GRACE, GRIT AND GEOGRAPHY: THE INSPIRING JOURNEY OF AYOOLA SAMUEL AYODEJI

GRACE, GRIT AND GEOGRAPHY: THE INSPIRING JOURNEY OF AYOOLA SAMUEL AYODEJI

By Goodness Olope 

When Ayoola Samuel Ayodeji walked into Obafemi Awolowo University as a newly admitted student, he carried a different dream, Medicine. But life, and God, had other plans. Four years later, he is graduating as one of the shining stars of the Faculty of Social Sciences, earning a remarkable 4.82 CGPA from the Department of Geography. What began as an unexpected path soon became his place of purpose, discipline, and deep personal transformation.

“God knew what I needed to learn.”

Ayoola speaks with a calm conviction that carries the weight of his journey. “I wanted to study Medicine,” he recalls. “But studying Geography made me feel fulfilled because God taught me the important lessons of life I needed to learn while I was in the department.”

For him, university wasn’t just an academic journey, it was a training ground for resilience, intentionality, and faith. His experience at OAU became a balance of constant praying and diligent studying, a rhythm that kept him grounded even when the workload threatened to overwhelm him.

Overcoming the Mountains: The Courses That Tested His Strength

Like every outstanding student, Ayoola’s success wasn’t without challenges. Courses such as GPY 204, GPY 310, GPY 305, GPY 306 and GPY 412 stretched him in ways he didn’t expect. His GPA even dropped slightly in Part 2, Second Semeste, a moment he describes as “tensed and demanding.”

But he didn’t quit.

“I went to meet God,” he says simply. “And my professors admonished me to put in more effort.”

With renewed determination, he doubled down, spending long hours reading, asking questions, and praying for clarity. Slowly, the mountains moved.

Guided by Mentors, Lifted by Community

Ayoola’s rise through the department didn’t happen in isolation. His story is decorated with mentors who shaped him academically and spiritually.

Lecturers who guided him include:

Prof Odekunle

Prof Orimoogunje

Prof Olayiwola

Prof Eludoyin

Surveyor Babalola

Their advice, teaching and encouragement kept him steady through the toughest semesters.

His mentors in the wider academic and personal space include:

The Great Geoman of GEOMAN Tutors, Bryman, Mogaji, Olaniyi Ifeoluwa (Master Lee), Sophisticated, Surveyor Abayomi, Akinpelu Matthew, and Lekan & Co.

These individuals, in different ways, sharpened his discipline, expanded his knowledge, and strengthened his confidence.

More Than Books: A Leader and Servant

Ayoola’s impact extended beyond reading rooms and GIS labs. He took up meaningful roles that shaped his personal growth and strengthened the people around him.

Leadership Roles

Departmental Librarian (2024–2025)

Organising Secretary, Faculty of Social Sciences Christian Students’ Fellowship (2023/2024)

He also received the Award of Academic Excellence (2022–2025), a testament to his consistency throughout his journey.

A Heart Full of Gratitude

Ask Ayoola what emotion defines his academic journey, and one word echoes: faithfulness.

“I felt the faithfulness of God,” he says. “And I will try every available means to reciprocate His faithfulness.”

For him, success is not just about grades but about alignment living in obedience to the God who carried him through long nights, tough courses, and unexpected turns.

Looking Ahead: Walking With God Into the Future

Unlike many who sketch out their career paths with precision, Ayoola’s roadmap is simple:

“I will let God continue to run it and tell me what to do.”

It is a statement of surrender, but also of confidence, confidence that the same God who took him from a reluctant Geography student to a standout graduate will guide his tomorrow.

A Life Defined by Grace and Discipline

Ayoola Samuel Ayodeji’s story is more than an academic success; it is a testimony of grace, grit, mentorship, and unwavering faith. His journey proves that excellence is not accidental, it is built through hard work, humility, and a heart anchored in God.

From dreaming of Medicine to finding fulfilment in Geography, Ayoola’s story reminds every student that sometimes, the path we didn’t expect is the one that shapes us the most.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

OAU BEST GRADUATING STUDENT, 2025.

Image
OAU BEST GRADUATING STUDENT, 2025.   By Grace Olaniyi Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has announced Sunday Amuke, a 23-year-old graduate of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, as the institution’s best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.90. Amuke, who hails from Enugu State and also bears the Igbo name Chukwudi, described his academic journey as “interesting,” noting that it began with unexpected challenges. Despite scoring 99/100 in MTH101 and 91/100 in CHM101, his first-semester GPA stood at 4.44 short of a first-class grade. However, he said the strong performance in the university’s difficult “yellow and white house” courses strengthened his belief that he could excel. That belief, coupled with consistent hard work and what he described as God’s grace, led him to achieve six 5.0 GPAs in the remaining nine semesters of his programme.  Reflecting on the habits that drove his academic excellence, Amuke said he prioritized thorough preparation...
Read more

GREAT IFE STUDENT UNION PRO RAISES THE BAR WITH 'TUG OF WORDS' DEBATE COMPETITION

Image
  THE AWO TIMES Campus News | June 14, 2025 --- GREAT IFE STUDENT UNION PRO RAISES THE BAR WITH 'TUG OF WORDS' DEBATE COMPETITION  The Great Ife Student Union Public Relations Officer in conjunction with The Obafemi Awolowo University Literary and Debating Society, on Saturday, 14th of June 2025, hosted an inter-institution tournament —TUG OF WORDS – A British Parliamentary Tournament.  Held at Oduduwa hall in Obafemi Awolowo University. The tournament featured four great institutions namely: University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). The event commenced with an opening prayer, alongside a spirited recitation of the Nigerian National Anthem and Great Ife Anthem. Hereafter, the Public Relations Officer of the Great Ife Student Union, came on stage to give the opening remark. In his speech,  the Public Relations Officer, appreciated God for the ability to go this far and the hurdles he faced during his p...
Read more

FROM CLASSROOM TO STAGE: BIYI PRAISE JOURNEY

Image
FROM CLASSROOM TO STAGE: BIYI PRAISE JOURNEY   By Victoria Ilori As Obafemi Awolowo University prepares for convocation, one of the standout student entertainers leaving the institution is Biyi Adesida Praise Oluwademilade, widely known as Biyi Praise. A French student from the 2021 admission set, Biyi is recognised as one of OAU’s finest young comedians. Academic Path and Early Passion Originally aspiring to study Dramatic Arts, Biyi was instead offered French—a decision he accepted to begin his academic journey without delay. Despite the unexpected switch, he is set to graduate with a Second Class Upper, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence. Biyi’s passion for entertainment began at home, where he enjoyed making people laugh. His official career started in 2021, inspired by comedian Kenny Blaq. Although he never planned to work as an MC, he embraced it for financial support, earning ₦10,000 at his first gig. Campus Career and Memorable Highlights Throughout his t...
Read more