UNILAG Student Overcomes Financial Hardship to Graduate With First Class Honors
A Nigerian graduate from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has become an inspiration to many after sharing his remarkable journey from severe financial struggles to academic excellence. Kuye Damilola, who recently earned a first-class degree in Computer Engineering, detailed how he faced significant challenges throughout his university years, including sleeping on bare floors and working multiple jobs to survive.
Financial Struggles and Survival Strategies
After gaining admission to UNILAG, Damilola encountered persistent financial difficulties that lasted his entire academic career. To support himself, he took on roles as a private tutor and played piano at events, using his skills to earn money. In a heartfelt post on social media, he explained, "I struggled financially and took on private tutoring and piano gigs outside school to keep up, working with the skill I had at the time." Additionally, he revealed that he never secured a bedspace from his first year to his final year, often squatting with friends and sleeping on floors, chairs, and concrete surfaces.
Reinvention and Tech Pursuits
Determined to improve his situation, Damilola saved up to purchase a portable laptop, which allowed him to delve into the tech space. In 2022, he began pursuing software engineering seriously and applied to numerous tech companies. Despite attending several interviews, he faced repeated rejections. He recounted, "In the same year, I applied to many big tech companies, interviewed with a few, but ended up being served the rejection plate all round (100+). Particularly, I got rejected by Bloomberg in 2022 after the final round for a summer internship role." However, he took the feedback, worked on his skills, and persisted.
Academic Achievement and Career Breakthrough
In 2023, Damilola interviewed with Bloomberg again, this time for a Software Engineering Placement Role to use for his SIWES/IT program. He successfully secured the offer within two weeks. Academically, his cumulative grade point average (CGPA) improved steadily over time. During his final year, he achieved a first-class CGPA for the first time, recording a 5.0 GPA in one semester and 4.85 in another. He eventually graduated with a CGPA of 4.54 and was crowned the Best Male Graduating Student in the Computer Engineering department.
Reactions and Inspirational Impact
Damilola's story has garnered widespread admiration on social media, with many users praising his resilience and determination. Comments included:
- @Web3Blush: "Your story is so inspiring, congratulations Kuye."
- @NetoBliss_Web3: "Congrats bro. Sure showing us that it’s possible. We just have to lock in more."
- @gozie_recon: "Congratulations and bigger wins assured in Christ."
- @missolayinkaojo: "Congratulations. It's always going to get better and better!"
This achievement highlights the power of perseverance in the face of adversity, serving as a motivational example for students and aspiring professionals across Nigeria.
