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,,,,Traces genesis of his academic excellence.
By Correspondent in Ota.
Salami Habeeb Folarin has emerged as the Best Graduating Student of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for the 2024/2025 academic session, crowning an exceptional academic journey marked by discipline, consistency and vision.
One of the most decorated graduates in the department’s recent history, Habeeb carted home several prestigious awards in recognition of his outstanding performance.
These include the Head of Department’s Prize, the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Prize, the ECPM Engineers Award, and the Dr. Folashodun Shonubi Prize (Sahara Group).
In an interview with Daily Independent, Habeeb traced his success to a clear goal he set for himself even before gaining admission into the university.
“By the time I gained admission into UNILAG, I already had a clear goal: to study hard, attend classes diligently and graduate with a first class degree,” he said.
According to him, the realisation that academic excellence was attainable for any focused and discerning student served as a major motivation throughout his undergraduate years.
Habeeb’s commitment to excellence began early. He consistently emerged first in his class during his primary education at Logic International School and later at Adedokun International Schools, Ota, Ogun State.
This strong academic foundation, he noted, helped him adapt quickly to the demanding learning environment of the university.
He also expressed a personal commitment to changing prevailing narratives by inspiring young people to see their communities as fertile grounds for excellence and innovation.
On his study routine, Habeeb explained that he had no rigid reading schedule, studying both during the day and at night depending on his daily activities. He often read at night after lectures and structured his routine around consistent study periods rather than fixed hours.
He added that he maximised available support systems by seeking guidance from senior colleagues, attending lectures regularly and focusing on deep understanding rather than rote learning in order to master his courses.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced, Habeeb admitted that maintaining motivation and consistency over seven years of rigorous academic training was not always easy. He spoke of demanding schedules, long hours of laboratory work, extensive assignments and project deadlines, all of which tested his endurance and discipline.
Despite these hurdles, he remained inspired by the department’s strong academic culture, which has consistently produced outstanding graduates.
Habeeb acknowledged the critical role of family and friends in his success, particularly his parents, whom he credited for their emotional support and early academic guidance.
He also expressed gratitude to his teachers at Logic International School and Adedokun International Schools, Ota, Ogun State, for instilling in him a love for learning, critical thinking skills and a lifelong hunger for knowledge.
He further commended the supportive academic environment within the department and the healthy competition among his peers, which constantly pushed him to strive for excellence.
Commenting on Nigeria’s education system, Habeeb called for increased financial support for students from low-income backgrounds.
He advocated the regular disbursement of endowment funds, expanded scholarship opportunities and more effective student loan schemes to ease the burden on indigent students.
Offering advice to students aspiring to academic excellence, Habeeb urged them to dream boldly, remain disciplined, seek help when necessary and combine faith with hard work.
“With God, nothing is impossible. Set clear goals, pray, put in the work and remain consistent. Success will surely follow,” he said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
