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| Miss Opeoluwa, in the University of Ibadan, for her convocation |
While
some ladies are out there making the headlines for their successes in various
ways be it; entertainment, fashion, entrepreneur et al, I am focused on
blogging about a lady of academic and virtuous substance, who once again
reiterate the saying that ‘women are key players in the development of a
nation, especially when they are educated’- Richard Oluseye Anthony.
Meet
Miss Opeoluwa, who happens to be the best graduating student of the University
of Ibadan for the 2012/2013 academic session. Miss Olawale Opeoluwa, 22,
graduated from the department of Petroleum Engineering (the oil money sector
*winks*) with a 6.8/7 CGPA and currently she is a Batch B’ corp member, obeying
‘the clarion call’ to serve her fatherland, Nigeria. She tells Richard Oluseye
Anthony, in an interview, her road to accomplishment and who she owes this fest
to. Although she claims she is quite old, she however maintains that, her
geographical location has been variable over time and as a result, she is a
product of different cultural values. As I promised last week, I said I was
going to publish an important article to add to the #MeetOneofUniversityofIbadanBestGraduatingStudent
column, ‘This Is It’;
Excerpt:
Can you
give me a brief introduction about yourself and what you are presently involved
in?
I am Miss
Olawale Opeoluwa, 22years old, a recent graduate of Petroleum Engineering,
University of Ibadan. Presently serving Nigeria as a corp member while being
involved in several activities geared towards increased productivity at
different levels. One of which includes initiating an energy company with
ongoing registration.
How easy was it to graduate with a
first class, especially in Engineering, giving your type of course?
With God, all things are possible. Is
there anything too difficult with God? Besides, engineering, in all its
complexity, is just as splendid or scary, as the case may be, like any other
course depending on the particular person of concern and interest.
What attracted you to the course
initially?
Divine purpose. My mum and family
played a part too.
Which other course could have
appealed to you if you didn’t get Mechanical Engineering?
Sorry, it's Petroleum Engineering I
studied as an undergraduate. All the same, if it wasn't Petroleum, it would
have been Aeronautic Engineering or Energy Engineering.
How was your performance from your
elementary school till you gained admission to the university?
Learning performance. Always
learning... graduated best always right from elementary school, all the glory
be to God.
Which part of your course(s) did you
love most, and which part did you find challenging?
Life comes to me as a challenge
always, so did every single course. My favourite part was Introduction to
Petroleum Industry (TPE 211) and Petroleum Economics (covers a wide spectrum of
courses)
What was your inspiration?
God's mandate, my parents, my
siblings, my friends, and my vision for Nigeria.
What did you do differently to have
such an outstanding result?
Nothing out of the scriptures. Every
single word of the scriptures backs me up. Give my best always without fear of competition
as I will have to stand before judgement throne and say what I, with emphasis
on I, did with my talents in glorifying the Kingdom of God here on earth.
Where you leading your class? And
when did you start leading your class?
Initially, I lagged in 100 level
because of lack of knowledge. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear
him. I was initially slow in getting that. Albeit, all things work together for
them that love God and are called according to purpose. It gave me a push. A
reminder of who I am in Christ changed the game. That I needed to keep learning
His secrets and knowledge of this His world did the trick. Every class
attended, every book read, every speech made, every move, every single thing
had to be towards one purpose. The Kingdom of my Father brought down here on
earth. Let men know that he did the same with all that walked with him. Jesus
for one, Abraham, Moses, Solomon, Joseph, Daniel, Elijah, Elisha, Paul,
Olukoya, Adeboye, and the list continues with me. All were and are outstanding
in their various fields.
You had such an impressive
performance. Do you still remember all your GPAs from 100L to 500L?
Thank you. I am humbled. Yes.
100L- 6.5/7
200L- 6.9/7
300L- 7/7
400L- 6.9/7
500L- 6.9/7
Did you take any major decision(s)
when you got to school that helped you eventually?
Yes. Forgetting all I had and
trusting God absolutely. Anything he said in the scriptures and revealed to me,
I held on to it. This decision helped me get the true picture of the initial
mistake made on my result in 300Level. At first, I saw 6.4/7.0, many would take
it as it happened because truly that year was rough for many but I held on in
prayers what God gave me for that year telling me I had perfect score. I felt
stupid running after corrections because the real thing was that in my own
capacity, I couldn't have anything close to first class that year given how
many times I frequented the hospital, and had anaemia severally. But yes, man
may fail but God never fails, his words are always true. I went on to check and
alas! It was perfect GPA.
Would you say you are a genius or you
were a product of hard work?
None applies. I like to regard myself
simply as a son of God as my Father calls me. (I am a girl though *smiles*)
Talking about your days as an
undergraduate, what was your typical day like?
No typical day. Faced each day in
itself as it demands with a single goal in mind; establishing the kingdom of my
Father here on earth.
How frequently did you use the
library?
Hardly used the library. The main
library was far from my end so I went only few times when my friends took me.
The departmental library was used when I don't have either soft copy or a
friend's copy. Mostly went there to read things that actually weren't in our
syllabus. So if you are asking how I read, well that's a bit difficult as I
hardly advise anyone to follow my wise. Reason being, always follow your heart
and head. I read mostly in the comfort of my room or my friends'. Believe in
little drops make mighty oceans so I usually read in bits, no pressures.
