How I Graduated with First Class at 21 – OOU Chemistry Graduate Shares Study Secrets

Samuel Olusesan, a 21-year-old graduate of Chemistry from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, has shared insights into the discipline, sacrifices, and determination that helped him graduate with a first-class degree. With a final CGPA of 4.63 out of 5.0, Olusesan says his academic journey was shaped by consistency, strong family support, and a deliberate commitment to excellence.

Reflecting on his achievement, Olusesan described the moment as deeply fulfilling, particularly because it allowed him to make his parents proud. One of the most emotional moments for him was when his mother witnessed him receive his award from the university’s Vice-Chancellor during the ceremony. According to him, the journey to that moment was not easy, especially considering the admission challenges he faced earlier. He credited his mother for standing by him throughout the process and constantly encouraging him to believe in his potential.

Olusesan explained that family support played a significant role in his academic success. As the third child in a family of four, he grew up in an environment where academic excellence was strongly encouraged. His father, he said, provided financial support, guidance, and stability throughout his education, while his siblings also served as motivation. According to him, excellence was never optional in his family, as each member was expected to perform at a high academic standard.

He also recalled how small gestures from his father during his primary school years helped shape his mindset toward academic performance. Whenever he ranked among the top three students in his class, his father would celebrate the achievement in simple ways, such as taking him out. Though the rewards were modest, they served as strong encouragement that motivated him to continue striving for excellence.

According to Olusesan, intelligence alone is not enough to achieve a first-class degree. He believes discipline and consistency are the real factors that determine academic success. He explained that many students begin their university journey with strong academic records but struggle to maintain that performance over time due to distractions or lack of focus. For him, the key was maintaining consistent performance across every semester.

He noted that earning a first-class degree requires a minimum cumulative grade point average of 4.5 on a 5.0 scale, which means students must consistently score high grades across multiple semesters. Sustaining that level of performance, he said, demands commitment, careful planning, and the ability to stay focused on long-term goals.

During his early days at the university, Olusesan admitted that he initially lacked a structured study routine. However, he quickly realised that the academic demands of university education required a more organised approach than secondary school. He began attending tutorials regularly and surrounded himself with serious-minded classmates who helped him better understand the academic environment.

Over time, he developed a structured study routine. At the beginning of each semester, he focused on understanding course outlines and lecturers’ expectations. After that, he created a consistent reading schedule, studying four to five times each week, even if only for short periods. Sometimes he woke up as early as 4 a.m. to read and stay ahead of his coursework. He also ensured he attended all lectures, completed assignments, and stayed informed about continuous assessment tests.

Olusesan explained that discipline played a crucial role in helping him maintain his academic standards. At several points during his university years, he had to sacrifice certain leisure activities to remain focused on his studies. For instance, he had interest in playing football at the departmental level, but training sessions often conflicted with his reading schedule. Choosing between recreation and academic priorities sometimes required difficult decisions.

He noted that maintaining discipline meant consistently choosing long-term goals over short-term pleasures. There were moments when the pressure felt intense, but he remained committed to the study routine he had established for himself. According to him, setting clear goals and sticking to them helped him remain focused throughout his university journey.

Despite his strong focus on academics, Olusesan acknowledged that distractions are a normal part of student life. He participated in social events, departmental activities, and even campus politics to some extent, but he always ensured that his studies remained his top priority. He believes maintaining a healthy balance between academic work and social engagement is important for personal development.

Speaking about the academic challenges he encountered, Olusesan revealed that some chemistry courses were particularly demanding, especially organic chemistry. He explained that the subject can be highly abstract and sometimes difficult to grasp through classroom lectures alone. To overcome these challenges, he relied on additional learning resources such as online educational videos, research materials, and guidance from senior students.

He said combining different learning methods helped him gradually build a strong understanding of complex topics. In the end, overcoming those challenging courses became one of the most rewarding aspects of his academic journey.

Interestingly, Olusesan revealed that chemistry was not his initial choice of study. Before entering the university, he had originally planned to study agriculture. However, after he was unable to secure admission into the programme, he reassessed his options and decided to pursue chemistry, which he felt aligned closely with his interest in chemical engineering.

According to him, the decision to study chemistry eventually proved to be the right one. He said the subject’s diversity, complexity, and real-world applications made it both intellectually stimulating and rewarding.

Olusesan also emphasised the importance of choosing a course based on genuine interest rather than external pressure. He said students should avoid selecting academic programmes simply because their friends are pursuing them or because they appear more prestigious. Instead, he believes students should focus on fields that align with their abilities, career goals, and passions.

Discussing the broader importance of chemistry, Olusesan explained that the discipline plays a crucial role in national development. From pharmaceutical production and drug development to industrial manufacturing and petroleum refining, chemistry is fundamental to numerous sectors of the economy. He noted that industries such as oil and gas, cosmetics, plastics, and metals rely heavily on chemical processes.

Outside academics, Olusesan described himself as a sociable person who enjoys interacting with friends and engaging on social media platforms. He also enjoys playing football and has a strong liking for cake.

He said curiosity and effective communication were important personal qualities that helped him succeed at the university. Even before gaining admission, he reached out to high-performing students to seek advice about academic success. He continued doing this throughout his university years, learning from senior students and graduates who had excelled academically.

According to him, the willingness to ask questions, seek mentorship, and remain curious about learning opportunities made a significant difference in his academic growth.

Encouraging other students, Olusesan said earning a first-class degree is achievable for anyone who is willing to commit to consistent effort and disciplined study habits. He believes that with dedication, efficiency, and perseverance, students can accomplish their academic goals regardless of the challenges they face.

Looking ahead, Olusesan plans to expand his career opportunities by exploring the technology sector while continuing his academic development. He revealed that he is currently building skills in data analytics and searching for graduate internship opportunities related to chemistry. At the same time, he is preparing for his National Youth Service Corps programme while considering the next steps in his academic and professional journey.