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

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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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.