From Sociology to First Class Law: The Inspiring Journey of Olayemi Islamiyyah

The prestigious University of Ibadan recently celebrated the academic excellence of Olayemi Islamiyyah, who graduated with First Class Honours in Law—a feat defined by resilience, divine timing, and the courage to pursue a deferred dream.

Islamiyyah’s path to the wig and gown was unconventional. Initially deterred by the competitive cut-off marks for Law, she opted for Sociology. Although she eventually surpassed the required score for her dream course, she accepted her placement in Sociology as fate, excelling in her first year while quietly harboring her legal aspirations.

A casual conversation among peers about departmental transfers reignited Islamiyyah’s ambition. However, her journey nearly stalled due to a clerical error; a misplaced phone number meant faculty officers could not reach her, and her admission slot was on the verge of being reassigned. In what she describes as "divine timing," she visited the faculty office to check her status just 24 hours before her spot would have been forfeited.

Transitioning into the Faculty of Law presented its own set of challenges, as Islamiyyah worried about bridging the gap after missing the foundational 100-level Law curriculum. Those fears were quickly dispelled when she scored 14/15 in her first assessment. This initial success served as the catalyst for her confidence, proving that she was not just a participant, but a top contender in the field.

Today, Olayemi Islamiyyah stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, graduating at the top of her class and proving that a postponed dream is not a denied one.