“I Thought I Had Failed in Life” — LASU’s Top Graduate Inspires with Story of Resilience and Triumph

 

Miss Isioma Nwosu Emerges LASU's Best Graduating Student After Rejection from Medical School Dreams

Ojo, Lagos — In a heartwarming twist of fate, Miss Isioma Nwosu, once disheartened by multiple setbacks in her pursuit of a medical degree, has emerged as the overall best graduating student of Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2023/2024 academic session.

With a staggering Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93 from the Department of Biochemistry, Nwosu took center stage during the 28th Convocation Ceremony held at the university’s main campus in Ojo, delivering a valedictory speech that drew both admiration and introspection.

Recounting her journey with striking honesty, Nwosu revealed that her academic trajectory was not the one she had initially envisioned. In 2019, she graduated as the valedictorian of her secondary school and had high hopes of securing admission into the University of Ibadan to study Medicine and Surgery. However, after narrowly missing the cut-off by just two points, her aspirations seemed to crumble.

“I thought I had failed in life,” she admitted to a packed audience of fellow graduates, dignitaries, and university officials. “A valedictorian writing UTME again? It was a bitter pill to swallow.”

Despite reapplying and choosing LASU as her first choice the following year, her application for Medicine and Surgery was again unsuccessful. Instead, she was offered Biochemistry — a course she confessed she had never even heard of at the time.

“I was heartbroken the second time,” Nwosu shared. “I could not embrace the course in my first year. But thanks to supportive lecturers and friends who believed in me, I eventually found my footing.”

What began as a reluctant detour turned into a path of excellence. Through sheer determination, discipline, and guidance from those around her, Nwosu rose to the pinnacle of academic achievement at LASU, outperforming thousands of peers to earn her place as the university’s top graduate.

Her story is a testament to resilience and the unpredictability of success. In her speech, Nwosu urged students and fellow graduates to remain confident, no matter how far removed their current situation might seem from their original goals.

“You completed this phase,” she said, addressing the graduating class. “You are resilient, capable, and prepared for the future. The world is waiting for your greatness and manifestation. Never be afraid of having big dreams — your dreams are the seeds of greatness.”

She also emphasized the importance of community and relationships, encouraging students to surround themselves with people who share their values and ambition.

“Additionally,” she said, “surround yourself with friends with values and equal visions and ambitions.”

LASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who presided over the ceremony, lauded the graduating students for demonstrating “excellence in both character and learning.” She reminded them that their degrees were not just certificates, but symbols of preparedness to effect positive change in society.

“This convocation marks a new chapter. Go and write your stories the way you want them to be told,” she said.

A total of 11,917 students were awarded diplomas, degrees, and certificates during the ceremony, all having been deemed worthy by the Senate of the institution. The Vice-Chancellor charged them to apply their knowledge meaningfully and to contribute to societal development.

For Isioma Nwosu, the convocation was more than just a ceremony — it was the culmination of a transformative journey. Her rise from rejection to recognition now stands as an inspiring narrative for many students navigating the uncertainties of academic life. What once seemed like failure has become a foundation for greatness.