During exams, what was your schedule
like in terms of reading, sleeping and possibly going out with friends?
No rigid schedules. I put time for
friends in my schedule. Used to-do lists a lot with 2 hours minimum for
friends, 6 hours minimum for sleeping, 3 hours at most for preparing food to
eat and about 13 plenty hours left to play with, fellowship, phone chats,
reading, EWBUI then, ideas, the exam, if on that day.
Aside from academic stuffs, what
other thing did you engage yourself with while in school?
Whoa! A lot! You can cut out stuffs
in case of space though.
My interests aside studies included Energy technologies, Social work,
Mentorship and Human Capacity Development. I pioneered EWBUI and led a team of
over 100 as president (2012-2014) in designing solutions to renewable energy
use in Ibadan community. During my tenure, several training sessions were
organised. I also mentored over 5 junior students at different levels in my
quest for capacity development. I volunteered for several village outreach
programs. I was volunteer Speaker at Secondary School Outreach, "SPEUI
Catch Them Young 2013". Held several positions of responsibilities outside
school activities in demonstration of my interests. I also play Lawn tennis for
recreation. Written about 3 research papers with one published. Attended
conferences in and outside the country. Represented my department and school at
competitions. Held several responsibilities too. Mountain Top Freshers'
Company, Vice President (2008-2010), Idia Hall Sisters Fellowship, Hall Pastor
(2010-2011), SPEUI Electoral Committee, Secretary, 2012, Mountain of Fire and
Miracles' Campus Fellowship, University of Ibadan, Academic Director
(2012-2014), BestBrains University of Ibadan, Pioneer/Coordinator (2013-2014)
and Society of Petroleum Engineers University of Ibadan Chapter, Public
Relations Officer (2012-2014) just to mention a few.
Can you kindly let me know the full
meaning of EWBUnibadan and also give me a hint/name of your research paper that
was published?
Pardon me. EWBUnibadan implies
Engineers Without Borders, University of Ibadan where I was the pioneer
leader/President. As regards the published paper, it was Shell-sponsored
presentation on Nano-Completions versus Intelligent Well Completions,
Investigating the Future of Nanotechnology in Well Completions, a case study.
Oops, that is great! Which of the
international conference/competitions did you represent the University/Nigeria
for that you can remember and what was your performance?
Can
remember some right now. Was one of the 5 representatives from Nigeria at the
International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) World Education Week 2013
in Beijing, China with over 51 countries in attendance with my team being among
top three. Also represented University of Ibadan in a 5-man team at Students'
Technical Conference and Exhibition (STCE) Petroquiz Competition 2012 where my
team won the 1st position. Was also the Best student in Petroleum Economics and
1st runner up, Overall Best Student at Shell 2013 Petroleum
Engineering Summer School, Port-Harcourt where several other universities and
departments were represented. Was also 2nd Runner-up, Undergraduate Division,
Best Student Author/Presenter, and 2013 Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
Students' Paper Contest for Sub-Sahara African Region. These are few of the
many conferences, exhibitions, seminars, summits, lectures and extracurricular
activities I attended. Some were non-competitive and basically representative
though. I give God the glory for journey mercies and for the support of my
parents, my wonderful lecturers and my friends. Once again, thank you.
How social were you in school?
Hmmm... We are all social beings.
It's God's design for us to interact. I had circle of friends, I must confess.
I also took fellowship at different settings and timing with other sons of God
very seriously as it helped our growth.
What major challenge did you face
while in school?
EWBUnibadan. It was challenging, yet
fun. Passing an idea on without making your successor feel they can't get
through because they rate your team highly was serious. Another was executing
our plans without the risk of 'strikes' obstructing made-up plans. Circumvented
these issues by staying on the goal, strategically handing over through
mentorship and delegated responsibility and employing online tactics.
What are your plans and aspirations?
Nothing extraordinary, simply
establish my Father's kingdom here on earth in the field of engineering and
energy.
Is there anything you would have
loved to do as a student that you could not do?
God helped me do all He wanted me to.
I hardly regret or stay on the past. I simply look forward.
As a graduate of Petroleum
Engineering, what would you like to contribute to your field?
Actually, the kingdom of God
established here on earth in Energy sector through dedicated research and
development is my contribution.
How do you feel about your
accomplishments in the University?
Totally in awe of God's words. He
never fails. And what strikes me more is the fact that he tells me this is
nothing and He has only begun with me. Job 8:7. That's simply how I feel.
Where would you like to work?
I have no interest to work. I retired
at 17. All I do now is enjoy what I do and have fun. *winks*
What is your advice to students?
Do not follow anyone's advice
including mine. Follow God's counsel. Now, that is my advice. Isn't that funny?
When you ought to not follow anyone's advice. Pardon me, just kidding... this
is it; Love God and love your neighbour as yourself. Believe in Jesus, seek
God's kingdom and believe me, every single other thing follows. It's my
Father's advice. I'm sure you have a hint about my Father by now.
And finally, thank you so much for
this opportunity to express myself in the truest form.
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