Olashubomi Olajumoke Alabi is a first-class graduate of biochemistry from Olabisi Onabanjo University. She graduated with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.59 out of a possible 5. She speaks with Edugist on her journey to studying biochemistry and aspiration to pursue further studies in the field. Excerpts
Please share with Edugist, a little about yourself and your background.
My name is Alabi, Olashubomi Olajumoke. The second child out of three. I was born and bred in Lagos. I had my secondary school education at Ipakodo Senior Grammar, Ikorodu.
What motivated you to pursue a degree in biochemistry?
That should be my sister. I had always wanted to study another course entirely which was nursing science. In 2016, I took the entrance examination at the University College Hospital, to get a diploma in nursing school. However, I got disqualified due to the age difference. I was not of the required age for admission that year. Then the following year, I sat the UTME so I could get admission into the University of Ibadan for nursing, but I didn’t get the admission as well.
Of course, like everyone else, I was sad and disappointed. Then my sister advised me to pick a state university for my next UTME so that I could easily get admitted to study my desired course as it is less competitive, compared to federal universities. So I chose Olabisi Onabanjo University. Meanwhile, I did not do my due diligence, and as at when I applied for admission into OOU which was in 2018, nursing science was not part of the courses offered at the university. I had already sat the UTME and I did well. Now I was stuck with either accepting any other course I was offered or to spend another year at home, again. Since I was desperate and tired of staying at home, I trusted God and prayed that any nice course that came my way, I would gladly accept it as the will of God. Although I had already made a change of course to biochemistry, so I didn’t lose that admission year and that was after making inquiries on the courses available at the university from my sister.
Then, the admission list came out. Thankfully, my name came out with the first batch and I was offered biochemistry. I was so excited that I started doing research about what the course was all about and I had a friend studying the same course, so all I saw so far was interesting and aligned with my path. My sister encouraged me mostly by highlighting the different kinds of places I could work after school and I found it interesting. That was the very day I decided that, even though I could not get my desired course, I have to excel greatly in this field that came my way. After all, whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well and I’m glad I made that decision.
Were there any courses that you found particularly challenging?
Yes, that was during my third year. CMP 306. It was a borrowed course and we had a limited time to cover lengthy course materials. But I give glory to God, as I had a B in that course.
What significant challenges did you encounter during your study?
I won’t really say I had any major challenges as I’m from an average family and my parents and siblings ensured I was satisfied with my necessities. Meanwhile, I had a side hustle that helped me navigate through my university days.
Did you participate in any internship during your study?
Yes I did, in my third year. I had a 3-month internship at Owokoniran Memorial Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun state.
Did you win any scholarship for your study?
No
Do you have any role models you look up to?
Yes. Dr Fasanya. She motivated me to always “shoot for the stars.”
Has any lecturer contributed to your ease of navigating your academics?
A lot of them have positively contributed to my academic success. Right from my first year, down to my final year.
What are your long-term career goals?
My long-time career goal is to be a renowned Doctor of molecular biology.
After your bachelor’s degree, what next?
My master’s and PhD degrees next.
What advice would you offer students who would love to replicate this success?
My advice to young undergraduates is to always put God first in all they do. Study effortlessly, right from the beginning of the semester, and do not wait till it’s exam period before you start studying. Move with the right clique with similar interests as you, so as not to be distracted. And lastly, do not forget that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to if you put in the work.
