From Intimidation to Excellence: UNILAG Graduate's Remarkable Academic Journey
A University of Lagos (UNILAG) graduate has achieved an extraordinary academic milestone, graduating with first-class honours in economics after overcoming initial intimidation by the subject during his secondary school years. Olatunji Olamilekan's journey from fear to fascination culminated in outstanding academic performance and multiple scholarship recognitions.
Transforming Fear into Academic Passion
Olamilekan revealed that economics initially intimidated him during his early secondary school years at IGS, where the subject was often described as difficult by peers and educators. "I first encountered the subject at IGS. Back then, it was whispered about as a 'difficult' one, and I initially studied out of a fear of failing," he shared on social media. This apprehension gradually transformed into genuine interest as he began understanding economic concepts more deeply.
The turning point came when he progressed from celebrating a score of 50 in his first semester to becoming the go-to resource for classmates struggling with economics. This foundational experience paved the way for his continued success at UNILAG, where he pursued economics with renewed enthusiasm and dedication.
Triple Scholarship Recognition and Professional Development
Beyond his academic achievements, Olamilekan distinguished himself through scholarship awards and professional certifications. He received three prestigious scholarships that supported his educational journey: the Chevron Scholarship, Rotary Club of Lagos (DEWEF) Scholarship, and Joint Mind Initiative Scholarship funding for his ICAN examinations.
His commitment to professional excellence led him to become an Associate Accounting Technician (AAT) and achieve remarkable results in professional examinations. "I sat for the ATS Stage 1 exams and was honored to emerge not just with the Subject Prize in Economics, but as the 3rd Best Student Overall in West Africa," Olamilekan stated. He is currently pursuing his ACA certification while seeking internship and graduate opportunities within the finance sector.
Leadership Development and Future Aspirations
Olamilekan emphasized that his growth extended beyond academic grades to encompass leadership development and personal transformation. He served as Financial Secretary (2023/2025) and Male Coordinator (2024/2025) for ASSMUS, learning valuable lessons in responsibility and organizational management.
His participation in The Growth Club (TGC) provided additional support systems that helped him thrive personally and academically. "I learned that growth isn't just about grades—it's about people and leadership," he reflected in his social media post celebrating his graduation achievement.
Social Media Celebration and Public Reaction
The UNILAG graduate shared his convocation photos and academic journey on Facebook, where he received numerous congratulatory messages from friends, family, and well-wishers. Comments praised his perseverance and academic excellence, with many expressing pride in his accomplishments and wishing him continued success in his professional endeavors.
Olamilekan's story represents a powerful narrative of academic transformation, demonstrating how initial challenges can evolve into remarkable achievements through dedication, support systems, and personal growth. His journey from being intimidated by economics to graduating with first-class honours serves as inspiration for students facing similar academic apprehensions.
