After Writing JAMB 5 Times, Uthman Uthman Olayode Emerged Overall Best Graduating Student Of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University(Photos)

With a CGPA of 4.98, Uthman Uthman Olayode emerged as the Overall best graduating student of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University during the just-concluded Convocation for the 2023/2024 academic session.

His Full Speech:

VALEDICTORY SPEECH DELIVERED BY UTHMAN UTHMAN OLAYODE,
THE OVERALL BEST GRADUATING STUDENT OF THE 2023/2024
GRADUATING CLASS, AT THE COMBINED 3RD AND 4TH
CONVOCATION CEREMONIES OF ABIOLA AJIMOBI TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, IBADAN, ON FRIDAY, 11TH APRIL, 2025.

Your Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State and Visitor to the University, Engineer Seyi Makinde; the Chancellor of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University;the Council; esteemed dignitaries;honorable university administrators; faculty members; Pro-Chancellor;the Vice Chancellor and distinguished members of the Governing my fellow graduates;members of the Press;ladies and gentlemen.

If someone had told this firewood seller’s son,standing before you,years ago,that he addressing you the mighty, influential as well as budding talents and future would one day stand hereas the overall best graduating student, he would have smiled professionals today. I am, therefore,a living proof that no dream is too big to become in disbelief. Of course, I am that firewood seller’s son on the elevated podium a reality, and no background is too humble to be liberated by solid education.

I feel proud to say that my name is Uthman Uthman Olayode, and I am deeply academic session of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University. I begin by expressing my honoured to address you as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the 2023/2024 heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty God, who has been my guiding light and source of strength throughout my academic journey. His blessings and favour have enabled me to achieve this milestone, and I am forever grateful.

I am the proud son of a dedicated secondary school teacher and a hardworking support and my own determination powered me to push through every obstacle to firewood seller. Though we began from humble beginnings, my parents’ unwavering achieve this moment of triumph.

Despite excelling in secondary school, I faced repeated setbacks in gaining admission to a higher institution and had to sit for the UTME five times, with each attempt full of promise, and each denial a heavy blow. I watched classmates gain admission while I remained behind, wondering if my turn would ever come. But faith, I stress, faith, my fifth attempt, I was awarded a scholarship to this esteemed institution to study Physics with Electronics, a course known for its rigour and tough demand. Reflecting kept me going. And when it was time, God showed me that delays are not denials. On on my journey, I am reminded that what seems like a delay to us is often the perfect
timing in God’s divine plan. Alhamdulillahi Rabbil’Aalamin.

Despite the challenges, I persevered, earning 55 As and only 2 Bs throughout my the Federal Government Scholarship Award (FSB) in both my 300 and 400 levels, university years. You will give me the privilege to declare that, remarkably, I
consecutive. Additionally, I was honoured to receive three prestigious scholarships: achieved a perfect 5.0 GPA in six out of eight semesters, five of which were MTN Foundation Scholarship, and Oyo State bursary for final year students.

Beyond academics, I had the privilege of serving as the Ameer of the Muslim in my final year. Despite the numerous challenges and stress that came with Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Abiola Ajimobi Technical University chapter, leadership, including late-night meetings and travels, I was able to maintain an serving a higher purpose and sacrificing for a noble cause does not hinder one’s progress, but it rather propels it forward.Meanwhile, wholeheartedly, I dedicate this achievement to MSSN and the entire Muslim Ummah. Your prayers, support and excellent academic record throughout my tenure. This experience has taught me that guidance carried me through.

Yet, I must stress that this milestone is also a testament to the selfless sacrifices and unwavering support of my parents, Alhaji Usman Kamorudeen and Hajiah Usman Ramat. They have been my pillars of strength, providing moral, emotional, financial,
and spiritual support every step of the way. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and I will always remain deeply grateful to them. Dear parents, thank you for being my greatest and unwavering pillars of support. I love and appreciate you both.

I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the Oyo State Government forproviding students from average backgrounds, like myself, with the opportunity to pursue higher education for free. The scholarship programme has been transformative for many of us, and I encourage the government to sustain and expand this programme, creating more awareness so that more deserving students can benefit.

A special appreciation goes to the Lagelu Local Government under the leadership of Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen, for sponsoring my scholarship. Your support has made an invaluable impact on my academic journey, and I remain deeply grateful.

To the management of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, I extend my experienced firsthand. Throughout our academic journey, you have not only “Developing Brains, Training Hands”, is not just a phrase but a reality we’ve hands with practical skills and real-world applications that will serve us well in our sincere gratitude for providing an enabling learning environment and exceptional academic resources that foster academic excellence and innovation. Our motto, developed our brains with knowledge and critical thinking skills but also trained our future endeavours.

To my department, the Department of Physics and Science Laboratory Technology, thank you for the academic rigour, mentorship and continuous support. I am particularly grateful to our current Head of Department, Dr. C. A. Aborisade, for his
leadership and guidance throughout my academic journey.

A special appreciation goes to Dr. A. E. Adeoye, our former Head of Department and encouragement have been invaluable to my academic growth, and I am grateful for now the Vice Dean, who has been like a father to me. His guidance, support and
the significant role he has played in my journey.

In addition, my heartfelt gratitude goes to my project supervisor, Dr. L. E. Oloore, who has been more than just a supervisor to me. He has been my mentor, academic father and guiding light throughout my undergraduate journey. His wisdom, patience,
and constant encouragement have been invaluable. Dr. Oloore, I am eternally grateful, sir.

I would also like to acknowledge Alhaji Honorable Oribayo Okeyode, the former Commissioner of Lands, whose timely intervention and support played a pivotal role in securing my scholarship. Sir, your kindness will neverbe forgotten.

To my family, siblings, and friends, your love, encouragement and belief in me have been my source of motivation. Thank you for standing by me through every challenge.

To my fellow graduates, today marks not just the end of an academic journey but also mentored us, and pushed us to reach our full potential. We have learned, failed, grown
the box, solve problems creatively, and collaborate effectively.We’ve had the the beginning of new opportunities. We’ve been challenged to think critically outside privilege of learning from exceptional faculty members who have guided us, and now we rise.

As we move forward, we carry with us the knowledge, skills and values that will enable us to make a meaningful impact in our communities and the world at large. We belong to those who wait; it belongs to those who dare. Let us go into the world not
are the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow.The future does not just to seek opportunities but to create them. Let us rise, not alone: but lifting others as we climb. Let us remember to stay curious, stay humble and stay true to ourselves

In closing, I share with you the words of Nelson Mandela: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”As we embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead, let us remain resilient, focused, and committed to
making a positive difference in the world.

Congratulations, graduating class of the 3rd and 4th Convocation Ceremonies! I look forward to meeting you at the pinnacle of success, where we truly belong!

Long live the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences!
Long live the Department of Physics and SLT!
Long live Oyo State!
Cheers!
Long live Abiola Ajimobi Technical University!
Long live Nigeria!

After Writing JAMB 5 Times, Uthman Uthman Olayode Emerged Overall Best Graduating Student Of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University With CGPA 4.98.

Other awards include, Best Graduating Student , Department of Physics and SLT and Faculty of Natural and Applied sciences pic.twitter.com/yWxdACeSBJ

— Star Potter (@Starpotternews) April 11, 2025