Ibitoye Oluwatobiloba, a Nigerian man, has shared his remarkable academic journey as he finally graduated from the University of Ibadan with a degree in Medical Laboratory Science. His story, which he posted on LinkedIn, details how he wrote the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as an underage candidate and overcame several challenges to achieve his goal.
Early Motivation and Admission
A few months before his 14th birthday, Ibitoye's GCE results were released. His father, upon seeing the results, encouraged him to write the UTME just to see how it would go. Ibitoye excelled in the exam and gained admission to study Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Ibadan. However, when he visited the admissions office, he was told that his admission would be deferred for a year because he was underage by just a month or two. Although devastated, he waited and eventually resumed as a 100-level student.
Overcoming Academic Hurdles
His first year was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced virtual lectures and online learning. In his 200 level, an ASUU strike that began as a two-week warning strike stretched into an eight-month shutdown. When they resumed, students had to reconnect with their academics after months of interruption. Clinical postings followed at the University College Hospital, where he rotated through various laboratories and departments, including Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, and Jaja Clinic.
By 400 level, the intensity increased with 12 courses in the first semester, one of the most academically demanding periods of his life. The second semester focused on clinical postings at Ring Road State Hospital and Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, with hands-on training in Hematology, Chemical Pathology, Medical Microbiology, and Histopathology. He passed his first professional examination and discovered his passion in Hematology and Blood Transfusion Science.
Final Year and Induction
In 500 level, he completed seminars, project work, and the final professional examination, passing with a distinction. On Monday, 11th May 2026, he was inducted into the Medical Laboratory Science profession. He expressed gratitude to God, his family, friends, mentors, and everyone who supported him. He plans to share more stories of his leadership, volunteering, and academic excellence along the way.
Public Reactions
His story triggered many reactions on social media. Deborah Animashaun congratulated him, saying, "Congratulations MLSct Ibitoye." Saheed Adedokun added, "Congratulations, my CR." Jeremi Ibitoye also congratulated him, saying, "Congratulations Ibitoye many more wins."
In a related story, UNILAG's best graduating student shared how he was rejected by the University of Ibadan, while another graduate staged a one-man protest over unemployment. Additionally, LASU's best graduating student opened up about her admission experience in an interview, sharing her struggles and future goals.
