Uthman Oloyede, the son of a firewood seller, has emerged as the best graduating student of the 2023/2024 academic session at Abiola Ajimobi Technical University (AATU). His story of perseverance and grit in the face of adversity served as a source of inspiration during the university’s 3rd and 4th combined convocation ceremony held on Friday.
Graduating with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.98 from the Department of Physics with Electronics, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Uthman delivered a moving valedictory speech that touched the hearts of many in attendance.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Uthman shared that he encountered numerous obstacles before gaining admission into a tertiary institution. He wrote the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) five times before finally receiving a scholarship that allowed him to pursue his dream at AATU.
Describing himself as the proud son of a dedicated secondary school teacher and a hardworking firewood seller, Uthman Oloyede expressed deep gratitude to his family for their steadfast support throughout his academic journey.
He also acknowledged the Chairman of Lagelu Local Government for sponsoring his education through the council’s scholarship program, which played a pivotal role in his success.
Uthman further commended the Oyo State government for its commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students from low-income families. He emphasized that their support was instrumental in turning his dream of obtaining a university degree into reality.
The convocation ceremony drew the presence of prominent dignitaries, including Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by Chief Adegboyega Adegoke; the university’s Chancellor, Dr. Tunde Afolabi; Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Kazeem Adesola Adeduntan; and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adesola Ajayi.
He said, “If someone had told this firewood seller’s son, standing before you, years ago, that he would one day stand here as the overall best graduating student, he would have smiled in disbelief. Of course, I am that firewood seller’s son on the elevated podium addressing you the mighty, influential as well as budding talents and future professionals today.
“I am, therefore, a living proof that no dream is too big to become a reality, and no background is too humble to be liberated by solid education. I feel proud to say that my name is Uthman Uthman Olayode, and I am deeply honoured to address you as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the 2023/2024 academic session of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University.
“I begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty God, who has been my guiding light and source of strength throughout my academic journey. His blessings and favour have enabled me to achieve this milestone, and I am forever grateful.
“I am the proud son of a dedicated secondary school teacher and a hardworking fire wood seller. Though we began from humble beginnings, my parents’ unwavering support and my own determination powered me to push through every obstacle to achieve this moment of triumph.
“Despite excelling in secondary school, I faced repeated setbacks in gaining admission to a higher institution and had to sit for the UTME five times, with each attempt full of promise, and each denial a heavy blow. I watched classmates gain admission while I remained behind, wondering if my turn would ever come.
“But faith, I stress, faith, kept me going. And when it was time, God showed me that delays are not denials. On my fifth attempt, I was awarded a scholarship to this esteemed institution to study Physics with Electronics, a course known for its rigour and tough demand.