23-Year-Old Student Breaks Record In Nigerian University

Olayinka Sodiq, a 23-year-old student got almost nine out of eleven available distinctions in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan. The Osun state boy bred in Iragbiji broke the record set for many years to become the overall best graduating student of the university of Ibadan.


While at his convocation, the organizers and fellow students of the convocation ceremony held at the International Conference Centre of the university were overwhelmed and surprisingly amazed when his name was announced more than 30 times during the prize presentation.


When Olayinka was speaking with The Nation, he analyzed why he chose veterinary medicine ahead of medicine or surgery and explained how he achieved success in the course.

“Years ago, University of Ibadan practised a mode of admission where your credentials are graded; basically your JAMB and O-level results. Unfortunately, my O-Level was not included, so my weighted average was so low. It was 27.5; too low for the course I wanted. Veterinary medicine was neither my first nor second choice. It was an alternative as ‘change of course’ due to what I call irregularities, which prevented me from being admitted for Basic Medical Science.

When questioned how he scaled through to break the record and emerge as the best graduating student of the institution,, he said:

“I knew I was going to do very well in the university, but being the best overall student of the year…sincerely I did not think of it. I had some B grades despite the fact that I still scored highest in those courses. The number of distinctions attainable in the veterinary school, University of Ibadan is 11 and I made 8. The other three courses were B grades.”

Sadiq Olayinka explained to us that after his NYSC programme, his plan is to go for postgraduate course in Diagnostic Medicine outside the country.

“Being a first class student takes hardwork, focus and prayer to sustain. Some are gifted, but work is still required. Prayer is a necessity if we want to survive the hurdles of life; I am a Muslim and I pray five times daily. Distractions would always surface, but when you are focused, you will be able to achieve many things, even with the numerous distractions in the university.”