Nigerian Man Overcomes Setbacks to Graduate with First-Class Degree in Finance

A young Nigerian, Olayinka, has defied the odds and fulfilled his dream of graduating with a First-Class degree in Finance, despite years of setbacks and obstacles. His journey, filled with academic delays, financial struggles, and personal hardships, is a true testament to resilience and determination.

Four Years of Rejected Admissions

For four consecutive years, Olayinka struggled to gain admission into the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN). Despite numerous attempts and repeated disappointments, he refused to give up on his dream of higher education.

When his plans for university admission failed, he redirected his focus and secured admission to the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, where he began his journey in the field of Finance.

Another Hurdle: Academic Strikes at the Polytechnic

At Federal Polytechnic Offa, Olayinka faced yet another challenge—what was supposed to be a two-year National Diploma program was extended to three years due to prolonged academic strikes.

Still, he remained focused and determined, putting in extra effort to excel in his studies. His hard work paid off, and he graduated as the best student in the Department of Banking and Finance, achieving an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.73/4.0.

This impressive achievement opened the door for him to finally gain admission into the University of Ilorin to further his studies in Finance.

Battling Financial Hardships at UNILORIN

Olayinka's admission to UNILORIN was a dream come true, but it came with its own set of challenges.

His three-year degree program stretched into four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued academic strikes.
He struggled with accommodation, spending two out of three academic sessions without a proper place to stay.
Many times, he had to stay in classrooms all day, unable to afford proper hygiene or a comfortable place to rest.

Financial struggles made things even more difficult. He often had to beg for food just to survive. Reflecting on this tough period, he once said:

“Hunger kills reading.”

These struggles took a toll on his academic journey, but instead of giving up, Olayinka found ways to survive.

Side Hustles and Perseverance

Determined to stay afloat, Olayinka took up side hustles and started tutoring younger students to make some money. This helped him achieve some financial independence, even though it wasn’t enough to completely cover his expenses.

His family support was limited, especially after the loss of his mother. Without a strong financial or emotional support system, he often had to navigate his academic journey alone.

Graduating as the Best in His Department

Despite all these challenges, Olayinka remained focused and dedicated to his studies. His hard work and resilience paid off when he graduated as the best student in the Department of Finance at UNILORIN, achieving a First-Class degree.

Looking back on his journey, Olayinka expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported him, including his father and Faculty Adviser.

Hope for the Future

Now that he has completed his university education with flying colors, Olayinka is filled with hope and excitement for the future.

His story is an inspiration to many young Africans facing academic setbacks, financial struggles, and personal losses. It proves that with perseverance, determination, and resilience, no dream is out of reach.

What’s Next for Olayinka?

With his impressive academic achievements and unbreakable spirit, Olayinka is now set to pursue greater opportunities in Finance and beyond. His journey is just beginning, and the world is waiting to see what he will accomplish next.

Olayinka’s story is a powerful reminder that success is possible, no matter the obstacles. His perseverance, hard work, and never-give-up attitude serve as motivation for students facing similar challenges.