By Gbenga Sodeinde
The overall best student at the 27th convocation ceremony of the Ekiti State University, (EKSU), held on Wednesday 18, 2022 at the university campus in Ado Ekiti, Jolomi Olabode Williams has disclosed that he got a touching story to share on how he managed to support his education to emerge the best student.
Joloni who won the Dr Ayo Abina’s two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000) prize for the best graduating student in the University and Dr. Isreal Ovirih’s N1 million Prize for the best Graduating Student in the University, said has gone through alot on campus before his eventual day of glory.
Specifically, Jolomi revealed how people were mocking him because he was hawking fish while he was a student on the campus just to support his education.
He narrated how he didn’t allow all that to bother him but remained unrelenting and forged ahead before God eventually crown his efforts.
Jolomi who spoke with Heritagenewsng said he was grateful to God for fulfilling his dreams.
The now graduate of Forestry and Wildlife of the faculty of Agriculture, who hails from Ilaje local government area of Ondo State, said: ” My parents managed to sponsor my academic through fishing. My father is a fisherman, my mother is a trader.
“The day l will never forget was the day i was crying when I wanted to pay my acceptance fee for forestry instead of medicine.
“I wanted to study medicine but I couldn’t because EKSU didn’t take medicine students that year. Therefore, I was given forestry and I developed interest in it, and today it has become like what God actually destined for me.
“I didn’t allow my somebody or people will say to stop me, I helped my parents to support my academic by selling smoked fishes to students and lecturers on campus.
“People mocked me on campus because I hawked fish to support my education, they called me all sort of names, they called me eleja, fish seller, they called me ilaje fish seller because it’s only ilaje in Ondo State that produce fish for the State at large.
” I become so popular with tutorials and politics as I’m doing tutorials and politics I didn’t allow that to bother me, instead I improved on fish selling and as well was very serious with my studies.I become well known.
“Actually, I don’t do extra work just I read in my hostel and I don’t go to Library or night classes.I prefer reading and understanding my studies privately
“Through forestry I have represented my University in various capacities like I have been in Ghana for NARM 2022. Studying forestry is not waste.
“For other students who want to achieve success like me, they should remain focused and prayerful”
On his next action plan, he said, “I’m going for my masters in Tech Geographical Information systems, (GIS)
Where you can access the Forest without necessarily coming into contact with.
“I want to appreciate My parents Rev. Pastor Joshua Jolomi and Mrs Jolomi Grace. And my families and friends and all well wishers
“Today, forest has been a hideout for banditry and kidnappers therefore accessing forest will be very difficult but through GIS you can access it without going there.
“At the same time GIS is very reliable and tech intensive. We are moving towards a totally technological world
“I’m a super proud Forester today because I’m the king of the jungle in the field of forestry. As an ecologist, my society especially ilaje people, depend on forest resources.
“Therefore I will be able to form policies that ensure sustainability of the resources through technology.
“Now, I understand that medicine was not my way…Thank God here I’m”. Joloni stated.
“Other people that are part of my success are Firstly my Parents Rev. Pastor Joshua Jolomi and Rev. Mother Grace Jolomi, my brother Jolomi Oreoluwa and Peter.
‘I can’t forget my mentor that contributed to this great feat. He always challenged me to ensure I achieve this Great achievement because he couldn’t achieved it during his stay in university Mr. OROLA Samuel In fact he’s God sent angel to my academic.
“Those that helped me Politically and academically like Feyijimi Adesoji, Ojajuni Amos, Dr. Agbelade aladesanmi.” Jolomi added.