
During my days in school, there were moments of
frustration and despondency. God is my source of inspiration and His words
breathes life into hopeless situations which gives the needed strength to carry
on. The inspiring stories of senior colleagues who passed through the gloomy
tunnels I found myself were of great help.
What did you do differently to have
such an outstanding result?
The secret of the outstanding result is embedded in
two key principles I used in school; time management and positive influence. I
saw time as a commodity of excellence which when invested at the right moment
in a fertile soil will yield bountiful harvest. Time is to be invested and not
wasted. The second is realizing that lone rangers go fast but they don’t go far
and that a tree cannot make a forest. I kept friends who influenced me
positively to give positive results. Two good heads are better than one. I
attend my departmental tutorials to learn from my classmates and also had a
reading partner. The energy of the synergy was enough to propel both of us to
the zenith of the class.
Where you leading your class? And
when did you start leading your class?
Yes. I would like to say that it was not an easy
task to lead over forty brilliant individuals from 100L to 500L.
You had such an impressive
performance. Do you still remember all your GPAs from 100L to 500L?
Yes, I do. In my first year in school, I had a GPA
of 6.7, in my sophomore year I finished with a GPA of 6.6. In my third year, I
had a GPA of 6.7 while in my penultimate year I had a GPA of 7.0. I ended my
final year with a GPA of 6.7 and a CGPA of 6.7/7.0.
Did you take any major decision(s)
when you got to school that helped you eventually?
Yes, I decided to learn as much as I can learn.
Knowing fully well that progress in life can be measured by the new things we
learn each blessed day. The innate desire to learn is foundational to any
meaningful success. Another decision which helped was choosing my friends
especially those who challenged me in all areas of my life.
Would you say you are a genius or you
were a product of hard work?
This question brought to my remembrance the words
of America’s most prolific inventor also known as Wizard of Menlo Park, Thomas
Edison, he said that; “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine
percent perspiration”. This quote in a way describes my belief about my
personality. I work hard by studying my books but I still depend on God for
inspiration and sound mind. While I was in school, I was not slothful with my
studies or relying on some sort of talismanic ingenuity of a genius.
Talking about your days as an
undergraduate, what was your typical day like?
While in school I was involved in quite a number of
co-curricular activities. My typical day entailed attend lectures, attend press
functions, present a program on Diamond FM, teaching of A’ Level students at a
tutorial centre outside school, read my books and attend mid-week service at my
fellowship.
How frequently did you use the
library?
I seldom make use of the Central Library except at
the beginning of the semester (to get in the studying mode) and if there is a
consistent power outage in the school premises.
During exams, what was your schedule
like in terms of reading, sleeping and possibly going out with friends?
In my first year, I had an obnoxious experience
with one of my Mathematics tests; I read throughout the night preparing for the
test only to see the question paper for the test and blank out. It was as if my
brain was blocked and I could not reason out the simple questions because I had
over-worked the brain. It was at that moment I made a decision to reduce stress
on my brain during exams especially if it is a course involving calculations. I
sleep well for at least six hours before exams and just do a little bit of
revision in the morning before the exam. I live my normal life during exams; I
go for my tutorials, fellowship meetings, write my articles, present my
programs on radio and go for press functions so far it does not clash with the
scheduled time of exam.
Aside from academic stuffs, what
other things did you engage yourself with while in school?
Wow! This is the most interesting part of my stay
in University of Ibadan. I was actively involved in campus journalism and an
active member of Union of Campus Journalist (UCJ). As a campus journalist, I
was a member of the Zik Hall Press Organization (ZHPO) and Tech Press
Organization (TPO) where I held key positions. I co-founded a famous column on
campus; THE COURTROOM (www.dcourtroom.wordpress.com) with my
long-time friend; Tijani Mayowa. I also volunteered for the University community
radio station; DIAMOND 101.1 FM where I served as a Sports presenter and
analyst. As a lover of teaching, I tutored and mentored hundreds of students in
Mathematics for WAEC, JAMB, POST-UTME, A’ Levels and SAT examinations at ELECTS
Academy. I was also an active member of National Society of Black Engineers
(NSBE) where I served as the Programs Chair.
How social were you in school?
I would like to affirm the fact that the word
social is a relative. In a world lost in the avalanche of technological advancement,
socialization has been misinterpreted and used as a certificate to legalize
some vices. From my perspective, to be social means your ability to relate
effectively with people on different rungs of the social cadre. I enjoy meeting
new people and feel comfortable in social circles necessitated by my co-curricular
activities. If on a scale of 1-10 with 10 to be the highest, I will give myself
7.
What major challenge did you face while
in school?
The major challenge I faced was striking a balance
between my academics and my co-curricular activities.
What are your plans and aspirations?
I would like to further my studies in Mechanical
Engineering with focus on Materials Science. Asides my professional pursuit as
an engineer, I would like to be a Public commentator in a bid to engage my
journalistic skills.
Is there anything you would have
loved to do as a student that you could not do?
I would have loved to be an active member of a
Literary and Debating Society. I joined the Literary and Debating Society of my
Faculty in my final year but I wish I did that in my first year.
As a graduate of Mechanical
Engineering, what would you like to contribute to your field?
I would like to contribute to Mechanical
Engineering in the area of Corrosion protection with authentic research to
develop materials with high corrosion resistance and high economic value.
What is your advice to students?
They should maximize the abundance of
opportunities which the Ivory Tower and other institution provide per second.
Using my institution as a foe, an admission into the University of Ibadan is a
chance to equip every aspect of their lives for the work which lies ahead of
them in the future. The world needs a well-rounded individual and the Ivory
Tower is a perfect habitat for preparation.
See you next week, by God's Grace....
Impressive.
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