FUTA 34TH CONVOCATION; School Of Earth And Mineral Sciences Produces Best Graduating Student

FUTA 34TH CONVOCATION; School Of Earth And Mineral Sciences Produces Best Graduating Student(Details)

From Average to First Class
LAWAL KASALI OLADEPO, Best Graduating Student with 4.84 CGPA in School of Earth and Mineral Sciences tells his story

I came into Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) as an “assumed” average student, having scored 1B and 6 Cs in my WAEC results. By conventional standards, I was just average. My first attempt to gain admission into FUTA during the 2016/2017 admission cycle was “fortunately” unsuccessful.

Fortunately? YES! That setback led me to enroll in FUTA’s Pre-Degree Program, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Through the program, I gained a solid academic foundation and, most importantly, the realization that with determination and effort, I could achieve anything I set my mind to.

From my first year, I set a clear goal: graduate with a First Class, also for me it is not enough getting “As”, proper understanding of each course is paramount. Achieving that required focus, discipline, and countless hours of studying. I ended my 100-level year with a CGPA of 4.73, missing my dream of a perfect 5.00. But instead of feeling defeated, I doubled down, growing both academically and personally over the years:
200-level: 4.79 CGPA
300-level: 4.78 CGPA
400-level: 4.81 CGPA
500-level: 4.84 CGPA

Making Dean’s list throughout my stay in school and a perfect GPA of 5.00/5.00 in my last 3 semesters, this consistency earned me the titles of Best Graduating Student in Marine Science and Technology and Best Graduating Student in the School of Earth and Mineral Sciences at the just concluded #FUTAConvocation.

Beyond academics, I had the privilege of representing Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) at regional and national competitions, notably securing 2nd Runner-Up at the 2022 NMGS Quiz Competition with my teammate, Samuel Toromade. I also served in leadership roles, such as President of my department NAMGS FUTA Chapter in 2022 and PRO in 2020.

However, this journey was not without its challenges. Combining academics, competitions, and leadership roles often felt overwhelming. There were moments I wanted to give up, questioning if all the effort was worth it. But FUTA’s motto, “Technology for Self-Reliance,” reminded me to persevere.

I am deeply grateful to God for His guidance, My parents, My siblings and extended family, The entire staff of the Federal University of Technology Akure, my seniors and juniors, The articulate mariners, and to my amazing friends.

As rightly said by George Ayomipo Ayomide, “As one chapter closes, another begins.” With excitement and determination, I look forward to the next phase of my academic and professional journey.
Let’s go do the next one!

LAWAL KASALI OLADEPO
Best Graduating Student, Marine Science and Technology
Best Graduating Student, School of Earth and Mineral Sciences
Federal University of Technology Akure, The 34th Set