Aisha Abidemi Abolade Emerges as Best Graduating Student at University of Ilorin

The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has celebrated a new academic icon as Aisha Abidemi Abolade graduated with First Class honors, emerging as the Best Graduating Student in the Department of Psychology.

Abolade’s journey to the top of her class is a testament to resilience and faith. Despite successfully clearing her West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (JAMB) on her first attempts, she was not initially offered her first-choice course. Reflecting on that turning point, she viewed the admission into Psychology as a divine redirection, stating, "I believed it was God’s way of saying, ‘Start here.’"

The realization of her potential came early; after her freshman year, Abolade discovered she was the top-ranking student in her level. This discovery transformed her mindset, fueling a personal mantra: “If you have started this journey, you must get to the riverbank.”

Throughout her four-year tenure, Abolade navigated the rigors of Nigerian higher education with a balanced perspective. While she admits that "life is not a bed of roses" and that there were moments when she felt overwhelmed by the academic "waves," she drew inspiration from the perseverance of those around her.

In her valedictory remarks, the trailblazing graduate remained humble, attributing her success to more than just intellect. "Achieving this milestone wasn’t because I am the smartest or the strongest," she remarked, "but because God has truly been good to me."

As the Class of 2025/2026 transitions into the professional world, Aisha Abidemi Abolade stands out as a beacon of academic excellence and a role model for students navigating the challenges of redirected dreams.

The university community and the Department of Psychology continue to celebrate her achievement as she prepares for the next chapter of her professional career.