University of Ibadan First-Class Engineering Graduate Opens Up About Sleepless Nights After Writing UTME Four Times
Victor Dada, a recent graduate from the University of Ibadan, has shared a compelling story of perseverance and academic excellence, revealing that he wrote the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) four times before gaining admission to study engineering. In a detailed LinkedIn post, he disclosed the intense pressures of his final year, which often left him sleep-deprived due to a heavy workload and leadership responsibilities.
Academic Journey Marked by Persistence and Hard Work
Victor Dada completed secondary school in 2015 and faced multiple setbacks, taking the UTME four times before finally securing admission to the University of Ibadan. His determination paid off when he graduated with a First Class in Engineering, achieving a remarkable GPA of 3.88 out of 4.0 and earning the Dean’s Honours Award from the Faculty of Technology. This accolade recognized his outstanding performance amidst significant challenges.
Balancing Academics and Leadership in Final Year
During his final year, Victor served as president of a fellowship group while holding other leadership positions, adding to his already demanding schedule. He managed a rigorous academic load that included 16 courses, laboratory practicals, workshops, weekly reports, and a complex final-year project. This combination of responsibilities required meticulous time management and immense dedication.
Sleepless Nights and Personal Sacrifices
Victor revealed that most nights during this period ended around 2 a.m. or sometimes 3 a.m., leading to frequent sleep deprivation. He described how the experience stretched him mentally, physically, and spiritually, teaching him valuable lessons in discipline, structure, and sacrifice. Despite the exhaustion, he expressed gratitude for the support from friends and mentors who encouraged him through the tough times.
Reflections on Growth and Achievement
In his LinkedIn post, Victor shared, "Last session, I had the honour of receiving the Dean’s Honours Award from the Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, with a GPA of 3.88/4.0. What makes this even more meaningful is what that year looked like behind the scenes. It was my final year. I was serving as President. And, of course, a demanding final year project. My sleeping schedule? Let’s just say it’s still in recovery mode." He emphasized that the journey taught him resilience and the importance of giving his all to achieve his goals.
Related Stories of Academic Triumph
This narrative echoes other inspiring tales from the University of Ibadan, such as a law graduate who bagged a first-class despite initial struggles and an agronomy student who excelled after overcoming early difficulties. These stories highlight the broader theme of Nigerian students overcoming obstacles to achieve academic success, showcasing the resilience and hard work prevalent in the country's educational landscape.
Victor Dada's experience serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, offering motivation to other students facing similar challenges in their academic pursuits.
