From Primary School Teacher to First-Class Graduate: The Inspiring Journey of Oluwafemi Sobowale

At just 27 years old, Oluwafemi Sobowale has proven that resilience, determination, and a hunger for knowledge can change the course of a person’s life. Once a nursery and primary school teacher struggling to save money for higher education, he is now a proud first-class graduate in Computer Science from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).

In this interview-style feature, Sobowale shares his journey from humble beginnings to academic excellence, shedding light on the challenges, sacrifices, and strategies that helped him succeed.

Early Life and Education

Sobowale grew up in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in a family where education was not easily accessible. His parents were uneducated, and financial struggles made childhood difficult. Despite these challenges, his mother remained intentional about ensuring her children had better opportunities than she did.

“I faced basically every downside a child from a poor home is expected to face,” Sobowale recalls. Yet, he found joy in playing football and pursuing his education in public schools before eventually moving to Benin City during his secondary school years.

Dreaming Beyond Circumstances

Interestingly, Computer Science wasn’t Sobowale’s initial career dream. As a child, he wanted to be a civil engineer and even wrote compositions about the profession. But after secondary school, financial hardship forced him to put his dreams on hold.

With no funds to further his studies, Sobowale took up teaching at a nursery and primary school. For five years, he saved what little he could, but also realized the need to acquire a practical skill. He enrolled in a computer institute, where he learned computer repairs and software installation, eventually earning a diploma in Computer Engineering.

That was when his love for computing truly blossomed.

Choosing FUNAAB

While many assume FUNAAB is strictly an agriculture-focused institution, Sobowale’s research showed otherwise. The university’s Department of Computer Science had already grown into the College of Computing, offering cutting-edge courses such as Data Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, and Information Technology.

“FUNAAB isn’t all about agriculture,” Sobowale emphasizes. “Other non-agricultural colleges are also doing great.”

Academic Excellence and Study Habits

Sobowale began his higher education journey at Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) in 2019, graduating with distinction before gaining direct entry into FUNAAB in 2022.

Although he had no rigid study routine, his background in teaching taught him the importance of building on previous knowledge. He made sure he fully understood one lecture before moving to the next and always studied ahead of exam periods.

His dedication paid off: despite early setbacks, he consistently improved his results, finishing with a remarkable CGPA of 4.51.

Overcoming Challenges

Sobowale’s journey wasn’t free of obstacles. Financial constraints were constant, but his family stepped in to support him, and he also earned money through web development gigs and ventures in Web3 technologies.

Peer pressure was less of a concern, as he had already waited years to enter the university and was determined to make every moment count. Even while playing competitive football at school, he maintained focus on his studies.

Practical Skills and Projects

Beyond theory, Sobowale mastered skills in web development, data science, and machine learning. His final-year project focused on privacy preservation using anonymization techniques—an achievement he’s particularly proud of given the global emphasis on data security.

Vision for Nigeria’s Tech Future

Sobowale is optimistic about the role of emerging technologies in Nigeria. He believes AI will simplify learning and drive innovation, blockchain will secure financial transactions, and cloud computing will provide scalable infrastructure for growth.

“These technologies will shape Nigeria’s future by boosting financial inclusion, healthcare, and agriculture,” he notes.

Support System and Mentorship

Sobowale credits his late father, his supportive mother, siblings, and mentors for helping him along the way. His lecturers at both Yabatech and FUNAAB encouraged academic growth, while his pastor, Femi Bamigboye, was instrumental in his personal development.

Advice for Students

According to Sobowale, three habits every student should adopt to excel academically are:

1. Time management
2. Active learning and consistent note-taking
3. Maintaining a steady study routine

Looking Ahead

Having graduated in July 2025, Sobowale is already working on projects in data science and machine learning. He hopes to pursue a master’s degree in the field, depending on funding, while also exploring opportunities in graduate training programs.

His ultimate goal is clear: to become a leading voice in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria.

A Story of Determination

From teaching in a primary school to walking the stage as a first-class graduate, Sobowale’s story is a powerful reminder that determination and resilience can transform even the toughest beginnings into success stories.

“I wasn’t born with a silver spoon,” he reflects. “But with discipline and focus, great things can come from small places.”