Janefrances Chibuzor
The Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, has celebrated two extraordinary students, Haroun Adebakin and Samuel Badekale, from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, for achieving a historic feat: graduating with a perfect CGPA of 5.00 in the 2023–2024 academic session. This remarkable achievement has earned them the prestigious Plaque of Honour, presented under the leadership of the Dean, Prof. Olayinka Asekun.
Reflecting on the significant milestone, Adebakin expressed his gratitude and joy. “I feel very happy and elated to be graduating with this feat. I’m very grateful to God and glad for this opportunity. It’s a privilege to be one of the world’s best graduating students with a perfect CGPA of 5.00,” he said.
He used the moment to inspire his peers, urging them never to give up on their dreams regardless of their circumstances. “To my fellow youth, I would say never give up. Keep striving for success and find a supportive environment around you. Irrespective of your background or the environment you’ve grown in, irrespective of any limiting factors, you’ve got your own God-given talents. Believe in them, nurture them, and find the right mindset. Keep going, never give up, and put in the work. You’ll be successful,” he advised.
The award ceremony at the University of Lagos Staff School Hall was filled with heartfelt speeches and applause as attendees celebrated the exceptional achievements of Haroun and Badekale. Their accomplishments have brought immense pride to the Faculty of Science and the entire University of Lagos community. Their perfect CGPAs stand as a testament to their dedication, resilience, and the support they received from their mentors and peers.
For Samuel Badekale, the achievement was equally momentous and served as a personal fulfillment of a long-held dream. “I feel very glad to find that the dream has finally been realized,” he said. “This is just the beginning for me. I’m very glad to receive all of these prizes and awards, but it’s also a call to action. As much as I feel good, I realize that this success sets a standard, one I must strive to uphold as I move forward.”
Badekale who also holds previous accolades such as the Professor of Organic Chemistry Award and the Professor of Food, Health, and Molecular Biology Award, described the feeling of being the overall best graduate with a perfect CGPA as “amazing.” However, he acknowledged the responsibility that comes with such an achievement. “It takes more than just hard work; it takes a lot of prayers and dedication. You have to set goals and commit to achieving them through consistent effort,” he explained.
The two students accomplishments have brought immense pride to the Faculty of Science and the entire University of Lagos community. Their perfect CGPAs stand as a testament to their dedication, resilience, and the support they received from their mentors and peers.
Adebakin credited much of his success to a combination of personal effort and divine guidance. “It’s not just about hard work,” he said. “It also takes prayers and a strong personal perspective. You have to put in the work, remain consistent, and stay focused on your goals.”
Badekale echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the importance of diligence and a clear vision. “Achieving a perfect CGPA requires more reading, more consistency, and quite a lot of discipline. It’s about setting your goals and working tirelessly to achieve them. This journey has been demanding, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding,” he stated.
Their success has also highlighted the crucial role of mentorship and an enabling environment in academic excellence. Both students expressed their appreciation for the support provided by their course adviser, Dr. Onyekachi Iroanya, whose innovative approach to teaching and mentorship played a pivotal role in their journey.
Dr. Iroanya, who spoke at the award presentation, described Haroun and Samuel as exemplary students whose dedication and teamwork set them apart. “Their performances were above excellent. They were not just brilliant academically; they also excelled in other areas and inspired their peers. Their success is a reflection of their hard work, discipline, and the collaborative spirit we cultivated in the department,” she said.
The Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Olayinka Asekun, commended Haroun and Samuel for their historic achievement and lauded the efforts of the department in nurturing such talent. “This recognition is a celebration of excellence, determination, and the power of mentorship. Haroun and Samuel have set a new standard for academic achievement, and we are proud to have been part of their journey,” he stated.
Berexnews learnt both Badekale and Adebakin hope their achievements will inspire future students to aim high and believe in their potential. “To anyone aspiring to succeed, I’d say focus on your strengths, remain disciplined, and never stop striving for excellence,” Adebakin advised.
Badekale added, “Success is not just about intelligence; it’s about consistency, hard work, and faith. Whatever you set your mind to, you can achieve it with determination and the right support system.”
As the Faculty of Science celebrated these exceptional graduates, the Plaque of Honour presented to Haroun Adebakin and Samuel Badekale stands as a symbol of their remarkable achievement and the collective effort that made it possible. Their journey is a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope for students across Nigeria and beyond.
