Orirenitemi Aanuoluwapo Soleye, a distinguished First Class graduate of Political Science Education from Lagos State University. Known for her unwavering determination and passion for societal betterment, Orirenitemi is a serial volunteer committed to guiding teenagers and fostering positive change. As an indigene of Ikorodu, Lagos State, she embodies the spirit of overcoming barriers and reaching ambitious goals. With a keen interest in public policy and political economy, her journey reflects a profound dedication to addressing Nigeria’s challenges through innovative solutions and scholarly contributions. In this interview with Abdulhaqq Obisesan she shares her academic resurgence.
Please provide Edugist with a brief introduction about yourself and your background.
I am Orirenitemi Aanuoluwapo Soleye. I am a First Class Graduate of Political Science Education, Lagos State University and I believe at this point, I can boldly say I am a serial volunteer, a very intentional person who’s passionate about helping teenagers get on the right track in their llives I am the only female of three children. I am an indigene of Ikorodu, Lagos State, which tells you that by nature, I don’t believe in impossibilities- in short, I don’t see any height as unattainable.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in Political Science Education?
The State of the Nation! It hits differently when you’ve observed from childhood the never-ending hope that the country will get better when in truth it gets worse such that one fears if the damages will ever be attended to talk less of proffering lasting and feasible solutions. I reflect a lot! While I was reflecting one day, I realised that despite the number of Professors of Economics we have in Nigeria, consistent inflation and devaluation of our currency havebeen normalised. Hence, I saw a lacuna which is meant to be filled by bringing the Public Policy and Political Economy approach into the theatre imelight.
Can you describe your undergraduate experience?
My undergraduate experience was nothing short of a testament that a good name is better than silver or gold! It was nothing short of a struggle, but I overcame. I had the gift of good people who supported me in the way they could especially when finance became a threat to the successful completion of my degree. Permit me to say that experiencing good people strengthened my resolve to give back to the society which I started by volunteering for different organisations such as Excel Minds Academic Group, State of the Nation, Girls 4 Leadership Initiative, World’s Largest Lesson to mention a few.
Did I encounter the bad eggs? You bet I did, but my resolve for success was stronger!
Were there any courses that you found especially difficult?
I am passionate about my course of study so it reduced the possibility of difficulty. Political Science is a challenging course, I must say! That’s why having a First Class in Political Science is always a big deal, but if you’re passionate about it, picking up the challenge become a joyful thing.
Did you frequently use the library for studying?
Yes, I did. The library was my hotspot. I was not a student who would wait for exams to approach before visiting the library. Permit me to chip this in, I didn’t go to the library to read based on course outline only, but I sought more knowledge through the Late Professor Momoh’s collection and I was able to watch YouTube videos using the E-Library to aid my assimilation. I also had the privilege of accessing academic journals online.
What significant challenges did you face during your studies?
I had financial challenges, it was tough. At some point, I thought of deferring my admission but my lecturer, Mr Oyefolu discouraged me. My lecturers looked out for undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to help my financial difficulty.
I also faced the challenge of people’s scepticism of a female leading the class. Those people really came for me but I had a stronger network of support. That’s why I am always all out to support people, especially the teenagers.
Did you participate in any internshipduring your studies?
Yes, I did. I interned with Abiola Bonuola Communications, Public Relations Tech company towards the end of my Undergraduate studies as an Executive Trainee.
Did you receive any scholarships for your studies?
Yes. I received the Vice chancellor Award for First Class students of Lagos State University in my third year. I also benefited from the IDPIL Bursary, also in my Third year. Believe when I say that the the Bursary helped me with my rent that year.
In what ways do you think your interdisciplinary background sets you apart from other professionals?
I am always grateful that I studied an interdisciplinary course because it allows me to be grounded in different aspects those who studied Political Science as a major discipline.
In addition, I already had a picture of my future career to be, so I was intentional about the choices of elective courses I took.
For instance, I took about 11 units of Psychology related courses because I knew that I would need to understand the behaviour of people. I also took courses like Political Data Analysis, Logic and Methods of Political Inquiry, Third World and Dependency, Public Policy Analysis and so forth even though they were electives courses for Education students. I had the opportunity to shape the foundation for my aspiration.
Has any lecturer contributed to your ease of navigating your academics?
Many of them, I must say.
You know, I came to LASU with the mind-set that male lecturer molests female students. Therefore, I wasn’t dressing well to school. I think about it now and smile because it wasn’t necessary. Every lecturer in Political Science department stood by me till the end. Some lecturers from the psychology department , Sociology, and the Faculty of Education supported me too.
As much as I wouldn’t like to mention names, I would like to appreciate some of those who specially took care of me, Mr Samson Oyefolu, Professor Mudasiru, Dr Fatai-Abatan, Dr Thovoethin, and Dr Olabimitan.
Do you have any role model you admire?
My Grandmother! If we could call anyone perfect, she is. She defines what it means to be a woman- dutiful, resilient, consistent, unassuming, intentional, name it! She inspired me to be a goal-getter
I also have other people I look up to. Although, she’s deceased, I see Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti as my role model, her resilience and determination is admirable. .
Mr Samson Oyefolu and Professor Mudasiru are also my role models. Their humility and intentionality when it comes to grooming future leaders is second to none. Have you encountered their spirit of scholarship? I bet the world is not ready for them yet.
What are your long-term career aspirations?
I want to be a great force that will bring about a significant change in my country and in Africa at large. My aim is to focus on Public Policy using a Political Economy approach while bearing in mind the trajectory of the African State.
I hope to have an advisory role in government with a firm ground in research.
How do you plan to apply your knowledge to address real-world challenges?
I grew up wondering why Nigerian society has Professors in their numbers without a significant change. I later discovered that we often relay in theories that are not peculiar to our society.
Therefore, I told myself that I would be a scholar whose findings from research would proffer feasible solutions to African society rather than engaging in research as a normal endeavour for Academics.
What are your plans following the completion of your bachelor’s degree?
I wish to begin my postgraduate studies at the earliest opportunity while exploring opportunities to contribute to solving governmental issues.
