Olamide Ajayi’s story is one of relentless curiosity, dedication, and resilience. Inspired from a young age by books and the encouragement of her parents, she developed a fascination with technology that ultimately led her to pursue a degree in Mechatronics Engineering at Afe Babalola University. Determined to honor her family’s sacrifices, Olamide not only set a high academic goal but also discovered a deep passion for her field through hands-on experiences and internships. Her path, marked by challenges and triumphs, showcases the power of perseverance and a supportive community. Now, as a first-class graduate, Olamide looks to make significant strides in the realm of artificial intelligence and signal processing. Excerpts.
Can you tell Edugist a bit about your background? What inspired you to pursue your degree?
I’ve always been curious, especially about how things work. My parents encouraged this by getting me books like “Did You Know” and “How It Works,” which sparked my fascination with technology early on. Even as a child watching TV, I’d ask my parents how I could see someone on the other side of the screen. Eventually, I learned that much of what intrigued me involved electrical and mechanical systems. This curiosity evolved into a desire to understand the intersection of these fields, leading me to study Mechatronics Engineering.
What motivated you to aim for a first-class degree? Was this a goal from the beginning, or did it develop over time?
My goal was to make my parents proud because I knew the sacrifices they made to get me here. But after my internship at Quadrev Limited in my second year, where I worked on drone assembly, I fell in love with my field. After that, I was driven as much by my passion as by wanting to honor my parents’ efforts. I joined tech clubs like the Abuad Salt Valley Associates (ASVA) to deepen my hands-on experience in embedded systems and programming, which only fueled my motivation further.
Did you face any personal challenges while studying? How did you overcome them?
Yes, the workload was intense, and some courses were very technical. My faith, along with support from my classmates, helped me persevere. We created informal study groups with unspoken roles—Xander, for instance, would find extra resources, while Markson had a talent for simplifying complex concepts like signal processing. It was these collaborations that got us through the toughest moments.
How did you structure your study routine to achieve consistent academic success?
I’m a big believer in group study, but I also know that consistency is key. I review each lecture the day it’s given to make sure the material sticks, and I do a quick recap over the weekend to keep it fresh. Before each week starts, I glance over the upcoming topics so nothing feels completely new in class. This system helped me stay prepared and ready for any pop quizzes.
What study techniques or strategies worked best for you while studying?
I like to start with my most challenging subjects. I watch YouTube tutorials, especially those by Indian lecturers, and create my own notes based on my research and course materials. To keep motivated, I use a kind of reward system—I study for a set time, then take a break with a snack or short walk. I also reinforce my learning by teaching it back to myself, even if it means talking to myself in the library!
Were there any specific subjects or courses that you found particularly difficult? How did you tackle them?
Signal Processing was a tough one. I’d dedicate extra time to it, watching tutorials and building notes from various resources. When time was limited, I focused on areas covered in lectures and worked outward from there.
How did you prepare for exams and handle the pressure of deadlines and assessments?
I organized tasks by priority, using a matrix to balance urgency and importance. I tried to finish tasks each day or at least make progress so that nothing piled up.
What role did your lecturers and university resources (libraries, academic support, etc.) play in your success?
They played an essential role, especially the lecturers. When they see you’re genuinely interested, they’re more willing to provide guidance and share resources.
How did you manage to balance academics with social life and extracurricular activities?
Time management was key. I focused fully on the task at hand, whether studying, attending a meeting, or socializing. When I had to shift focus, like stepping away from my books for an association meeting, I’d catch up later, even if it meant studying late at night.
How important was your peer group in your success? Did you study with friends or prefer to work alone?
Having the right circle helped a lot. Outside of class, I had friends who motivated me to study, and within my course, there were classmates who were always willing to explain things. I preferred studying alone at first to understand concepts, then sharing and discussing in a group.
How did you stay motivated during low points, especially when things got tough?
My friends and family were my anchors. I remember calling my mom before a Signal Processing exam, feeling defeated, and she encouraged me to keep going. After intense study sessions, I managed to get a B, which was a huge relief.
How did achieving a first-class degree change your perception of yourself or your abilities?
In secondary school, I wasn’t usually among the top students, so graduating with a first-class degree was a confidence boost. It taught me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
If you could go back to your first year, what advice would you give to your younger self?
I’d tell myself to have fun, join the basketball team again, and make time to enjoy life. I was so focused on achieving a 5.0 that I missed out on things I enjoyed.
Now that you’ve graduated with a first-class degree, what are your plans for the future?
I plan to work at the intersection of signal processing and artificial intelligence to improve imaging systems like MRI machines, CCTV or Drone-based surveillance systems. My goal is to make these systems more accurate and accessible.
How has your academic achievement shaped your career aspirations? Do you feel more doors have opened for you?
My field, though specific, combines computer, mechanical, and electrical engineering, so I have been able to judge where my interest leans most to and derived my interest from that. With the current push for women in STEM, I’m optimistic about the opportunities that await.
What career opportunities are you most excited about, and how do you plan on leveraging your degree?
I’m excited to dive into engineering, focusing on AI for imaging systems. I plan to leverage my degree to make a real impact in this field.
