"My Journey Was Pure Determination" —OAU’s Best Graduating Female Student

Adetunji Sade

Adeleke Sherifah Bolaji, a graduate of Computer Science with Mathematics who emerged as the Best Graduating Female Student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), completed her journey with an outstanding CGPA of 4.89. Her academic excellence has made her a source of inspiration for her peers.

In an interview with Kilonshele News Agency, Sherifah described her journey as a roller-coaster. Originally set to be a five-year course, her degree extended to nearly seven years due to ASUU strikes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early struggles and adaptation

Her early years were marked by confusion and adjustment challenges as she navigated a new environment and faced various distractions, she said. Despite these obstacles, she excelled academically, finishing her first year with a CGPA of 4.75. “By my second year, I adapted to the system, discovering strategies to improve academically,” she said.

She consistently earned top grades in numerous math-intensive courses throughout her program. “My final year was pure determination,” she said, as fatigue and long-term pressure demanded resilience and focus to see her journey through to the end.

Evolving motivation

Sherifah’s motivation evolved over time. “In my first and second years, my drive came from my CGPA, a reflection of my humble beginnings and desire to earn scholarships,” she said. In her third year and beyond, inspiration shifted to witnessing the achievements of past graduates through convocation videos. “I always watched their names on the list, the recognition, and I believed I could be that person too,” she said.

Challenges and coping

Turning a five-year course into seven brought mental stress and pressure, especially after gaining recognition in her third year by receiving the OAU Star Award and earning the Best Graduating Student (BGS) title. Though motivating, it became a heavy burden at times as she felt the weight of expectations, she said.

To manage personal and academic stress, “I relied on support from loved ones, took breaks when necessary, and embraced sleep as a way to recharge,” she said. Her philosophy: “Stress doesn’t solve anything, relax, think it through, and solutions will come.” She credited her family, friends, and coursemates for continuous encouragement.

Beyond academics

Beyond academics, Sherifah is a graphic designer. “I volunteered for NACOSS (Nigeria Association of Computing Students) and served as head of the design team in my fifth year,” she said. She has also worked with companies in Nigeria, US, UK, and Canada, gaining valuable international experience.

Known for her bubbly and cheerful personality, “I enjoy social outings and reading thriller and romantic books,” she said.

Advice

Sherifah advises undergraduates to “know yourselves and identify what works for you, avoid comparisons with peers, read at your own pace, never study under pressure, and discover your personal motivation.” Her personal mantra, “Que sera sera” (what will be, will be), reflects her philosophy of patience and trust in the process, she said.

Post-graduation plans

“I plan to first complete my mandatory service year, after which I intend to improve my tech career, pursue my PhD, and secure scholarships to further my studies,” she said.