Here at Kawe È Africa, we know firsthand how challenging navigating the Nigerian educational system can be. Between balancing school fees, surviving tough lecturers, and dealing with the cost of living, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
But every graduation season brings stories that remind us why giving up is never an option. Today, we are spotlighting the incredible journey of Abiola Marvellous Samuel, a fresh Computer Science graduate from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).
From taking on manual labor in a cassava factory to finishing with a stellar Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.43/5.0 (Second Class Upper Division), his story is the ultimate definition of resilience.
The 2020 Pandemic and the Fight for WAEC
Abiola’s academic hustle was tested long before he stepped onto the LAUTECH campus. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he faced intense financial hardship right at the edge of his secondary school finish line.
“I remember the night before my first WAEC paper in 2020; I still hadn’t balanced my fees,” Abiola recalls. “Although my proprietor helped me during registration, the agreement was that I had to pay the balance before I could sit for any exam. Things were incredibly tough that year.”
Despite the massive uncertainty, his faith and hard work paid off. He cleared both his WAEC and JAMB examinations and secured admission into his first-choice institution—LAUTECH—on his very first attempt.
Surviving Campus: Borrowed Lab Coats and Manual Labor
Gaining admission was a massive victory, but the financial realities of university life hit hard. During his 100 Level, surviving academically meant making daily sacrifices.
Unable to afford standard textbooks, Abiola relied only on the compulsory PASSA and FA packs. He couldn’t afford private campus tutorials, and attending practicals meant borrowing lab coats from friends. Paying his very first school fees even required a loan from a senior colleague.
When the financial pressure peaked, Abiola had to roll up his sleeves.
“At one point, I took on manual labor just to stay afloat,” he shared. “Despite all of this, God saw me through.”
A Stellar Finish: 4.43/5.0 in Computer Science
Juggling the rigorous demands of a Computer Science degree while trying to build a career and simply survive is no small feat. Yet, Abiola thrived.
While he narrowly missed a First Class degree by a mere 0.07 points, stepping away with a 4.43 CGPA is an outstanding achievement that proves his academic brilliance and dedication.
“I am incredibly proud. Juggling academic life while building a career was never easy, but I always found the help I needed. There were days when it seemed like nothing was working, but God came through.”
The Takeaway for Every Student
As he celebrates this massive milestone, Abiola leaves an inspiring message for students who might currently be facing similar hurdles:
“You can achieve anything with the help of God and a firm belief in yourself.”
Congratulations to Abiola Marvellous Samuel, B.Tech, Computer Science! The tech world is lucky to have you, and we know this is only the beginning. 🎓
Over to you! Did Abiola’s story inspire you? Are you currently navigating your own tough season on campus? Drop a congratulatory message for him in the comments below, and share this post with a friend who needs some motivation today!
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