Remarkable Achievement: Olabode Williams Jolomi - From Fish Seller to Top Scholar
His determination and hard work paid off as he excelled academically, obtaining an outstanding 4.94 GPA out of a possible 5.00.
AKACHI NOEL 
In an inspiring tale of resilience and academic excellence, 26-year-old Olabode Williams Jolomi has defied financial challenges to emerge as the best-graduating student at Ekiti State University, Nigeria. Despite facing hardships that led him to sell fish to support his education, Olabode achieved a remarkable 4.94 first-class degree in Forest Resources and Wildlife Management.
Olabode's journey to academic success began in his second year when financial constraints led him to sell fish, demonstrating his commitment to securing an education. His determination and hard work paid off as he excelled academically, obtaining an outstanding 4.94 GPA out of a possible 5.00.
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The resilient scholar not only navigated the complexities of university life but also engaged in various extracurricular activities. Olabode organized tutorials for his peers and actively participated in students' politics. His political journey saw both setbacks and triumphs, with an unsuccessful bid for the presidency at the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NASS) countered by a victorious election as President at the International Forestry Students' Association (IFSA).
Under Olabode's leadership, IFSA-EKSU received recognition and funding for promoting awareness of forestry in Africa. His successful administration secured a prize of ₦230,000 after organizing an event sponsored by IFSA and the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO).
Olabode's academic prowess and contributions to the university community garnered well-deserved recognition. An alumnus of the university awarded him ₦250,000 for being the best-graduating student, and another alumnus presented him with an additional ₦1 million for his outstanding efforts.
Expressing gratitude for the support and acknowledging his future aspirations, Olabode plans to pursue a master's degree abroad. He encourages young learners to remain focused, determined, and goal-oriented, emphasizing that one's background should not hinder academic pursuits.
Olabode's journey from a fish seller to a top scholar serves as a testament to the transformative power of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving academic excellence.
