A graduate of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Boluwatife Praise, has attributed the delay in her academic journey to the prolonged Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, describing the experience as challenging but ultimately transformative.
Boluwatife made this reflection during a convocation address where she spoke as a representative of her department, addressing distinguished guests, faculty members, family, and friends who gathered to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2024.
“Our journey wasn’t supposed to be this long,” she stated, noting that what was originally designed as a four-year programme eventually stretched into five years. According to her, the disruption caused by the ASUU strike reshaped the academic calendar and tested the patience and resilience of students across Nigerian public universities.
In a tone that blended humour with honesty, she remarked that the additional year was not exactly one to be “enjoyed,” but rather a period marked by uncertainty, waiting, and adaptation. Her comments resonated with many graduates who experienced similar disruptions during their studies.
Despite the setback, Boluwatife emphasized that the experience strengthened her cohort. “Four years turned to five, but we’ve emerged stronger, resilient, and ready to take on the world,” she said, drawing applause from the audience.
She highlighted that the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology had equipped graduates with not just academic knowledge, but also practical skills and a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between animals, humans, and the environment. According to her, these lessons have prepared them for real-world challenges beyond the university walls.
Reflecting on the collective experience of her classmates, Boluwatife urged fellow graduates to remember the struggles they endured, including late-night study sessions, academic pressure, and the uncertainty that came with repeated strikes and schedule changes.
“We’re not just graduates; we’re warriors,” she declared, describing her colleagues as individuals forged by adversity and prepared to make meaningful contributions to science, environmental sustainability, and national development.
Her speech also underscored the broader impact of industrial actions on students in public universities, bringing renewed attention to how strikes extend study durations and affect the mental and emotional well-being of undergraduates.
Many attendees described her remarks as relatable and inspiring, particularly for younger students still navigating the Nigerian university system. A parent present at the ceremony noted that the speech captured “the reality of what these students went through and how they refused to give up.”
Within the Faculty of Science, lecturers acknowledged that the graduating set demonstrated remarkable perseverance. According to some faculty members, the ability of students to stay focused despite disruptions reflects a growing culture of resilience among Nigerian undergraduates.
As the ceremony progressed, Boluwatife congratulated all members of the Class of 2024, encouraging them to step confidently into the next phase of their lives and careers.
The graduation of the 2024 set at FUOYE stands not only as a celebration of academic achievement but also as a testament to endurance in the face of systemic challenges within Nigeria’s higher education sector.
