Akindunbi Aduragbemi Isaac, a product of Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure, has etched his name into the history books of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) by graduating as the institution’s overall best student with a record-breaking 4.98 CGPA.
In this exclusive interview with Oluwatobi Aladekoye, Akindunbi reflects on his academic journey, the challenges that shaped him, and the study strategies that propelled him from a modest public-school background to becoming one of FUTA’s most exceptional scholars.
My journey at FUTA began with excitement, happiness, and a deep curiosity about university life. I was thrilled to gain admission into one of Nigeria’s leading universities, and even more delighted to study Civil Engineering, one of the country’s top-rated courses.
I gained admission into the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in 2019. From the very beginning, I entered with a clear goal: to give my absolute best in my academic pursuits.
Biographically, I am from Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State. I had my primary education at Divine Favour Nursery and Primary School in Akure, after which I proceeded to Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure (OGSA) for my secondary education, before gaining admission into the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
I am deeply passionate about the sustainable infrastructure aspect of Civil Engineering. I am a product of mentorship, and one thing I truly value is mentoring and contributing to initiatives that bring about development. I am a leader who enjoys solving problems collaboratively, a creative team player, and a passionate learner.
In my free time, I enjoy watching creative videos online, as I am also a video editor. I also love watching football, which is one of my favorite hobbies.
What keeps me grounded?
My faith in God. From early on, I have realized that every achievement comes by His grace. This faith has propelled me to work harder, smarter, and diligently, knowing that in due time, the reward will come.
Did you set a specific goal or follow a routine that helped you maintain such outstanding grades?
I had a clear goal when I entered the university, and that was to graduate with a good grade. However, my mindset changed after I saw my first-semester result in 100 level. I had a CGPA of 4.95, and that moment made me realize that I could achieve even more.
So, my focus shifted from merely graduating with a good grade to graduating as one of the best.
As you mentioned earlier that you’re a product of mentorship, who were the people that significantly influenced your success?
Coming into the Department, I made friends with some Civil Engineering students who provided me with a lot of useful information. They include Aloba Bolarinwa Victor, Michael Agwulonu, Olatunji Damilare, and Oluwole Jacob.
Yes, I faced some personal challenges.
During my 300 level first-semester exams, I had an issue with one of my teeth and experienced severe pain intermittently throughout the exam period. In my 300L second semester, I also suffered a skin infection that caused mild itching. Thankfully, I recovered after the exams by taking some prescribed medication from a pharmacist.
Then, in my 500L first semester, my phone was stolen just five days before the exam.
How did I overcome them?
It wasn’t easy, to be honest, but I have always developed a strong mindset from the start. I consistently encouraged myself to do better and viewed all challenges as bridges that must be crossed to achieve success. The circle of friends I kept also motivated me a lot; they constantly pushed me to become a better version of myself.
What was your reading or study regimen like throughout your time at the university?
At the beginning of each semester, I prepare a personal study timetable. I rely heavily on the information I received from senior colleagues to organize the timetable according to the level of difficulty of each course.
I also practice both day and night reading, depending on my activities for the day. I don’t study for long hours at a stretch, but I make sure to stay consistent.
How many times do you typically go through a topic before you fully understand it? What personal qualities do you think contributed most to your success?
First of all, I like to understand a course well enough that I can explain the concepts to any friend or colleague. To achieve this, I dedicate a good amount of time to go through any concept thoroughly the first time I study it. By the second review, I understand it even more deeply.
As for personal qualities that contributed to my success, I have a strong passion for imparting knowledge. This drive constantly pushes me to go in-depth and fully grasp every concept I encounter.
My plan is to gain more practical knowledge in Civil Engineering and then further my studies in the area of sustainable infrastructure.
My advice to other undergraduates is this: Know what you want in life. Be strategic about your plans, define your values, discover your purpose early, network as much as possible with like-minded people, stay motivated, and keep your faith in God — He won’t fail you.
