..I Supported my Education With Carpentry Job to Survive- Second Best Student
By Gbenga Sodeinde
The overall best student at the 27th convocation ceremony of the Ekiti State University, EKSU, who won 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, Jolomi Olabode Williams, has got a touching story to share on how he managed to sponsor himself through to emerge the best student.
He disclosed how people were mocking him because he was hawking fish while he was a student on the campus and he didn’t allow all that to bother him but remained unrelenting until that his day of his glory.
Similarly, the multiple award winner who got the highest prizes and award on that ceremony, Godwin Adeusi Oluwasegun, who emerged second best and got Dr. Tope Fasua’s prize for the best graduating student in the department of Economics, (N50,000), Prof Akinjide Osuntokun’s prize for the best graduating student in the faculty of social sciences (N50000), and Chief Olusegun Omosehin’s prize for the best graduating student in the faculty of social sciences (N250,000.)
Other awards Godwin won were: Dr. Timehin Adelegbe’s prize N200,000, Agboola Agbetuyi foundation’s prize for the best graduating student in the department of Economics N10,000, Dr. Ayo Abina’s prize for the best graduating student in the department of Economics N100,000, and another Dr Tope Fasua’s prize for the best graduating student in the department of Economics N100,000, malongo up to a total sum of N760,000 for the fortunate graduand!
Godwin said he nearly lost the hope of achieving his dream because his parents could not afford his school fees in a particular year one, “this led my mother to go and borrow a local loan called “gbomule lanta”, yet the money she managed to borrow then was not enough for my school fees, and also to repay the money became another trouble for her because things were very difficult for us, and so she went through hell.”
Teary eyed Godwin was emotional when he further revealed that: “when I remembered what my mum went through then I feel for her, and even what I went through on campus as a result of my poor background. Again this affected on my GP that I nearly felt discouraged, but surmounted courage and took up a carpentary work which I had learnt before I got the admission, to support my education.
“So in my year two, l told myself that come what may, I will not allow my family’s humble background or financial status to affect my desire, I have long desired to become successful in this field and make distinctions. So I prayed to God, I doubled my efforts at both my reading and and capentary work so, God crown it today,” he stated .
He also.said, “I am extremely happy today, When I was called out the fifth time, I felt I was dreaming. It’s really a good moment of my life
“I am from a humble family, where we struggle to get money. During my stay in the school, I always pay my school fees like a week to the exam, also knowing that there is nothing much at home, I put in my dad’s work, carpentry and furniture, which I have been doing to feed myself since 100level, combining this with my academic was a very challenging task, but all glory to God.
“Surely, apart from salvation, there is no better day than today. But a day I can’t forget in my stay in EKSU, was the day I had to stay inside school for two days, reading for a very tough exam in empty stomach because I couldn’t get food to eat. My body was itching but I could not go home, I can’t forget that day.
“Firstly, I will like to to appreciate God Almighty because this is a result of God’s grace and mercy. It was made possible because I always believe nothing is difficult for whoever believes in God that he can do all things and that is also hard-working.
” If you put all your efforts, nothing is unattainable. Despite my challenges when I was in 100level, and all that I faced and struggled with then, the family problem and others, I overcame all.
” Another thing was the fear of unknown that people brought my way that nearly shattered my dream, they told me all sort of things that Economics is a very difficult course, but I keep telling myself that if I put in my effort I will make, so I did all things possible, keep reading and keep trusting God. Wow! it has been accomplished today”
On what he is his next plan, he said, “Before this time I was already building my career in financial technology and after getting my certificate I will start ICAN. I’m hoping I can get a good financial company where I can have my NYSC.
“I appreciate the Almighty God, my parents, siblings,my pastor and Prof. A. A. Awe. I also appreciate my departmental mates and fellowship members, but to mention names, I appreciate all peace, Edith, Debola, Grace, Faith and the last dance academic group. My success in this school is possible because of these people, I am grateful.
“My message to those who wants to be like me is that, trust God and don’t ever loose focus, don’t loose confidence in yourself, and faith in Almighty God, believe nothing is too difficult for you to accomplish and keep putting all your effort, you will get there.l
“My best and happiest day in life was the day I received the life of Christ, it’s the moment everything about my life has changed. Particularly, I began to see changes in my academics. I can’t forget such a wonderful day, and today became my second happiest day in life”
In the same vein, Jolomi Olabode Williams, who emerged the overall best graduating student, said he was grateful to God for fulfilling his dreams.
The now graduate of Forestry and Wildlife ot 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”. Jolomi stated.