The overall best-graduating student in the 2023/2024 academic session of Wesley University, Ondo, Miss Ifeoluwa Mercy Adeyemi, has shared the reasons behind her remarkable achievement.
In an interview during the institution’s 13th convocation ceremony in Ondo town, Adeyemi revealed that she intentionally chose not to have a boyfriend throughout her four-year course to avoid distractions.
The 19-year-old, who graduated with a degree in microbiology, achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.97.
According to her, having a boyfriend during her undergraduate studies would have detracted from her academic focus.
She stated that her primary motivation was to make her parents proud during her academic journey. “Well, I had actually discussed this matter with several other people, and they told me that it depends on your own perspective”, she narrated.
“But for me, I see it as a distraction because I cannot divide my mind.
“A boyfriend might be demanding my attention, which would prevent me from putting my total effort into my books”.
Adeyemi emphasized that although she had no intention of having a boyfriend at the moment, she was open to the idea at the right time.
Her drive to please her parents played a significant role in her success.
“At first, I have parents that I cannot disappoint. So this is one thing that keeps coming to my mind. Anytime I found distractions, I would remind myself: your parents are out there, and you need to make them proud,” she said.
Additionally, Adeyemi expressed her ambition to make an impact in the health sector.
Her words: “I want to solve problems in this world, especially in the health sector. And I have to put more effort into understanding this course, microbiology, because it deals with microorganisms, which are central to diseases and health.
“So I need to focus on it and make my parents proud.”
Looking ahead, Adeyemi plans to further her education with a master’s degree and eventually a Ph.D., aiming to become a researcher.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Wesley University, Prof. Sunday Samuel Obeka, announced that 39 students graduated with First Class Honours out of a total of 230 graduating students.
He highlighted the university’s commitment to holistic education, rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, which emphasizes intellectual sharpness, character cultivation, and preparation for community service and self-reliance.
Obeka added that the institution had achieved significant milestones, including strategic partnerships and curriculum reviews, strengthening its position as a leading educational establishment in the country.
He emphasized the need for the government to support private universities’ medical colleges, such as Wesley University’s growing offerings in health sciences, to address the shortage of health workers in the country.
Sir Demola Aladekomo delivered the convocation lecture while Pastor Sunday Ogwuche was the guest speaker.
The Chancellor, Senior Pastor Paul Enenche, presented each of the First Class graduates with ¦ 100,000.
In his address, Enenche encouraged the graduates, marking the beginning of great achievements in their lives.
A three-day spiritual crusade led by the guest speaker, Ogwuche, themed, ‘Wesleyan Heritage: A Panacea for Physical, Social & Spiritual Growth,’ was also part of the convocation ceremony. Ogwuche emphasized the importance of embracing their new identities as change-makers in society.
During the event, Olori Comfort Kiladejo, the wife of the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Victor Kiladejo, was honored with an honorary degree in Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Service.