After failing nine courses in his 100-level, Adebanks’ story of academic redemption and personal growth is inspiring thousands.
In an exclusive interview with Akeem Alao, he shares how rock bottom became the foundation for his greatest comeback.
In a society where academic success is often defined by flawless transcripts, David Mercy Fadlullah, popularly known as Adebanks, a graduate of Animal Breeding and Genetics from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has redefined the meaning of triumph.
His candid confession—revealing that he once earned nine F grades during his 100-level—sent shockwaves across social media. Yet, what stood out wasn’t the failure, but the resilience, reflection, and rise that followed.
Through raw honesty and deep introspection, Adebanks took to X (formerly Twitter) to narrate how he bounced back from near academic ruin to earn a Second Class Lower degree—without an extra year. His story has since inspired thousands, reminding us that true excellence often emerges from the lowest valleys.
Can you take us back to the moment you first saw your 100-level results—what was going through your mind?
Honestly, I didn’t expect much—those results didn’t surprise me. They were simply a reflection of my actions and mindset at the time.
At what point did you decide to fight back instead of giving up—and what was your first step toward recovery?
Aside from being truant—especially with everything being virtual at the time—I had more room to indulge in a lot of vices. Things spiraled. I had a personal encounter I’m still not ready to talk about publicly, but it got so intense I had to abscond to Cotonou for a few days. By the time I returned, I had just two exams left. I nearly dropped out. But then I remembered something from Mark Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck*—he wrote about the value of suffering. That hit me. I recalled packing sand and selling it to tippers just to afford my JAMB form back then. That sacrifice, and the one my parents made for me, reminded me I couldn’t just throw it all away. So my first step? Cutting off distractions—especially quitting weed, which had become my gateway into even more self-destruction.
You mentioned “mental battles” and “spiritual ones” in your tweet. Can you talk more about the emotional and psychological toll of that period?
It’s something I’d rather dive deeper into in my memoir someday—it’s personal. But yes, before the results even came out, I was suicidal. I felt like I was failing in every area of life. In hindsight, I was just putting immense pressure on myself. It’s not easy being the male child—especially when the world expects strength but rarely checks if you’re okay.
How did your academic struggles affect your relationships with friends, lecturers, or even family members during that time?
I wouldn’t say I had bad friends—though some of the things we indulged in weren’t the best—but they were supportive in their own way. I’m especially grateful to my then HOD, Dr. B.M. Ilori. He believed in me when my results didn’t. And my mom… she had every reason to resent me, but she didn’t. She was the least judgmental of everyone and gave me her best. My younger brother too—he looked out for me quietly but consistently. In this area, I was blessed. I wasn’t left alone.
What specific habits or strategies helped you turn things around academically?
First, I replaced smoking with working out. That switch alone changed a lot. Even though hustling made it hard to study consistently, I forced myself to start reading again. I also got into sports—especially basketball—which jolted my brain back into shape. It sounds funny, but I always say it helped reset my hippocampus. That physical discipline translated into mental clarity.
Many students with carryovers find it hard to stay motivated. What kept you going when the odds were stacked against you?
Adebanks: The willingness to change and pull myself free from whatever was holding me back—that was key. Also, surrounding myself with the right people made all the difference.
How did your faith, mindset, or support system contribute to your eventual comeback?
My faith? More like a mantra than religion for me. There’s this verse I hold close: fa inna ma’al yusri usra — meaning “with hardship comes ease.” That gave me hope. My mindset shifted from just surviving to strategizing. And a few real friends reminded me I wasn’t alone in the fight.
What would you say to students currently facing academic failure or dealing with multiple carryovers?
Many students have reached out to me already, and the first thing I tell them is to erase the idea that they can pay anyone to help them—FUNAAB isn’t that kind of school. The lecturers have integrity that can’t be bought. So, the only person who can truly help you is yourself. Change starts from within. Don’t give up. The beauty of being human is that we learn from our mistakes—and grow by not repeating them.
Now that you’ve graduated, what’s next for you—academically or professionally?
I’m exploring exotic pet breeding and interior décor through my brand, Lush and Lintel by Adebanks. Down the line, I’d love to pursue postgraduate studies in the States to gain broader exposure.
If you had a chance to give a TED Talk titled ‘From 9 Fs to Graduation,’ what would be your core message in one sentence?
Failure is not final—your grind, grit, and God can rewrite any script?
