The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, on Wednesday concluded its 17th convocation ceremony with the award of postgraduate degrees, marking a grand finale to the week-long event that also commemorated the university’s 35th anniversary. Emotions ran high as elated postgraduate students, having weathered varying academic storms, donned their gowns and stepped forward to receive their certificates — symbols of persistence and victory over delay, frustration, and uncertainty.
The Nigeria Education News caught up with some of these fresh master’s and doctoral degree holders who narrated their unique academic journeys and the hurdles they had to overcome. From battling slow administrative processes to juggling family and professional responsibilities, their stories underscored a shared theme: resilience.
Feyintola Iyanuoluwa, who earned an M.Sc in Social Work, could barely contain her excitement. “It’s been two long years of hoping, waiting, and pushing through,” she said, visibly emotional. “I initially thought it would just be 18 months, but things dragged. My dissertation almost broke me; my supervisor was tough, and revisions seemed endless. But here I am, graduating with distinction. It’s worth every single tear.”
Dr. Femi Omotosho, now officially a PhD holder in Agricultural Extension, recounted his five-year journey with a smile that betrayed his relief. “It was meant to be three years, but life happened. Thesis reviews, changing panels, and one major data loss set me back,” he recalled. “But I stayed on track. I’m already lecturing at a private university in Kwara, so this milestone is both personal and professional.”
Another graduate, Anjola Oladipo, who completed her Master’s in Chemistry, praised the unwavering support of her spouse. “There were moments I wanted to quit, but my husband reminded me who I am. I was juggling kids, lectures, and laboratory work, but he stepped in, managed things at home, and now this degree is as much his as it is mine,” she said.
For many, their postgraduate journeys were defined not just by academic rigour, but by sacrifices that went unnoticed. Musa Garba, who graduated with an M.Sc in Computer Science, said he spent nights coding in the university’s ICT lab due to frequent power outages in his off-campus residence. “I had to adapt. I worked during the day and studied all night. LAUTECH taught me endurance.”
Victoria Ogundipe, a freshly minted M.Sc. holder in Mathematics, had a slightly different challenge. As a single mother, she had to bring her young son to campus on several occasions. “He knows some of my classmates by name,” she laughed. “They even helped babysit during presentations. It was tough, but now I’ve made it.”
Dr. Amina Yusuff, who earned her PhD in Biochemistry, emphasized that research in Nigerian institutions requires grit. “Our labs are underfunded, and chemicals are expensive. I had to improvise, sometimes travel to Ibadan to complete certain experiments. But I refused to give up. I hope the system improves.”
Speaking on what lies ahead, the graduates were eager to offer advice to fresh graduates and prospective postgraduates. “Don’t enter blindly,” Feyintola warned. “Know why you’re doing it. And if you can afford to study abroad, please go. But if you must stay here, have a plan, because Nigeria’s educational system will test you.”
Dr. Omotosho echoed the sentiment, urging younger scholars to prioritize resilience. “The system won’t always work for you. Learn to work around it. Build networks, stay curious, and never wait for your lecturers to spoon-feed you.”
For Victoria Ogundipe, self-discipline is key. “No one will remind you to attend lectures or submit your thesis. You must be your own motivator. Find a reason to keep going, even when the stress becomes unbearable.”
Samuel Eze added a career dimension to the counsel. “Don’t just pursue degrees for the title. Have a skill, something practical you can monetize. Degrees help, yes, but in this economy, hands-on knowledge is priceless.”
Musa Garba advised aspiring postgraduates to remain flexible. “Adaptation is everything. Whether it’s switching topics, adjusting schedules, or moving campuses for better facilities — do what it takes to succeed. It’s not always about intelligence. Sometimes it’s about strategy.”
Dr. Amina Yusuff called on the government and institutions to do better. “We give so much to education in this country, but get little support. Imagine how far we’d go if our research was funded, if our labs worked. I’m speaking not just as a graduate, but as a scientist pleading for change.”
As the convocation ceremony wound down, the air was thick with laughter, camera flashes, and tearful hugs — symbols of triumph over adversity. While each graduate had a different tale to tell, they were united in their message: stay determined, stay prepared, and never stop learning.
For LAUTECH, the 17th convocation not only marked academic achievement but also a celebration of 35 years of molding minds. And for the postgraduates, it was a fitting close to a chapter filled with lessons — both academic and life-changing.
As tassels shifted from left to right and the convocation anthem played, the new doctors and masters left the convocation square not just with certificates, but with stories, scars, and strategies they hoped to pass on to the next generation.
