Excellence rarely comes without sacrifice, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. For Sulaimon Odebode Titilope, graduating from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, with a First Class and as the Best Graduating Student was the culmination of years of focus, determination, and faith.
In an exclusive interview with PLATFORM TIMES, he shares the personal journey, the lessons learned, and the mindset that shaped his remarkable academic achievement. KOREDE BADMUS brings us the story behind the accolades.
Congratulations on your first-class degree! Please introduce yourself.
Thank you. I’m Sulaimon Odebode Titilope, a recent graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, where I graduated with a First Class and was honoured as the Best Graduating Student.
At what moment did you silently tell yourself, “I must not fail”?
I’ve always believed that anything worth doing deserves to be done well. There wasn’t a single moment—it was a mindset I carried throughout my academic journey. I knew I had to exert myself to become the best version of myself, and that principle guided everything I did.
You mentioned your family motivated you. Did that ever feel like pressure?
Not at all. My family’s motivation was pure support. They encouraged me, stood by me, and gave me confidence, but they never imposed expectations. Any pressure I felt was self-imposed; I set high standards for myself and wanted to make them proud.
What drove you more—disappointing your family or yourself?
I don’t rely on fear as a motivator. Fear can be paralyzing. My family’s support strengthened me, but the real push came from wanting to meet my own standards and achieve the goals I set for myself.
Was there a time you studied hard but still felt inadequate? How did you cope?
Yes. I once scored below what I expected despite significant effort. It was heartbreaking, but I had a choice: wallow in self-pity or work harder the next semester. I chose the latter.
What personal weakness did university expose in you the most?
Procrastination. University made me confront the consequences of delaying tasks. Recognizing this taught me time management and discipline, which became critical for my success.
Did you ever compare yourself to other brilliant students?
Comparison kills joy. I focus on learning from others’ strengths rather than measuring myself against them. Surrounding myself with brilliant peers allowed me to grow without envy and benefit from their discipline.
Were you in a relationship during your undergraduate years? Did it help or distract you?
No, I wasn’t. It was both by choice and circumstance.
What did you sacrifice that people rarely see behind a first-class result?
Time. I devoted most of my hours to academics, missing social events, leisure, and even family moments. Those sacrifices were unseen but necessary.
Was there a semester when you were emotionally exhausted yet had to perform academically?
My final session was the most challenging. I had multiple academic obligations alongside leadership roles, including serving as President of the Nigeria Muslim Law Students Association (OOU Chapter) and Speaker of the Law Student Parliamentary Council.
Did you ever feel lonely at the top while aiming for excellence?
I don’t think one can ever truly be at the top—excellence is transient, and there’s always more to learn. I was fortunate to have driven friends who supported and studied with me, making the journey communal rather than isolating.
What truth about yourself did you discover only through hardship?
That I don’t have all the answers. Hardship taught me to seek advice from those more experienced, making me more humble and open to learning.
How has this achievement changed how you view responsibility and expectation?
It confirmed that hard work pays off. Responsibility and expectation are not burdens but opportunities to demonstrate discipline. When I focus on my duties, success naturally follows.
Which popular advice didn’t work for you?
‘YOLO’—you only live once. While exciting, living without planning often leads to regret. Discipline and foresight have been far more rewarding.
Looking back, what would you do differently if you had to start again?
I would engage more in extra-curricular activities and volunteer work. Academics are important, but other experiences enrich personal development and help build meaningful connections.
What has life taught you about yourself so far?
Resilience. No matter the challenges, I’ve learned to adapt and keep moving forward.
What advice would you give a student who wants to excel but feels overwhelmed?
Focus on consistency, not perfection. Break big goals into manageable tasks and seek guidance from those who’ve navigated similar journeys. Supportive peers and mentors make the path lighter.
Finally, is there something people rarely ask but you feel is important to say?
The role of God in my journey. Effort and strategy matter, but there were times when my own strength wasn’t enough. My faith provided clarity, resilience, and guidance through exhaustion and doubt.
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