From Mushin to the Top of the Class: How Samuel Badekale Became UNILAG’s Best-Graduating Student

Growing up in Mushin, one of Lagos’ most misunderstood neighbourhoods, never stopped Samuel Badekale from dreaming big. Against the odds, the 22-year-old has emerged as the overall best-graduating student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for the 2023/2024 academic session, finishing with a flawless 5.0 CGPA in Cell Biology and Genetics.

Early Inspiration and Clear Goals

Though originally from Ijebu North-East in Ogun State, Samuel spent most of his childhood in Mushin and attended several primary schools before completing secondary education in the same community—graduating as his set’s best student.
He credits his faith and family background for keeping him focused.

“My parents are pastors, and I give all the glory to God for this achievement,” he said.

A year before gaining admission to UNILAG, a fellow Mushin native graduated as the university’s best student. Witnessing that success fuelled Samuel’s determination to set a bold goal: graduate as the best student with a perfect grade point.

Mushin: A Community of Hidden Talent

While Mushin is often portrayed negatively, Samuel insists the area is rich with brilliant minds. He joined a local tutorial group where classmates regularly studied for 12 hours a day. Their discipline shaped his work ethic and made the transition to UNILAG’s rigorous academic environment seamless.

Determined to give back, Samuel co-founded Skill Up, a community initiative that trains secondary school students in basic digital skills and organises motivational seminars featuring successful professionals from Mushin. Together with another top graduate, he also donated textbooks to 82 students, challenging stereotypes about his community.

Winning Habits for Academic Excellence

Samuel attributes his success to structured study habits and self-awareness:

• Daytime Reading: He preferred reading during the day to avoid sleep deprivation.
• Past Questions: After every topic, he practised previous exam questions to gauge understanding.
• Teaching Others: Explaining concepts to classmates reinforced his own mastery.
• Goal Setting: At the start of each semester, he created a grade sheet for every course and prayed over it.

When courses seemed tough, Samuel sought guidance from seniors and attended every lecture to pick up exam tips from lecturers’ teaching styles.

Overcoming Challenges and Supporting Others

Balancing church leadership responsibilities with academics was initially tough. Later, as his perfect CGPA attracted attention, he battled imposter syndrome and social anxiety. To help others facing similar struggles, he co-founded Students’ Mental Health Advocates in 2022, partnering with the university counselling unit to provide mental health awareness, outreach programs, and peer support.

Family Support That Made the Difference

Samuel recalls struggling with French in his second year until his parents quickly arranged a private tutor, helping him secure an “A” grade. Their prayers and encouragement, he said, kept him grounded during moments of doubt.

Recognition and Global Opportunities

Samuel’s outstanding record earned him the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Bio-membranes scholarship, allowing him to continue his studies across France, Italy, and Germany. He is the only Nigerian and West African recipient in his cohort.

“It’s humbling and bittersweet,” he said. “I’m honoured, but it also shows how few Nigerians are represented in opportunities like this. I want to inspire others to aim for global platforms.”

Advice for Aspiring Students

His message to students is simple but powerful:

“Dream boldly because nothing is impossible with God. Set clear goals, pray, study diligently, attend lectures, and never hesitate to seek help. Discipline and consistency will always pay off.”

A Beacon of Possibility

Samuel Badekale’s journey from Mushin to international recognition proves that brilliance can thrive anywhere. His story is a reminder that hard work, faith, and the right support system can open doors to scholarships, global education, and life-changing opportunities—no matter where you start.