Public universities help you develop survival instincts — Olabode

Azeezat Kofoworola Olabode recently graduated from the department of industrial chemistry, University of Ilorin. She is a shoemaker and Web3 enthusiast. She speaks with Edugist on her undergraduate study experience. Excerpts

Please share with Edugist, a little about yourself and your background. 

My name is Olabode, Azeezat Kofoworola, a Bachelor of Science graduate of the department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin. I’m a shoemaker and a Web3 enthusiast. 

Could you tell us about your motivation and experience studying industrial chemistry? 

I wouldn’t say that there’s a motivation per say. I just wanted to advance my studies immediately after my ordinary national diploma (OND) programme and I saw industrial chemistry as a promising course to study. I gained admission to study industrial chemistry at the University of Ilorin in 2018. It was more like a direct entry to me, though I was admitted as a UTME candidate.

Take us through your journey in school

I was just like a normal student during my first year until we got to second semester and a guy from my department introduced me to politics. I didn’t know what it entailed at first but he said that it was just like representing my course mates in the “house” and letting everyone know about their concerns. I joined student politics during my second year as an honorable representing my department at the faculty level. Same when I was in 300 level. During 400 level, I actually wanted to return to the house as the speaker given that I’d been in the house for two years and I was moving into my final year. However, due to some political permutation I withdrew and contested for the position of the vice president with a by-election.

How do you think your background contributes to your problem-solving and analytical thinking skills? 

Well, I was raised by my mother and brought up to be independent and to think for myself because obviously, nobody is coming to get things done for me. I have always been heavy on survival so I’ve constantly been developing myself in every way possible. I would say that has really contributed to my problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.

What were your biggest challenges on campus and how did you deal with them? 

I encountered one of my biggest challenges when I was in 100 level, during the second semester. My phone was spoilt and exams were fast approaching so I couldn’t read for the exams as all my materials were on the phone. It really affected my 100 level second semester results, but I improvised as I resorted to jotting instead.

Another challenge I faced came in 200 level. I had to relocate to a new hostel that was far from my department, then, a series of distractions happened which also affected my first semester results. But I tried to move closer to a friend whose hostel was closer to my department so I could concentrate, and it worked.

How different do you think your experience would have been if you attended a private university? 

It wouldn’t be much different except for the survival part, I guess. I believe that private universities are tailored to bring comfort to their students which is good but at the same time bad because the students may lack exposure to certain lifestyle and survival instincts.

Have you had any internship experiences? 

Yes, at Seven-Up Bottling Company.

What leadership experience or extracurricular activities have you acquired during your study?

As earlier stated, I was actively involved in politics throughout my years in school. I was a two-time honorable and the vice president of the faculty during my final year.

How do you stay updated on the latest developments in your field? 

I learn using online materials and LinkedIn.

In your opinion, what are some challenges facing your profession? 

Lack of facts, because freshers think that studying the course is a direct way to getting employed at some oil companies. Also, low employment rate, due to the fact that everything has been tied to connections.

After your bachelor’s degree, what next? 

I am focusing on my life for now. I am a shoemaker by passion and profession, so I’m working towards breathing more life into that.