Rihanat Adekola, a first-class political science graduate of the University of Ibadan (UI), has recounted the serendipitous chain of events that led her to Nigeria's premier university. She shared her story on LinkedIn after successfully defending her final year project and signing out of the institution.
How a JAMB Centre Decision Shaped Her Future
According to Adekola, her journey began at a JAMB registration centre where she discovered that her initial choice of institution had cancelled the course she intended to study. Faced with the prospect of starting over, she sought advice from the registration officer. He suggested the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), but when he noticed her hesitation, he proposed the University of Ibadan.
“I didn't overthink it. UI sounded different, unique. As someone who dares to be different, I made a decision that would shape my entire future,” Adekola wrote. Her choice was met with skepticism from others who questioned her connections and the difficulty of gaining admission into UI. “The criticism came immediately. 'Who do you know in UI?' 'UI's admission is nearly impossible!' But honestly? That doubt fueled me,” she said.
Overcoming Challenges and Academic Excellence
Adekola recalled her first day in class, specifically POS 111 with Dr. Lafenwa, where she arrived late and felt shy, having come from a gender-based secondary school. Despite initial uncertainties, she adapted and made the Dean's List in her 100-level, a streak she maintained throughout her studies. “I intentionally kept my social battery at 7%, a decision I'm grateful for,” she noted.
Transitioning from a political aspirant to Editor-in-Chief of POSSPRESS, Adekola balanced her academic and extracurricular commitments. She recently defended her final year project titled “Online Political Activism and the 2023 Presidential Election in Nigeria.”
Social Media Reactions
The post garnered congratulatory messages from peers and mentors. Ayomide Anne Olayinka wrote, “Congratulations Rihanat. I’m proud of you my friend.” Bamimore Sogo said, “Congratulations Rihanat! Soar!!!” Kaosara Yusuf added, “Congratulations to you Rihanat. More grease to your elbow.” Dhikru Yagboyaju commented, “Beacon of Hope. Indicator of greater things that are coming. Alhamdulilah Thank you for making us proud. Many of you are daring and your performance is reassuring to us. You are blessed, and Nigeria is blessed.”
Broader Context of UI Graduates' Achievements
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that another UI graduate, Piriye Gogo, earned an MBA 19 years after losing her master's admission. Gogo, who earned a BSc in Political Science and Government from UI in 2007, had deferred her master's program after discovering she was pregnant with her first child. Her story highlights the diverse paths of UI alumni.
