You are just exceptional: The Chancellor and Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon (Abasi Otu V) congratulating the Best Graduating Student, Miss. Akinyele, Oluwatobiloba Oyindamola at the 26th Convocation Ceremony of the University.
Student (2016/2017) of the University, Miss Akinyele, Oluwatobiloba Oyindamola has revealed that, “Eight years ago, if someone had told me a day like this would come, I would have laughed in the person’s face just because I never thought I could reach this academic height”.
The 23 years old graduand of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics who dedicated the honor to her mother, who she said took the role of both father and mother and constantly strived to make her who she is today, said she never envisaged herself as becoming the Best Graduating Student in the University, moreso that her initial goal was to emerge as a first class student.
According to her, “I knew from the start that it wasn’t going to be easy, considering the fact that I crossed from Agricultural Technology to Nutrition and Dietetics through Direct Entry” but through hardwork, consistent learning and most of all, God, she was able to achieve the feat.
Tobiloba also expressed gratitude to Dr Adeyinka Sanda of the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics for his mentorship role which changed her orientation and goal. She also expressed appreciation to the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and other Principal Officers of FUNAAB for the smooth running of the University and for ensuring that it gets to the apex.
In an interview with FUNAAB Bulletin, she lauded FUNAAB lecturers for not engaging in sex for marks, disclosing that, she was not disturbed by her lecturers throughout her study. “I wasn’t disturbed by the lecturers and I thank God for that. I am happy God answered my prayers”.
Tobiloba, who frowned at the educational system of the country said, “our educational system is not encouraging”, and challenged government to focus more attention on educational sector like others sectors.
The Best Graduating student said she hopes to work as a lecturer if the opportunity arises or work with the World Health Organisation (WHO), stressing that she believes that prayer can open doors to greater heights.