I was SUG president, Kegite member but it didn’t stop me notching first class’ – EKSU-EAUED graduating student
Boluwatife Oluwafisayo is a First Class graduate of Political Science Education, Ekiti State University (EKSU) affiliated to Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUED), Erelu area, Oyo, Oyo state.
In this interview byINAOLAJI OLAYODE, the former president of Student Union Government, Rotaract president and Kegite Club member stated how he overcame the constraints to excel.
Excerpts:
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Can we meet you?
I am Boluwatife Oluwafisayo, and I am from Osun state, Ile-Ife precisely.
Tell us about your educational background?
Oh! I attended Grace Foundation Model College, Ijaye, Ibadan for my primary education and Kaydel Comprehensive College, Lagos, for my secondary education.
I gained admission to Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, now University of Education in 2016 and graduated in 2019, after which I gained admission immediately to Ekiti State University for Political Science Education.
We got to know you graduated with First Class Honours in Ekiti State University affiliated with Emmanuel Alayande University of Education. How do you feel?
I feel indifferent, and people are surprised whenever I tell them that. I am aware that it is a great challenge, a high standard that I must continue to live up to – a means to an end, and not the end in itself. So, I am convinced that there’s a lot to do and there’s more ahead. I am at the moment concerned with sharpening my swords for the next battles rather than getting carried away with the celebration of this victory.
Did you see it coming?
Sure. I did. It’s what I worked for. I have always been a First Class student since 100 level. So, I knew I was going to graduate with First Class Honours if I put in the required work all through the years on campus.
It is no doubt you fully engaged in unionism during your sojourn in school. In what capacity have you served (2019-2024)?
I served as the SUG president during my NCE days. I became the 7th president of the Rotaract Club of EKSU/EACOED in my 200 level degree days, and the pioneer president of the Nigerian Universities Education Students Association (NUESA), in my final year, acting in the capacity of Students Union.
We heard you are also a member of Kegite Club. How true is that?
Yes, I am. Kegite Club is a social club that promotes our African culture.
Did you hold any position in the club?
No. No. I do not.
Academic and social activities. How did you manage to strike the balance?*
I am amazed any time I get this question – the two can actually co-exist without one affecting the other. It’s just about time management. The reason I was in school was because of academics. And that could not be done in isolation. I had to mingle with people, make friends, join unionism because it aligns with my passion and core values. And it will interest you that the most valuable life lessons I got from school were from my friends and students unionism.
People say ‘student union and cultism’ are like siamese twins. What’s your view on this?
That statement lacks verisimilitude – completely far from the truth. During my time, I initiated a lot of reforms, in collaboration with the Students Affairs. And one of them is the zero tolerance for cultism, making several campaigns to sensitize students of its dangers.
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As EACOED SUG president and EKSU/EACOED NUESA president, it cannot be all bed of roses. Shed light on it.
I faced a lot of challenges, especially while serving as the NUESA president. I was the pioneer president with no prototype or known culture. One of the challenges I had was identifying harmful practices to be abolished while introducing new cultures.
It was tough, it was and I must be sincere. I remember I doubted my abilities at a point, but God did it.
Every other challenge I witnessed were normal ones that usually accompany the office of the president, and God won.
Any positive impacts on you as the holder of those positions?
A lot. Holding the position of the president has shaped my public speaking and engagement skills, advocacy and policy development skills, feedback and report writing skills. It has equally developed my emotional intelligence, time management and teamwork skills.
Getting white-collar job is difficult in Nigeria. As a first class graduate, do you have any handwork?
Well. We all know the trend in our beloved country when it comes to getting corporate jobs. I build simple websites and funnels. And I write too – Email Copywriting, Article and Creative Writing. These are skills that sustain me.
What admonition do you have for the students striving earnestly to graduate with First Class?
Hmmm. You have to give it your all because it’s worth it eventually. And giving it your all does not imply that you should fall at other things. First class doesn’t come easy. It requires a high degree of commitment. It’s hard. Very very hard. But God made mine very easy. He will make it easy for all too.
