By Omoniyi Grace
Graduating as the Unilorin 2020/21 best-graduating student with a 4.96 CGPA and 14 awards, Pharmacist Adedeji Oluwakorede shares his exceptional academic journey with Omoniyi Grace in this interview with UCJ, UNILORIN.
How do you feel about having this conversation with us?
Awesome. It is an honour to be interviewed by UCJ.
Indulge us. Were you always a “scholar” from your 100-level days?
I have been a scholar since my 200 level.
Have you always dreamed of being the best-graduating student?
I have always dreamed of being at the top but just my class. I did not realise I could be the best in the school, but with God’s grace and determination, we are here.
What motivated you?
My family.
Early on, I learnt that nothing matters more than family. In fact, it is all you have. The joy of bringing the degree home has always been a constant motivator. My daddy would have definitely broken my head if I had not come out with a first-class CGPA. Every time my parents called and asked about school, I got the constant reminder I needed to study harder.
You spent about 7 years for a 5-year course. Did you ever take a break at some point?
I think I like books too much. I can’t remember being tired from studying, except for a few occasions when I would just want to sleep. In fact, I am grateful for spending 7 years due to the strike and COVID-19. It’s all God’s timing.
If not Pharmacy, what else and why?
Mathematics, because I was the best at it.
Did you ever see yourself as a nerd?
Not really. I had other interests too. I was sewing clothes, working on research papers, and applying for innovation contests too. My studies was the sun but I had other planets of interest revolving around it.
Who had the privilege of seeing the “goofy Korede”?
Give me a credit alert and you will definitely see my goofy side.
Did you ever engage in any other activities in school or serve in any organisation?
Yes, I was elected as the Editor-in-Chief of my faculty (Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students- PANS Unilorin). I also served as the Campus Director of the Millennium Fellowship, and Academic Secretary, Nigeria Fellowship of Catholic Students, Unilorin Chapter.
Pharmacy Student Emerges ‘Unilorin Best Graduating Student’ For 2020/21 Session
Did you have instances where people were around you only because you were brilliant?
God helped me by giving me the best friends. I networked with lecturers, classmates who are now friends, and colleagues across school. Everyone was nice.
How has the NYSC experience been for you?
For Pharmacy graduates, you have to do a compulsory one-year paid internship where you work for a health facility, such as a hospital, pharmacy, or agency. Afterwards, you can proceed with the NYSC. I am currently doing my internship at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and it has been blissful so far.
Your portfolio is quite intriguing. What should the world expect from your corner?
With prayers and support, the world can definitely expect more innovation, research and success.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see myself improving my capacity as a researcher and innovator, leading institutions and pioneering innovations.
Any words for undergraduates?
Michelangelo said, “The greatest danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and missing it, but in setting our aim too low and reaching it.” Trust God, believe in him, work hard, and you’ll definitely succeed.
