Ajumobi Abdulbasit Ajibola is a distinguished academic achiever, visionary thinker, and a testament to the power of resilience and determination. As the firstborn in a family of five, he has always embraced leadership and excellence, which reflect in his personal and academic pursuits. Graduating with a first-class degree in Pharmacy from the prestigious University of Ilorin, Abdulbasit exemplifies the balance of intellectual rigor, innovative problem-solving, and a profound desire to create a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Abdulbasit is not only a scholar but also an advocate of collaboration, empowerment, and the pursuit of dreams, setting a remarkable example for his peers and aspiring professionals worldwide. Excerpts.
Can you tell Edugist a bit about your background? What inspired you to pursue your degree?
My name is Ajumobi Abdulbasit Ajibola, the firstborn of a family of five. The reason for pursuing this career path has always been to have a large-scale impact on people’s lives. What better way to do it than through the drugs they use?
What motivated you to aim for a first-class degree? Was this a goal from the beginning, or did it develop over time?
I’ve always been an advocate of putting my all into whatever I’m doing at any given moment, whether it’s education or anything else. I bring my A-game.
Did you face any personal challenges while studying? How did you overcome them?
I initially found it hard to read during the day. However, as my schedule got busier, I trained myself to adjust. I started with small increments of time and gradually built up to longer hours.
How did you structure your study routine to achieve consistent academic success?
My course of study helped because I had tests almost every day of the week. I learned to study based on the lecturer taking each course—some required basic knowledge, while others involved cramming. Understanding this difference made a significant impact.
What study techniques or strategies worked best for you while studying?
Having a foundational understanding of what I was studying was crucial. If I didn’t understand a topic, I couldn’t just cram it. I explained concepts to myself in a third-person voice, which helped me retain information. Even if I went blank during exams, I could write down related points based on my understanding.
Were there any specific subjects or courses that you found particularly difficult? How did you tackle them?
Pharmaceutical chemistry was particularly challenging because of the numerous structures I needed to memorize. To overcome this, I repeatedly drew and redrew those structures, which helped solidify them in my memory.
How did you prepare for exams and handle the pressure of deadlines and assessments?
I avoided pressuring myself. I listed tasks in order of importance using my notes app and set personal deadlines. If deadlines clashed, I prioritized the assessments with more significant marks. This strategy ensured I didn’t get overwhelmed.
What role did your lecturers and university resources play in your success?
My lecturers played a big role. Their offices were always open, and they encouraged students to ask questions. Some even advised on what to focus on while studying, emphasizing skills over rote memorization in this information-rich era.
How did you manage to balance academics with social life and extracurricular activities?
I lived in the moment. A few hours of fun—hanging out with friends, watching movies, or playing games—didn’t mean I’d fail a semester. I knew my abilities and trusted myself, avoiding self-doubt while steering clear of overconfidence.
How important was your peer group in your success? Did you study with friends or prefer to work alone?
My peers were instrumental. Friends like Omotoso Abdulmalik, Akintunde Ayomide, Atoyebi Stephen, and others supported me. While we studied individually, we often came together to revise, share notes, and help with assignments and practical reports during tight deadlines.
How did you stay motivated during low points, especially when things got tough?
I reminded myself that tough phases are temporary and will pass, just like others I’ve faced. I also took breaks by watching movies and TV shows, which served as my outlet.
How did achieving a first-class degree change your perception of yourself or your abilities?
It showed me that contrary to stereotypes, first-class students aren’t solely focused on academics. I excelled in other areas, like handiwork, which demonstrated my ability to thrive both individually and as part of a team. My experience with learning from others also reinforced my belief in collaborative growth.
If you could go back to your first year, what advice would you give to your younger self?
I’d advise myself to go out and have more fun like other freshers, rather than binge-watching shows every week.
Now that you’ve graduated with a first-class degree, what are your plans for the future?
The goal is to go global. This achievement is just one phase in a larger dream, and the drive to achieve even more has only grown. Insha Allah, I’ll accomplish what I’ve set out to do in life.
How has your academic achievement shaped your career aspirations? Do you feel more doors have opened for you?
While many may say yes, I don’t rely solely on my grades. Past experiences taught me not to be complacent. It’s about combining God’s grace with hard work. This degree has equipped me to take bold steps toward achieving my goals rather than waiting for opportunities to come.
What career opportunities are you most excited about, and how do you plan on leveraging your degree?
Pharmacy is vast and diverse. I’m particularly interested in drug delivery and public health, where I can empower communities and make meaningful contributions.
