Academics are just as important as relationships, friendships —Oluwakorede Adedeji, Unilorin Pharmacy best graduate

With 14 honors and a CGPA of 4.96, Olawakorede Adedeji emerged as the top graduate from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State for the 2020/2021 academic session. In this interview by YUSUF ABDULKADIR, he talks about his academic journey and how he achieved this feat.

With a CGPA of 4.96, you graduated as the best student of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin. How does this achievement make you feel and what does it mean to you?

It means a lot to me. It feels great to have received the award and to inspire others to do the same.

Tell us how you felt when you found out you were the best in your set?

I’m excited. I have great classmates with very high CGPAs. It wasn’t easy to keep my CGPA. The realization that I was the best made me very happy.

How would you feel if you graduated with a grade other than this?

I would still be grateful, if only I graduated as a pharmacist.

Was a pharmacist part of your dream?

Yes it has. Pharmacy has always been my first choice of study since high school, and I’m very glad I finally made it.

Which part of the course did you find most interesting?

There were many areas that I found interesting. I especially enjoyed subjects like Pharmaceutical Chemistry, where you can study atomic and molecular interactions in drug compounds; Pharmacy, where you can count; and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, where you work on microorganisms. However, pharmacy school is known for many practicals. I think I enjoyed most of them.

Were there times when your parents forced you to read when you were a child?

I can’t remember such a moment. I’ve been competitive in academics as early as I can remember, and that always motivated me to read without being told to.

What was your study schedule like? And which reading style worked for you?

My reading style varies. It depends on the course. Usually I try to read for at least a few hours every day, but sometimes that changes due to the many assignments and lab reports I had to write. On average at least 1 – 3 hours per day, and more hours during tests and exams.

Were you involved in school activities?

Yes. I was editor-in-chief of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students, Unilorin chapter, where I helped publish the bi-weekly newsletter, annual journal and book of scientific summaries for the faculty. I was also the campus director of the Millennium Campus Fellowship, which focuses on social impact projects in the school and community as a whole.

What was your social life like and how would you say it affected your performance?

On a scale of 1 – 10 I would say my social life was a 5. Academics are just as important as relationships and friendships. I think I tried to find a balance that wouldn’t negatively affect my performance.

How many awards have you received? Inventory them.

I have received a total of 14 awards. prof. Agunu Memorial Award for the overall best pharmacy graduate student; Award from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) for the overall Best Graduating Pharmacy Student; PSN Kwara Award for the overall best pharmacy graduate student; Christopher Okpaleke Memorial Award for the overall best pharmacy graduate student; Bioraj Award for Best Pharmacy Graduate Student; WACPC Award for the overall best pharmacy graduate student; NAPA Unilorin Award for the Overall Best Pharmacy Graduate Student; Mega Life Sciences Award for Best Graduating Pharmacy Student; Best graduate of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry; Best graduate of the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology; Best graduate of the Department of Pharmacy and Industrial Pharmacy; Best graduate of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; prof. P. F Olurinola Award for the best graduate in pharmaceutical microbiology and biotechnology; and AIPN Award for the best graduate student in Pharmacy and Industrial Pharmacy.

Besides good grades, what skills have you acquired during your studies?

Well, I developed myself in design and innovation thinking, winning some competitions at my school and nationally. I also learned to sew and sometimes made clothes for others, including scrubs and lab coats. I also developed myself in research writing.

If you hadn’t studied pharmacy, what would you have studied?

That would have been math, because I like math very much.

What were your most memorable moments in school?

Too many to count. I think the most memorable thing for me was my first day setting foot in pharmacy school and my induction day.

What are your work goals? How will your academic performance help you achieve these goals?

I strive to continuously improve myself in my field and to gain as much skills and experience as possible. Having a very good academic record greatly contributes to the credibility of my abilities and helps me gain useful connections.

Who are your role models?

So much. I look up to my parents and my teachers.

What is the one thing you would advise students to do or run away from?

Never set limits for yourself, only set goals and don’t forget to pray.

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