Uthman Uthman Olayode, the best graduating student of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, has captured national attention with his powerful story of persistence, faith, and academic brilliance—revealing he failed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) five times before finally gaining admission.
Speaking during the combined convocation for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions, Olayode delivered a heartfelt address that moved the audience, including top dignitaries such as Oyo State Deputy Governor, Adebayo Lawal, and other esteemed personalities representing traditional and academic institutions.
Olayode recalled the painful journey marked by repeated rejections despite his strong performance in secondary school. “Each year I tried, each year I failed. Watching others move ahead while I remained behind was heartbreaking,” he said. But he never gave up.
His breakthrough came on the fifth attempt when he was awarded a scholarship to study Physics with Electronics, a demanding course known for its rigour. From that moment on, Olayode never looked back.
He went on to achieve an extraordinary academic record: 55 As, 2 Bs, and a perfect 5.0 GPA in six out of eight semesters, five of them consecutively. His achievements also earned him prestigious scholarships, including the Federal Government Scholarship (FSB), MTN Foundation Scholarship, and Oyo State bursary.
Beyond academics, Olayode served as Ameer of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) on campus, balancing leadership responsibilities with exceptional scholastic performance.
“Delays are not denials,” he said with conviction. “I am proof that no dream is too big and no background too small to be transformed by education.”
His story, marked by resilience, excellence, and faith, is a stirring reminder that obstacles are often stepping stones—and that perseverance, when anchored in purpose, yields greatness.
