Ewetola Michael Adeboye, 23, is the overall best graduating student of the Obafemi Awolowo University in the 2013/2014 academic session, having finished with a CGPA of 4.85 from the Department of Mathematics. He tells OAU Peeps News Agency in an exclusive interview about what it took him to come on top.

Can we meet you sir?
My name is Ewetola Michael Adeboye, a graduate of the Department of Mathematics. I hail from Oyo state.

You were pronounced the overall best graduating student during this year's convocation. What CGPA did you graduate with?
4.85

Wow... That's awesome. When you wanted to enter the university, did you choose Mathematics?
Sure, it was my first and second choice.

So you mean you wanted to study Mathematics? Why were you passionate about Mathematics?
I just like it and I find it interesting.

What was your prior performance in Mathematics relative to other subjects especially during your secondary school days?
It was excellent just like the other subjects too but I enjoyed mathematics the most.

This suggest your excellent performance did not just begin. When did you start leading your class?
I started leading my class right from my Primary school.

Did you take any decision as a fresh student then that helped you in the course of your study?
Not really, it has always been my habit to give my best to whatever I do.

That’s impressive. One would naturally think you are a genius or that it runs in the family?
Yes

Did you hear stories about Obafemi Awolowo University that could be discouraging when you resumed school?
Yes, I heard of how in Obafemi Awolowo University, you will have to read to have an F.

So what was your reaction to this?
I was not scared. I also met some of my senior colleagues who counselled me that smart work and not just hard work is all I need to get my desired grade in any course.

Was it in your plan to be the best graduating student when you got admission?
No, but I started considering its possibility when I was in Part two because my Part one results were encouraging and I felt that if I could step up my game, I may emerge as the Best Graduating Student, but it was not really my target, I just want have a good understanding of my course.

What was your CGPA in Part 1?
4.80

What was your lowest grade?
E

What was your reaction to this when you saw the result?
A little bit disappointed but not too bothered because it was a Special Elective course.

How many hours did you invest in sleeping and studying per day?
I read for an average of 3 hours and sleep for about 7 hours per day during weekdays while the reading hour during weekends is about 7 hours.

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities?
Yes, I was a Departmental Representative Council (DRC) member in my Part 2, the Academic Committee chairman of my department in Part 4 and I was also involved in fellowship activities.

Which fellowship did you attend on campus?
Baptist Students’ Fellowship (BSF).

At what point did you know you would be the best graduating student?
It was in my Part 3 when I had A's in all my courses.

Wow... How did you feel when you got to know you graduated as the best student?
I was happy and grateful to God.

Apart from being the Best Graduating Student, you won other prizes, what are they?
I received five prizes ranging from departmental to faculty and the university prize.

1. Professor A. F. Oluwole Faculty prize for the best graduating student with the highest CGPA in the Faculty of Science
2. Tola Olukilede prize for the best graduating student in the Faculty of Science
3. Professor(Chief) Reuben Olafenwa Ayeni memorial prize for the graduating student with the best all round performance in Bsc Mathematics program
4. Ife North local government prize for the best student in the department of Mathematics
5. Tola Olakilede Agent of change prize for the final year student in the university with the highest cumulative grade point

What is your advice to the current crop of undergraduates especially the fresh ones among them?
I implore them not just to work hard but work smart, prioritize understanding of every course over grades and avoid cramming at all cost even as you develop a habit of consistent studying.

Have you received any job offer since you graduated as a result of your sterling performance?
Not yet.

Congratulations once again Michael and we appreciate you for your time, what is your words to the OAU Peeps crew?
I have been seeing your posts on Facebook before now. Keep up the good job.

irunoobo:

nduchucks:
Instead of the journalist asking this guy whether he has been admited for graduate studies, he is asking whether he has received a job offer. mumu