Meet Olayinka Olamide-Sadiq, who Made History during University of Ibadan’s Convocation

The 23- year old Olayinka Olamide, an indigene of Iragbiji in Osun State made history at the University of Ibadan’s Convocation last week when he got 8 out of 11 possible distinctions in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

The Organizers and participants of the convocation ceremony held at the International Conference Centre of the university were shocked and amazed when his name was called 31 times during the prize presentation and became the overall best graduating student of the university.

He spoke with the nation and explained how he achieved such success and why he chose veterinary medicine and not medicine or surgery. In his words he said: 

“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,” he said.

When asked how he managed to break the record and become the best graduating student, Sadiq explained:

“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.”
 

He also said he dedicated all his life to studying and had no time for romance but that he  has no regrets as God always helps him to go through hard times.