EMMANUELLA IKEOLUWA AKINWANDE: RISING BY GRACE, DISCIPLINE AND THE GIFT OF MEN

 


EMMANUELLA IKEOLUWA AKINWANDE: RISING BY GRACE, DISCIPLINE AND THE GIFT OF MEN

By Azeezat Oladeji 

At 22, Emmanuella Ikeoluwa Akinwande stands tall among Obafemi Awolowo University’s brightest minds, graduating with an exceptional CGPA of 4.83/5.00 from the Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture. From Osun State, soft-spoken but deeply grounded, her story is one of grace, intentional effort, and a steady commitment to outdoing her own best.

A Journey Carried by Grace

When asked to describe her academic experience, Emmanuella begins with her source of strength: “I’d say I’ve enjoyed help, especially from the Holy Spirit.”

Interestingly, being the Best Graduating Student was never part of her initial vision. What she did hold on to was a desire to keep improving , with every semester, a higher GPA. 

Through divine guidance, ease, and what she affectionately calls “the gift of men”, she found herself rising consistently.

Habits That Built Her Academic Excellence

Her success rests on a blend of intentional strategies and self-awareness:

Consistent class attendance and choosing strategic seating

Actively seeking clarification from lecturers and colleagues

A disciplined mindset: “If it can be taught, it can be understood”

Teaching others to strengthen her own mastery

Knowing her personal study rhythm instead of copying peers

Using multiple learning channels — books, videos, voice notes, text-to-audio apps

For Emmanuella, learning was not merely about reading; it was about immersion.

Key Achievements and Recognitions

Her commitment to excellence did not go unnoticed. Over the years, she accumulated an impressive list of awards:

OAU STARS Award – Best 200L Student, Animal Sciences

OAU STARS Award – Best 300L Student, Animal Sciences

OAU STARS Award – Best 400L Student, Animal Sciences

Prof. Layi Adeola Distinguished Alumnus Award 2019/2020

Prof. Layi Adeola Distinguished Alumnus Award 2020/2021

Prof. Layi Adeola Distinguished Alumnus Award 2021/2022

Sahel Scholar

Beyond academics, she was also actively engaged in leadership, research, and extracurricular activities. She served on the Faculty Debate Team during her first and second year and was a committed member of the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS), OAU Chapter, where she rose from COP team head to Director of Projects.

She is currently undergoing the Genomac International Research Internship.

She also worked as a freelance content writer from her second year to her fourth year and later held a part-time role with a marketing agency from May 2024 to May 2025.

Confronting Challenges and Rising Above Them

Like every student navigating OAU’s demanding terrain, Emmanuella faced her share of difficulties:

Adapting to a new academic environment

Finding her personal school–work–life balance

She overcame them through:

Constantly redefining her priorities

Time management and multitasking

Asking for help whenever she needed it

Trusting the Holy Spirit and leaning into divine strength

Even her most challenging course — ANS 501 (Animal Biochemistry) — became manageable when she reached out to someone who understood it better.

The People Who Shaped Her Journey

Emmanuella speaks with deep fondness about mentors who influenced her:

Prof. S. O. Oseni, her project supervisor, whom she describes as: “A Daddy, Mentor, and Top Supporter… an image of what is possible.”

Dr Bashiru, a source of constant clarity and encouragement.

Dr Makinde and Dr Adeyemi, whose input quietly redirected her long-term career aspirations.

A Moment That Still Feels Surreal

Graduating as the best in her faculty is an achievement she describes simply: “Feels a little unreal honestly. But all in all, I’m grateful.”

Her humility is as striking as her brilliance.

Looking Ahead: A Future in Genomics

With a passion for science and a heart set on excellence, Emmanuella intends to pursue a Master’s in Genomics.

She plans to advance her career, deepen her research experience, and, in due time, build her family.

A Beacon of What Is Possible

Emmanuella’s journey is a reminder that excellence is not accidental. It is the product of grace, discipline, community, and a determined spirit. 

Her story shines as an inspiration to students within and beyond OAU — proof that with the right habits, support, and faith, growth is not just achievable; it is inevitable.

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