My father taught me at home after losing his job – UNILORIN best graduating student

Ayodeji Akinsanya, a 24-year-old Mathematics graduate from the University of Ilorin, Oyo State, recently emerged as the overall best student with an impressive CGPA of 4.97. In this engaging conversation with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, he shares the inspiration behind his mathematical journey, recounting the challenges he faced and how his father’s dedication to education ignited his passion for mathematics, ultimately paving the way for his academic triumph

Congratulations on your success! How did you feel when you were announced as the best-graduating student?

I was extremely happy. It was a great experience, especially receiving a standing ovation from the vice-chancellor. It was overwhelming.

What year did you gain admission?

I was admitted to the University of Ilorin in 2019 and graduated in 2024.

What inspired you to study mathematics?

When I was five years old, my dad lost his job. At some point, he couldn’t afford to pay our school fees, so we stopped going to school. He had studied statistics and understood the importance of a solid Mathematics background. Since he couldn’t afford formal schooling, he taught us at home, focusing primarily on mathematics, which was his strength. While teaching us, I quickly grasped the concepts. He introduced us to factorials, permutations, and combinations, demonstrating how to use them for complex calculations in a simple way.

It fascinated me that these intricate problems could be simplified and solved. From that point on, I fell in love with Mathematics. In primary and secondary school, I consistently excelled in Mathematics, scoring above 90. This strong performance drove me to pursue a degree in Mathematics.

Could you explain that process?

We were taught how to arrange things and solve complex problems, and I realised that these difficult concepts could actually be calculated and simplified. From that moment, I fell in love with Mathematics. In both primary and secondary school, I consistently excelled in Mathematics, scoring above 90 per cent. This passion drove me to pursue a degree in Mathematics.

How would you describe the influence of your father’s tutoring during the time you couldn’t attend school?

He had a great influence on my life, and I’m really grateful for that because he simplified complex topics, making them accessible.

How did your parents react to your achievement of graduating with a first-class degree?

They were excited! My dad graduated from the University of Ilorin with a CGPA of over four points. He always reminded us of that, urging us to do better than him. So, coming home with a first-class degree and an award felt really good. I was very happy, and my brother also nearly graduated with a first-class. He had a CGPA of 4.44 from the same university. So they all felt proud of me. I am the second child, and I have three siblings.

How has your mother played a supportive role in your academic success?

She was incredibly supportive throughout my academic journey. I remember a day when I asked her for money, and she initially said she didn’t have any. But then, without hesitation, she went out and took a loan to help me cover the bill. Her actions that day motivated me to want to make her proud. She truly is the best mother anyone could pray for.

What was your strategy for maintaining such high academic standards throughout?

Before I got admitted to the university, I wrote UTME four times. I am mentioning this because the experience taught me how to develop a reading pattern. To fully understand any content, I would read it thoroughly at least three to four times. When I got to the University of Ilorin, I refined this strategy. During holidays, I would start studying my materials, focusing on gaining background knowledge of the courses I would be taking. By the time lectures began, I already had a solid foundation, allowing me to build on it. I never procrastinated; I reviewed everything immediately after class, which helped me stay ahead in my studies.

You mentioned writing UTME four times. Was it because you didn’t meet the cut-off mark?

Yes, I didn’t meet the cut-off mark, mostly because my dad wanted me to study Engineering. He felt that Mathematics didn’t have much of a future in Nigeria. Like most parents, he wanted the best for me.

So, who eventually made the decision for you to study Mathematics instead of Engineering?

I always wanted to study Mathematics, but couldn’t make that decision on my own at the time. Eventually, my mum and elder brother stepped in and convinced my dad to let me pursue what I loved, and he eventually agreed.

Did you ever think you could have earned a first-class degree if you had studied Engineering instead of Mathematics?

If I had been admitted to study Engineering in 2019, I believe I would still have graduated with a first-class degree. However, if it had been during my earlier struggles with UTME, I doubt that would have been the case.

Can you share any personal or academic challenges you faced during your time at the university and how you overcame them?

The biggest challenge I faced was financial. Coming from a humble background, it was difficult at times. My friends did their best to support me, but I still needed additional funds. To address this, I approached IJMB (an advanced level and JAMB centre) where I juggled my coursework with teaching. It was essential to find a balance and put in extra effort, which led me to apply for scholarships. Fortunately, I was awarded two scholarships during my undergraduate years—one from MTN and the other from the Federal Government. Additionally, I received a stipend that helped me overcome financial barriers. The scholarships assisted with tuition fees and provided financial support.

How did you balance your social life, extracurricular activities, and academics while maintaining high performance?

It was all about finding balance.

What habits or routines were critical to your success as a first-class student?

One of the key routines I followed was collaborating with friends. We would sit together for hours, reviewing lecture materials and sharing ideas. This collective effort helped us understand the concepts better.

What were some of the toughest challenges you faced academically that made you feel like giving up?

There were times when I doubted myself, but I relied on my self-confidence and determination to become a better person. There was a time in my second year when I felt like giving up. I began to teach tutorials and also took on an online teaching job.

Balancing that with my academics was tough, especially in my third year when the Mathematics courses became more challenging. I struggled with some subjects, and my performance on tests wasn’t great initially. I remember scoring low on certain tests, but persevered and ultimately managed to earn an ‘A’ in those courses through hard work and extra studying.

Many people think Mathematics is a difficult subject, how did you overcome that perception?

It’s true that many view Mathematics as difficult, but with the right approach and consistent effort, it becomes manageable. I would argue that Mathematics is one of the simplest subjects. It follows a pattern; if you adhere to it, you will arrive at the answer.

Whether you’re solving an equation or working through a proof, as long as you follow the procedure and definitions, you’ll get it right.

In comparison to other subjects that can be more abstract, where answers may vary, Mathematics is more straightforward. Once you grasp the underlying principles, it becomes one of the simplest subjects.

What advice would you give to students struggling academically but want to improve their grades?

My advice is not to give up. Keep pushing forward. It’s important to understand the type of learner you are. Some people are slow learners, so it’s essential for them to start studying early. Conversely, even if you’re a fast learner, it doesn’t mean you should procrastinate; you should also begin studying early. Everyone learns differently, and it’s vital to identify when you assimilate information best. Some students learn better in the morning, while others excel at night. They should take the time to understand themselves and discover the study patterns that work for them.

What do you think sets you apart from your peers in terms of academic performance?

What sets me apart might be the background I came from. I’ve always been focused on getting the right answers and excelling academically. Coming from a humble background has also fueled my drive to succeed; I didn’t want to disappoint my parents and brother. I know how much effort they put into earning the money to send me to school, and after all their sacrifices, I simply couldn’t let them down.

Do you have specific mentors that made a significant impact on your academic growth?

Yes, I would like to highlight my project supervisor and level advisor. My project supervisor was incredibly helpful. He emphasised the importance of experiences outside of school and how they would shape my journey, especially during my final year. He exposed me to research and provided valuable insights into the research process and what I should plan for after graduation. His guidance was invaluable.

My level advisor, on the other hand, was very approachable. I could walk into his office anytime I had an issue or call him to discuss my challenges. He always provided solid advice that worked well for me.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently during your university years?

Perhaps during my undergraduate years, I would have tried harder in my first year, as I received two B grades, which brought my CGPA down to 4.89. Without those grades, I might have finished with a 5.0 CGPA and broken the University of Ilorin record.

What are your plans now? Do you intend to pursue further studies or enter the workforce?

I graduated this year in October, so I plan to pursue my master’s and PhD immediately after my NYSC. I want to bridge the gap between theoretical and applied Mathematics. I don’t want Mathematics to be seen merely as a subject; I want people to understand its real-world applications. Many believe that studying Mathematics leads to a career in lecturing, and while I would love to teach, I want to focus on the practical applications of Mathematics.

What are the challenges fresh graduates face in today’s job market and how can they overcome them

One major challenge is funding. Whether you want to further your studies or pursue a career, money is essential. Job opportunities for fresh graduates are often limited, as many employers require years of experience that sometimes fall between three or more. As a fresh graduate, it’s challenging to gain that experience, which restricts opportunities.

What message do you have for incoming students about succeeding academically and personally?

My advice is to focus on their studies and not fall into the misconception that academics are a scam because they are not. I can say this confidently because of the incredible number of people I’ve met who were willing to support me, and that happened because I graduated with a good CGPA. If they stay focused, the sky is just the beginning for them. As for future graduates, I’d advise them to develop their skills alongside academics. Whether it’s tech, data science, cybersecurity, or any other field, they should build those skills while studying, not just focus on graduating.

What are you most grateful to God for in life?

I’m grateful that He kept me alive and provided for me throughout my academic journey. At one point, I thought I wouldn’t graduate due to financial difficulties, but through His grace, I graduated.