OAU Toughened Me – Graduands Share Resilience Stories Ahead of 49th Convocation

 Adetunji Sade

As Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) prepares for its 49th Convocation Ceremony set to take place from the 11th to 13th of December 2025, graduating students are reflecting on journeys marked by resilience, leadership, academic struggles, and personal growth.

Erinoso Abolaji Opeyemi from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology described his OAU experience as rough and tough, shaped by moments of growth, responsibility, and service.

Mr Abolaji recalled learning to navigate campus as a new student, switching departments, and serving first as Public Relations Officer, later as President of his department. His most memorable moments were spent with friends and mentees.

“It can be very challenging doing extracurricular activities with academics, church, and friends. But I managed to balance everything through time management,” he said.

He advised new students, “Do not mistake freedom for liberty but responsibility. They shouldn't be afraid of failure but ready to pick up when they fail. Finally have a lot of friends whether you are introverted or not,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mr Abolaji plans a year of personal development, learning cybersecurity, and pursuing a master's degree. Persistency remains OAU's key lesson for him.

Abiodun Caleb Olowookere from Department of Mathematics called his journey far from easy. “But the Lord who sees, saw us through,” he said with humour, recalling his first F in BIO 101 a shock many students relate to.

Caleb found purpose in student activities, serving as media personnel and Publicity Head under Team Katholikos Student Union. “Know God for yourself. After God, your academics is the next. Don't be idle. Make meaningful friends,” he said.

For future plans, “but let convocation finish first,” he said. He said his major takeaway remains the art of survival

Oyeyemi Habeeb A. from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology described his time at OAU as a long ride fun and somehow hectic.

“Winning in student politics was memorable,” he said, recalling his proudest moment of securing an elected post in his department at 300 level. Though he started with poor results, he overcame through determination and consistent reading. Deeply involved in campus politics despite not joining formal clubs, he said the experience shaped his leadership skills and confidence.

Reflecting on his campus life, he described it as a mixture of fun and stress that taught him bravery and self-awareness. "My biggest lesson throughout the university journey has been to never give up,” he said.

These stories of resilience, leadership, and determination reveal the challenges and triumphs experienced by OAU graduands. As they prepare to leave campus and embark on the next chapters of their lives, the lessons of persistence, faith, and self-awareness they have gained serve as a strong foundation