A Nigerian man, Arogbodo Mayowa Daniel, has shared his educational journey after graduating with a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in civil engineering from the University of Ibadan. He was recently inducted into the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
Missed Cut-off by 0.375 Points
Daniel revealed that he had to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) twice because he initially missed the cut-off mark by 0.375. His first attempt in 2018 yielded a score of 271, but his aggregate of 63.875 fell short of the 64.25 cut-off for civil engineering at UI. Unable to apply elsewhere due to UI's late admission process, he retook the exam in 2019, scoring 286 and earning admission in October 2019.
COVID-19 Delay and Academic Struggles
His resumption was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic until 2021. He finished his first year with a CGPA of 3.69/4.00, but his second year proved challenging, causing his CGPA to drop and nearly pushing him into depression. "I felt so low that I almost fell into depression but God kept me," he said.
Leadership and Graduation
Daniel bounced back in his third year, maintaining his CGPA while taking on leadership roles. He served as a member of the NICESA Representative Council (NRC) and later as Deputy Speaker and Speaker. He graduated with a Second Class Upper Division and was inducted into the NSE. "Setbacks are not stop signs, they are redirections," he reflected.
Public Reactions
His story inspired many online. Tutor Michael commented, "This is inspiring. Well done and greater heights and achievements Sir." EKUNNIMO SAMSON DARE added, "Congratulations to you, Mr Speaker... More wins in Jesus name." Ebenezer Okediji simply said, "Big Congratulations."
