Miracle Akubuo
The best graduating student in the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as the best in the Faculty of Agriculture, Adaba Olajuwon Emmanuel revealed his plans to impact society by emphasizing the relevance and importance of fisheries and aquaculture.
Emmanuel was awarded the best graduating student in both his department and faculty during the recently concluded convocation, boasting a CGPA of 4.85, all while actively participating in religious activities.
In an interview, Emmanuel shared his initial aspiration to study Microbiology but was unable to reach the cut-off mark.
He explained, “I always wanted to study Microbiology in school, but after I did my JAMB and was expecting to sit for post-UTME in the school, unfortunately, that year it was changed to screening. Combining my O-level with my JAMB, I was not able to meet up. So, that’s the reason why I studied fisheries and aquaculture, and I am happy with it.”
He further revealed that the grace of God and a passion for excellence were the driving forces behind his achievement as the best graduating student. “I have always hoped to come out as a graduating student because from my 100 level, nobody has ever led me in my department and faculty at large,” he said.
Despite his academic excellence, Emmanuel has held various positions in school fellowships.
In his second year, he was the assistant Bible coordinator, in his third year, he became the president of his school fellowship and Bible coordinator, the JCCF treasurer, the Faculty Fellowship General Secretary, and also the president of his mother church’s Student Wings. He managed these responsibilities while still in school.
When asked how he balanced academics with leadership roles in school fellowships, he stated, “I have this mindset, putting God in all I do, and I have always said that I will never blame God for my failure no matter the outcome. I always tell people that if I fail, it’s my fault and not God to be blamed for it because grace can only make it come true, not making it easy. You will have to work hard to succeed.”
Speaking on how he scaled through despite some lecturers’ marking guides, he mentioned, “I don’t have a specific reading time. I read anytime I am opportune to, no matter the place – church, class. I follow what the lecturer teaches in the lecture room and pay attention to every detail during lectures. