Education

The library was like my second home in school – UNILAG First Class graduate

Published

2 years ago

March 10, 2024

Tobiloba Osedimilehin

The library was like my second home in school – UNILAG First Class graduate, Tobiloba Osedimilehin

Twenty-three-year-old Oluwatobiloba Osedimilehin from Owo, Ondo State, recently graduated with first-class honours in Cell Biology and Genetics from the University of Lagos. He shares the story of his achievement with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI

What year did you gain admission?

My name is Oluwatobiloba Johnson Osedimilehin. I am 23 years old. I hail from Owo, Ondo State. I gained admission in 2017.

How do you feel about achieving first-class honours in Cell Biology and Genetics?

It’s a wonderful feeling to have graduated from such a prestigious university with a CGPA of 4.93 and as the best student in the Faculty of Science. I had many wonderful experiences. I made a few great friends along the way. I was able to represent my department in a competition organised by Inqaba Biotec. I attended a conference on forensics hosted by my department. I also took part in Health Safety and Environment training. I left my shell and became a ‘new’ person in a sense because I was very introverted during my secondary school days.

Can you share some of the key experiences and challenges you encountered during your academic journey at UNILAG?

As for the challenges I faced, I had to wait at home for a month because my name was on the supplementary admission list, and when my name finally came out and I resumed, I was a month behind. So I had to attend tutorials to catch up. I had issues with accommodation in my first year, but I found a way around it. My final year project was a bit challenging too, but God took control and helped me with it.

What year did you graduate?

I graduated on October 25, 2023, and the convocation was on January 16, 2024.

What sparked your interest in Cell Biology and Genetics, and how did your passion evolve throughout your study?

I initially wanted to study Medicine, but I didn’t get enough points, so I was offered Cell Biology and Genetics. I would say I have come to develop an appreciation for it, and I am glad that I decided to do it.

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Can you discuss any research projects or academic initiatives you were involved in during your time at the University of Lagos?

I took on a project that was an attempt to clone the gene of the Chitinase enzyme in the African palm weevil. The Chitinase enzyme is very useful in waste disposal, control of agricultural pests, and healthcare.

How do you envision applying your knowledge and skills in Cell Biology and Genetics to real-world issues and scientific advancement?

I am interested in computer-aided drug design because of its usefulness in the real world. It is relevant in the sense that it can help with understanding the structure of a compound and its biological activity. Computer-aided drug design can also play a role in identifying potential drug targets.

What are some of the emerging trends or breakthroughs in the field of Cell Biology and Genetics that excite you the most?

I am excited about computer-aided drug design, which I mentioned earlier, as well as gene editing with CRISPR and its boundless potential. I am also excited about progress in stem cell research.

How do you plan to contribute to the scientific community and promote further understanding in your area of expertise?

Because I am working towards a career in Bioinformatics, I intend to attend conferences, make presentations at conferences, publish research papers, and collaborate with others in the field.

Can you elaborate on any internships, co-op experiences, or industry placements you participated in to gain practical experience in your field?

I interned at the Cell Culture Laboratory at the University of Lagos at the end of my second year. That was where I saw and worked with cancer cells. I also underwent industrial training at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research at the end of my third year. I worked on the extraction of genetic materials from different cell samples.

As a first-class graduate, what advice would you give to current students aspiring to excel in the field of Cell Biology and Genetics?

Study hard, read journals, and apply for internships. In essence, excelling in the field of Cell Biology and Genetics requires a combination of academic dedication, intellectual curiosity, practical experience, and a supportive network. By embracing these principles and actively engaging with the multifaceted aspects of the discipline, you’ll not only excel academically but also contribute meaningfully to the advancement of scientific knowledge and innovation in the field.

How did you feel when you saw your result, and what were your parents’ reactions?

When I saw my result, I was thrilled. It was like all the hard work I put in paid off. Seeing those grades made me smile because I knew I did well. My parents were super excited too. They were proud of me. Their faces lit up when they saw my result. It felt amazing to make them happy and show them that their support meant a lot to me. It was a special moment we shared, full of joy and love.

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How do your parents show you their support?

My parents were the ones financing my academics right from the start. My dad struggled to help me get through the university. My mum supports me with prayers and kind words. The two of them were my backbone while I was in school, always checking in on me, and letting me know they were always proud of me. I owe my success to them.

How do you plan to stay updated with the latest developments and research findings in your field after graduating from the university?

By reading journals, attending webinars, and taking online courses. I also plan to join professional bodies in the field.

What are the things that helped you achieve first-class?

Achieving a first-class degree is a big accomplishment, and there were a few things that helped me get there.

One of the main things was how much I read. Whenever I felt like I needed to read, I did it. I didn’t stay up super late to study because I’m not a night owl, but I made sure to use my daytime hours effectively. The library was like my second home. I spent a lot of time there, surrounded by books and resources. It’s amazing how much one can learn just by being in that environment. Attending tutorials in my first and second years was super helpful too. Tutorials are like small group classes where you can ask questions and get extra help to understand things. So, in short, reading regularly, using my time wisely during the day, making good use of the library, and attending tutorials were the main things that helped me achieve a first-class degree. It took dedication and hard work, but it was worth it in the end.

What leadership roles or extracurricular activities were you involved in during your time at the University of Lagos and how they contributed to your personal and professional growth?

I was a class executive from my second year till I graduated. I was one of those in charge of representing the class and organising tutorials for members of the class. In my final year, I was the head of the technical committee during our oral seminal presentations. I was a member of the welfare committee during the first edition of Prof Ogundipe’s Innovative Competition. These roles helped me interact better with people and taught me the essence of responsibility.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing the field of Cell Biology and Genetics today, and how can they be addressed?

I would say funding is an issue, especially when we talk about the field of tertiary institutions. There are lots of projects that can be done and novel discoveries waiting to be made if only there is support for students who are doing project research and seasoned researchers.

How do you plan to leverage your academic achievements and expertise to pursue further education or career opportunities in your chosen field?

I am currently in pursuit of scholarships. I intend to do my PhD in Bioinformatics and I’m looking out for scholarships that can help me achieve this goal. I am taking online courses to prepare me for the real deal. I am also very much open to internships that will give me experience.

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Can you share any memorable experiences or breakthrough moments from your time studying Cell Biology and Genetics at the University of Lagos?

In the six semesters, I had 5.0 GPAs. I was glad because my efforts yielded fruit. Also, when I won a laptop because I was the best student at the tutorial I attended. I also got to attend and win a prize at the Inqaba Biotec event held in my school in my final year. My seminar presentation and project defence days were memorable ones for me. I remember the day my course mates and I went to the beach in my final year. We had fun as a group. My final-year week was fun.

Did you receive any awards from the school?

Yes, I did. I received a total of five awards on graduation day. They are the Gocuz Group Limited prize for the best student, the best-graduating student in the Faculty of Sciencethe HOD’s prize for the best all-round performance at the degree level in the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, the Nordica Fertility Centre Prize for the best graduating student in the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, the Dean’s prize for the best all-round performance at the degree level in the Faculty of Science, and the Kayode Bewaji Foundation prize for the best-graduating student in the Faculty of Science. I also received the Gocuz Group Limited prize for the best 200-level student in the Faculty of Science at the end of my second year and the same at the end of my third year.

What do you hope to accomplish in your career within the next five years, and how do you plan to achieve those goals?

I see myself as a bioinformatician with significant research under my belt. I hope to make contributions to the field in the aspect of drug design and drug discovery.

Do you plan to give back to your alma mater and contribute to the development of future generations of Cell Biology and Genetics students?

I intend to establish a foundation that will sponsor students of Cell Biology and Genetics, especially the outstanding ones. By doing this, I hope to make it easier for talented students to pursue their dreams in these fields. I believe that investing in their education will not only benefit them but also contribute to the future of Cell Biology and Genetics. It’s a way of saying thank you to my alma mater and helping to shape the next generation of scientists.

The library was like my second home in school – UNILAG First Class graduate

Education

UNILAG fixes July 27 for 2026 Post-UTME, releases guidelines

Published

3 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Trends Admin

UNILAG fixes July 27 for 2026 Post-UTME, releases guidelines

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has announced that its 2026/2027 Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) screening exercise will begin on Monday, July 27, 2026, with the aptitude test scheduled to run until Friday, July 31, 2026.

The university also disclosed that a mandatory mock examination will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, to enable candidates to test their devices and familiarize themselves with the online examination platform before the main screening.

The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. V. Abosede Wickliffe, who urged all candidates to carefully read and comply with the institution’s 23 examination guidelines, warning that violations could lead to disqualification, cancellation of results or other disciplinary measures.

The screening exercise comes after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) disclosed that 78,240 candidates selected UNILAG as their first-choice institution during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), making the university one of the most sought-after higher institutions in Nigeria.

Although JAMB did not reveal how many candidates scored the required 200 and above, UNILAG had earlier stated that only applicants who met the minimum UTME score, selected the university as their first choice and satisfied other admission requirements would participate in the screening exercise. Eligible candidates must also possess the required O’Level credits and attain the minimum admission age stipulated by the university.

Unlike the traditional computer-based screening conducted physically on campus, UNILAG said the 2026 Post-UTME will be conducted entirely online under a remote proctoring system. The university explained that the technology allows candidates to take the examination from approved locations while ensuring the integrity of the process through continuous audio and video monitoring. According to the institution, every stage of the examination will be recorded to verify candidates’ identities and detect any form of examination malpractice.

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UNILAG announced that participation in the mock examination is mandatory for all candidates. The institution explained that the exercise is designed to confirm that candidates’ laptops, webcams, microphones, browsers, internet connections and examination environments meet the technical requirements for the actual screening. It added that participation in the mock examination does not automatically guarantee successful access to the main examination if candidates subsequently change their devices, internet connections, software configurations or examination locations. No additional fee will be charged for the mock examination.

Candidates are required to pay ₦5,000 for the Post-UTME screening, comprising ₦2,000 as the application fee and ₦3,000 as administrative charges. The university advised candidates to complete every stage of the registration process using only its official admission portal and to disregard individuals or websites claiming to facilitate admission for a fee.

One of the major changes introduced for the screening exercise is the compulsory use of laptop computers equipped with built-in webcams and microphones. UNILAG said candidates will not be allowed to use mobile phones, tablets, external webcams, HDMI-connected monitors, smart glasses, smart watches, earbuds, headphones or other wearable electronic devices during the examination. The university directed candidates to ensure that their webcams remain unobstructed throughout the examination, noting that any interruption to video monitoring could lead to cancellation of the examination.

The institution issued a stern warning against all forms of examination malpractice, including impersonation, multiple logins, unauthorized assistance and communication with other persons during the examination. Candidates must remain alone in their examination environment throughout the screening, while their faces and ears must remain fully visible to the remote invigilators. UNILAG stressed that the presence of another person within the examination environment may be treated as examination misconduct and could result in immediate disqualification. The university also prohibited candidates from speaking, reading questions aloud or engaging in any behaviour capable of compromising the integrity of the examination.

Candidates have been advised to make adequate arrangements for uninterrupted electricity supply and reliable internet connectivity throughout the examination. UNILAG said it would not be liable for disruptions caused by power outages, internet failures or other technical problems beyond its control. The institution encouraged candidates experiencing technical issues to immediately report them through the “Need Help?” feature available on the examination platform before submitting any formal complaint.

The university also warned candidates against fraudsters and unauthorized admission agents, emphasizing that all information relating to the 2026/2027 Post-UTME exercise will be published only through its official website and verified communication channels. It reiterated that it reserves the right to postpone, suspend or reschedule any part of the screening exercise if circumstances require and maintained that its decisions regarding the conduct and outcome of the examination shall be final. Candidates were advised to adhere strictly to every instruction issued before, during and after the examination, stressing that ignorance of the rules would not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance.

UNILAG fixes July 27 for 2026 Post-UTME, releases guidelines

Education

Nigerian Students Make History, Clinch Gold at 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in China

Published

10 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigerian Students Make History, Clinch Gold at 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in China

Team Nigeria wins Gold Award in Middle School Category on maiden appearance at global competition in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, China – Nigeria has recorded a historic milestone in international academic competition as its contingent of four students emerged victorious at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup, winning the Gold Award in the Middle School Group Category.

The prestigious global competition, which took place in Shanghai, China, from July 14 to 19, 2026, saw Team Nigeria outperform participants from Asia, Africa, the United States, China, and Canada. Other African countries represented at the event included Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

The Nigeria Spelling Bee announced the achievement on its official Facebook page on Sunday, July 19, celebrating the team’s outstanding performance. “Team Nigeria has won the Gold Award in the Middle School Group Category at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China,” the organisation posted.

What makes this victory particularly remarkable is that it marked Nigeria’s first-ever appearance at the Spelling Bee World Cup. The four-member squad earned their place on the global stage after advancing through the Nigeria Spelling Bee and the African Spelling Bee Championship held in Harare, Zimbabwe. The Nigerian contingent comprised Adeolu Oluwadamilola Oreofe of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti, who is the 2026 African Spelling Bee Junior champion; Abdurrahman Yusuf and Maryam Yusuf of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin; and Chinedu Okediachi of Madonna International Schools, Asaba. Ar-Raheem International College confirmed the success of its students, announcing on its Facebook page: “Ar-Raheem International College students Maryam YUSUF and Abdurrahman YUSUF won medals at Spelling Bee World Cup final in Shanghai, China 2026.”

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Before the competition, organisers had described the Nigerian representatives as “brilliant, articulate and exceptional,” expressing confidence in their ability to excel on the global stage. The Nigeria Spelling Bee had earlier announced the country’s historic participation, stating: “For the first time, Nigeria will be represented at the Spelling Bee World Cup, as four outstanding young spellers prepare to compete in Shanghai, China.” The organisers noted that the students were representing not only Nigeria but the African continent. “Their journey has been one of excellence and determination—beginning with the Nigeria Spelling Bee, progressing to the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, and now advancing to the world stage,” they added.

Oluwadamilola Adeolu qualified for the World Cup after emerging champion of the Junior category at the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, where she outperformed contestants from more than 20 African countries. Her victory at the continental level came with a $5,000 educational scholarship. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier congratulated the 14-year-old on her African Spelling Bee triumph, describing the feat as one that “not only brings honour to Nigeria on the continental stage but also serves as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerians to pursue excellence in academics and personal development.” The President noted that Adeolu did not allow earlier disappointments to deter her from her determination to reach the top. She finished second at the 2023 MTN Spelling Bee and the 2024 Ekiti State Spelling Bee, placed fifth at the 2025 African Spelling Bee, and came second at the 2025 Nigeria Spelling Bee before clinching the continental crown in 2026.

At the continental competition in Harare, Maryam Yusuf emerged as the best Nigerian speller in the speed round, a demanding segment where participants were required to spell 20 words within one minute. Despite being a JSS 3 student competing in the senior category, she correctly spelled 17 words within the time limit, recording the highest score among the five Nigerian contestants. Her performance contributed significantly to Nigeria finishing as the second-best team in Africa in the speed test category. Abdurrahman Yusuf, her schoolmate, secured third position in the junior category at the African championship, adding to Nigeria’s medal haul.

The victory has sparked celebrations across Nigeria, with educators, parents, and well-wishers hailing the students for showcasing the nation’s academic excellence. The achievement is widely regarded as a significant boost for education in Nigeria and a reminder of the immense potential of the nation’s young talents when given the opportunity to excel. Organisers described Nigeria’s feat as a remarkable milestone reflecting unwavering dedication, resilience, and academic excellence. The success also highlights the growing popularity of spelling competitions in Nigeria, where schools and educational organisations have increasingly used spelling bees as tools for promoting literacy, expanding vocabulary, and encouraging a stronger reading culture among children and teenagers. For the young champions, the Gold Award provides recognition for months of preparation and competition, while offering another example of Nigerian students distinguishing themselves on the international academic stage. Supporters of the team described the victory as “more than a gold medal—it’s proof that Nigerian students can compete with and outperform the very best in the world.”

Nigerian Students Make History, Clinch Gold at 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in China

Education

Universities battle AI-assisted cheating as smart glasses become harder to detect

Published

2 days ago

July 19, 2026

Trends Admin

Universities battle AI-assisted cheating as smart glasses become harder to detect

The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has taken a controversial turn in China, where universities are grappling with a new form of examination malpractice involving AI-powered smart glasses capable of photographing question papers and generating answers within seconds.

The technology has sparked widespread debate among educators, technology experts and policymakers, who warn that wearable AI devices could fundamentally change the way examinations are conducted if stronger safeguards are not introduced.

The issue gained renewed attention after a student at South China Agricultural University in Guangzhou was reportedly caught using AI-enabled smart glasses during an examination. According to Chinese media reports, an examination invigilator noticed an unusual green reflection through the student’s lenses shortly after the test began and requested that the glasses be removed.

The student later admitted the glasses were equipped with artificial intelligence functions capable of capturing examination questions and retrieving answers almost instantly.

Reports indicate the smart glasses contained integrated AI systems capable of recognising text, analysing questions and providing solutions without requiring voice commands. By simply touching the side of the frame, users could discreetly capture images of examination papers while the device processed the information using cloud-based AI models.

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Investigations by Chinese media suggest that some versions of the technology combine multiple AI language models to improve response accuracy and speed, making them significantly more sophisticated than earlier generations of wearable devices.

The incident has highlighted growing concerns that AI-powered wearable technology is becoming increasingly difficult to detect. Unlike smartphones or tablets, many modern smart glasses closely resemble ordinary prescription eyewear, making visual identification challenging for examination supervisors.

Education experts say improvements in miniaturised cameras, wireless connectivity and AI processing mean future devices could become virtually indistinguishable from conventional glasses.

The controversy has also fuelled a growing online market for AI smart glasses. Chinese media reports indicate that some online vendors now advertise short-term rentals of AI-enabled eyewear specifically during examination periods, while others provide user guides explaining how to minimise screen brightness, silence device notifications and conceal operational indicators.

Technology specialists warn that although the devices have legitimate applications—including language translation, navigation, accessibility support and hands-free communication—their misuse during examinations threatens academic fairness and the credibility of educational qualifications.

Universities across China have responded by reviewing examination security procedures. Some institutions are considering stricter inspections of wearable devices before examinations, while others are exploring AI-assisted invigilation systems, radio-frequency detection equipment and enhanced surveillance technologies to identify unauthorised electronic devices.

Experts argue that examination authorities worldwide may soon face similar challenges as AI-powered wearable devices become more affordable and widely available.

The emergence of these technologies has also reignited debate over the future of examinations. Education specialists say institutions may increasingly shift towards assessments that emphasise critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and practical application of knowledge—skills that are less susceptible to AI-assisted cheating.

Artificial intelligence developers have repeatedly stressed that AI tools are designed to support learning, research and productivity rather than facilitate academic dishonesty. They have urged schools and universities to develop clear policies governing the responsible use of AI technologies in educational settings.

As AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace, education authorities are under growing pressure to modernise examination systems while ensuring that technological innovation does not undermine trust in academic qualifications.