I Never Imagined I'll Emerge As The Best Graduating Student– Janet 

OLATEDUN Oluwabusayo Janet, who emerged as the best graduating student during the recent convocation at Federal university of Agriculture Abeokuta, tells Kabirat Arowona about her journey towards achieving the feat. 

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: Kindly tell us your name and little about your background.

JANET: I am Olatedun Oluwabusayo Janet, born in the late 19th century into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Abel Victoria Olatedun, and I am the second of three children. I'm born into a Christian family and a Baptist by birth. I attended Holy Infant Jesus Nursery and Primary School, Yemetu Alaadorin, Ibadan, then proceeded to St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola, Ibadan for my secondary education. I had my first tertiary education at the Polytechnic Ibadan, Saki campus (now The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki), then did direct entry to FUNAAB to obtain my first degree.

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: Was Agricultural Economics and Farm Management your choice?

JANET: Yes, it was my choice. I decided to study the course when Mr. Ogundipe, my agricultural science teacher, taught us as a topic when I was in SS3. I always filled out Agricultural Economics as my choice in all the jamb forms I obtained.

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: For you to emerge as the overall best graduating student with 4.85 CGPA, you must be a genius?

JANET: Smiles, I doubt that. I am just a small girl whom the Lord favored and showed mercy.

 FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: We learnt that you are married. How did you combined marriage with your education, especially when you had your baby?

JANET: That IS a false information; I am not married but single.

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: Were there any special methods you adopted?

JANET : There are no special methods I adopted other than committing each semester to God's hand through prayers every first week of resumption. It's a habit I have developed since I was in polytechnic. Also, I understand when and where I can read to assimilate.

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: At what point did you realized that you would emerge as the over all best graduating student?

JANET: Few minutes before the commencement of the 31st convocation ceremony. The moment was a shocking one for me because I wasn't expecting it; I never imagined I would emerge as the overall best graduating student of the 2022/2023 academic session.

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: What were your most challenging moments at the university?

JANET: My most challenging moments at the university were at the 300 level in the first semester, when we did virtual classes due to COVID-19. The stress was too much for me because I didn't have the resources needed to attend the class, so reading and trying to understand the courses myself was a big task. Another challenging moment is writing my project. I couldn't afford a laptop, so I had to use my phone to do it, which makes the project tedious.

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: Were there any low moments for you while in school? How did you overcome them?

JANET: Yes, in my final year, when the expenses were too much for me and I didn't know how to go about doing all the required things. God came through for me in a way I didn't expect.

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: Would you say your choice of friends or structure of family influenced your grades in any way?

JANET: I can't say precisely, but I can attest that, though my family doesn't have much, they are very supportive, and my little circle of friends were supportive as well.

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: Tell us an unforgettable or memorable experience you had while in school.

JANET: The memorable experience I had was when I saw my first result in school (4.92 GP). I cried because I hate attention and don't want to be the center of focus. Instead of being happy about the result, I felt fear because of the experience I had when I finished polytechnic.

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: We've seen cases where first class students are awarded token to celebrate and encourage their brilliancy, and of course many got an automatic employment for being a first class Nigerian graduate. Did you get any any of the above yet?

JANET: Yes, I was awarded cash by Capital Express Assurance Limited and one of the honorary awardees, Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi Adeola.

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: What are your expectations from the Government and general public?

JANET: My expectations from them are not high enough to avoid being disappointed. I expect them to celebrate and encourage academic excellence by creating a platform where graduates can thrive. I don't blame people leaving the country to find greener pastures because this country is not ready to offer something tangible.

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: What advice would you give to students who want to achieve great academic excellence like you?

JANET: My advice to them is that they should understand themselves and be determined. What works for one might not work for another, so understanding their strengths and weaknesses can help in achieving great academic excellence.

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: Is there anything you would like to tell the general public?

JANET: I would like to tell the general public that they shouldn't let the current situation of the nation discourage them from thinking big or making big plans. Opportunities can come anytime, and it will be good if they are prepared.

FUNAABCAMPUSVANGUARD: Congratulations once again, and we appreciate you for your time and patience. What is your words to the FunaabCampus Vanguard crew?

JANET: I want to thank the entire crew of FunaabCampus Vanguard for this great opportunity and for celebrating my win with me. You are doing a great job by keeping people informed and also making their voices heard. I pray the FunaabCampus Vanguard will continue to move forward in Jesus name. Thanks for having me.