Badagry Indigene Aijinnahen Setonji Ludovic Poised to Make UNILAG History with First Class in History Education

Aijinnahen Setonji Ludovic, a 24-year-old indigene of Badagry, is poised to become one of only two First Class graduates ever produced by the Department of History Education at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in over five decades. He is scheduled to be awarded his degree during the university's convocation ceremony today, January 20, 2026.

Ludovic achieved this rare academic feat against significant odds, breaking a decades-long record where a First Class honor had remained elusive in the rigorous department since its establishment in 1965.

Born into a modest family in Apa, Badagry—his father a traditional medical practitioner and his mother a fashion designer—Ludovic’s formative years were shaped by discipline and a strong work ethic. His entry into UNILAG coincided with the turbulent COVID-19 lockdowns and prolonged academic strikes, which he managed by channeling adversity into opportunity, sharpening his research and writing skills.

His academic journey was not without setbacks. In his first year, a significant dip in his grades pushed his CGPA below the First Class threshold. Rather than giving up, he treated the experience as a turning point, redoubling his efforts and systematically climbing back semester after semester.

Beyond the classroom, Ludovic remained active, volunteering at the Lagos Studies Association—Africa's second-largest academic conference—and winning a gold medal in his departmental football competition.

History Education at UNILAG is known for its academic rigor; none of his current lecturers had even graduated with a First Class from the program themselves. Despite warnings from a course adviser about the demanding final-year curriculum and his narrow margin, Ludovic pressed on.

His final triumph saw him cross the finish line with a First Class honor, fulfilling a dream that many deemed nearly impossible.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, the graduating scholar emphasized the importance of mentorship, diligence, and self-belief to other young people. He recalled being told that admission into UNILAG was impossible due to competition but chose to ignore the limitations others placed on his potential.

Looking ahead, Ludovic is currently undertaking studies in Data Analytics to complement his historical research skills. His long-term ambition is to become a globally recognized socio-economic and environmental historian, a professor, and a consultant for international organizations like the World Bank, EY, and KPMG. He revealed plans to pursue a Master's degree in African History abroad in the near future.

As Badagry celebrates the emergence of a new scholar, Aijinnahen Setonji Ludovic stands as a testament to perseverance and academic excellence.