Top of the noon to you everyone! Today, I am going to be a bit out of the norm. I can’t feature this amazing scholar on my series but I really want to share her story. I also believe that Society Demands Beyond Academics and Classroom Knowledge
I am always excited when I hear stories or come across students who go all out of their way to succeed and shun any kind of discouragement.
Although, my scholar didn’t graduate with a first class from her university, she didn’t give up at law school. Please meet Barrister Iyanujesu Oluwatoyin, who upped her game in Law School.
In her words,
When I realised I wouldn’t graduate with a first class from UI, I was not happy. I was close to a first class but unfortunately, I couldn’t graduate with a first class.
This was due to my 100 level grades. When I saw that I had a second chance in Law school to do better, I determined to put in my best. After all, whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well.
Abigael Ibikunle of Edugist: Please share with me, your background.
Iyanujesu Oluwatoyin: I am Iyanujesu Oluwatoyin Oguntunji from Osun State. And I am the last child from a family of three. My primary school education was at Ore-Ofe Oluwa Nursery and Primary School, Ibadan. While my secondary education was at Deril Academy, Ibadan.
I graduated from the University of Ibadan where I obtained my LL.B. After which I proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Yola Campus, where I had my B.L.
AI: What would you say influenced your choice of discipline and institution?
IO: Growing up, I was so inquisitive and loved to ask questions. Debate and talking were very easy for me. In secondary school, I was confused whether to opt for arts or sciences.
Eventually, I made an informed decision of choosing arts. And I always topped arts class. Bearing in mind my passion for debate, I had to enrol for Law.
Asides that, my father (May his soul continue to Rest in Peace) wanted his daughter to be a lawyer. He had wanted to study Law but he couldn’t.
As regards the institution, University of Ibadan had been an institution I liked from secondary school. My parents also wanted it at the time. So, it was my best option then.
AI: What can you say to the general beliefs about graduates’ competency and lack of performance skills?
IO: I won’t say this is totally wrong or right. A good student isn’t just supposed to be competent but also to know how to perform well. While at the University of Ibadan, I was actively involved in student leadership cum volunteering. I’m aware of many students who have great academic grades and still perform excellently in other areas.
I won’t also pretend not to be aware of triangular students (who focus only on their academics). This therefore, makes it challenging for such students to thrive in the labour market. However, most graduates now are competent and perform well even while learning on the job.
AI: What do you think is responsible for competence without performance? Please suggest ways of improving the performance level of university students and graduates
IO: I think what is responsible is the fact that most lecturers and students focus more on academics and the classroom knowledge. They don’t want to go beyond that once they have good grades.
The society now demands beyond academics and classroom knowledge. Provisions should be made for interesting and extra-curricular activities students can engage in.
There should be trainings, seminars and conferences for students and graduates to attend from time to time. This will help boost their confidence and performance level.
AI: What motivated you to bag a first class in Law school despite not graduating with a first class from the University of Ibadan?
IO: Well, my result motivated me to.
When I realised I wouldn’t graduate with a first class from UI, I was so pained. I was close to a first class but unfortunately, I couldn’t graduate with a first class.
This was due to my 100 level grades. When I saw that I had a second chance in Law school to do better, I determined to put in my best. After all, whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well
AI: Who were specific persons that contributed to your success story in Law school?
IO: Firstly, God was ACTIVELY involved in my law school programme. He provided help for me through my lecturers, family, friends and mentors. Specific persons I can’t forget include; My mother (Mrs Oguntunji Omoyeni), my sister (Miss Oguntunji Olajumoke), Daphne Ekpe, my red scroll sisters, my roommates.
My lecturers particularly, Mr Apollos Dimas, Mr Bello, Mr Paul Bobai, Mrs Olajumoke. They never got tired of my questions. Thank you!
AI: Are you gainfully employed?
IO: Yes, I am gainfully employed at my place of primary assignment. Thanks be to God.
AI: Do you think your grades have or is giving you any major advantage over other graduates with lesser grades?
IO: I won’t deny the fact that good grades are really helpful for entry level. However, I can’t categorically say that my good grades have or is giving me advantage over my colleagues with lesser grades.
This is because, I am sure everyone is doing well and making exploits in their fields. However, good grades are very important for some opportunities.
AI: What would you advise students?
IO: I will advise them to do whatever they find themselves doing well. Be it assignment, tasks, classwork. Also, the place of prayer cannot be overemphasized.
With the right mind-set and prayer, they can be the best they want to be. They should also involve actively in extra-curricular activities without it affecting their studies. Make hay while the sun shines!
AI: What would you advise the government to do to improve the standard of our education system?
IO: The government can improve the standard of the education system by providing quality education in all schools. Providing the schools with amenities to enhance quality education.
Government should also provide incentives for the students who have proven themselves to be exceptionally sound and smart. Scholarships and grants should be made available to these students. This will encourage students at large to do better.
AI: Any other thing you would like to share?
IO:
Set your goals and priorities right. Involve God in all you do. This sounds like a “cliché” but it works. Whatever you find yourself doing, do it well. I wish the law school students success. Cheers.
