By Samuel Solomon
Olusegun Francis Joseph, the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Overall Best Graduating Student for the 2025/2026 academic session, has revealed the sacrifices, discipline and personal strategies behind his historic achievement of a perfect 5.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).
The Mathematics graduate from Ogbomoso, Oyo State, disclosed that achieving his academic ambition required him to set aside certain relationships, reduce extracurricular commitments and remain focused on his long-term goals.
Speaking about the personal sacrifices he made, Olusegun admitted that he had to put relationships aside to concentrate on his studies, although he declined to disclose further details.
He also explained that he reduced some of his social and extracurricular activities, including volunteering and other interests, whenever they conflicted with his academic priorities.
Rather than relying on a rigid study timetable, Olusegun said he adopted a flexible reading system that allowed him to adjust his methods whenever they stopped producing the desired results.
“My flexibility is the key, and my consistency,” he said, emphasising the importance of adapting to changing circumstances while remaining committed to academic excellence.
Olusegun revealed that his ambition to become UNILORIN’s overall best graduating student began in 2019. After recording a perfect 5.00 CGPA in his first year, he became more determined to graduate with the same result. He also disclosed that he did not score below 70 in any course throughout his undergraduate studies.
Explaining his philosophy of success, he stressed the importance of developing a personal structure that reflects individual goals, circumstances and priorities, rather than relying solely on general principles such as discipline and consistency.
He also acknowledged the support of his parents, elder sister, uncle, university scholars and members of his church, noting that their encouragement contributed to his academic journey.
Advising students struggling with low CGPAs, Olusegun encouraged them to identify the causes of their academic difficulties, seek guidance from mentors and implement practical solutions to improve their performance.
Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a master’s degree abroad, with interests in Mathematical Biology and Mathematical Epidemiology. He hopes to apply mathematical knowledge to real-world challenges, particularly infectious diseases and public health.
His remarkable achievement demonstrates that academic excellence requires more than intelligence. Clear goals, consistency, adaptability, self-discipline and the courage to make difficult choices can all play important roles in turning ambition into reality.
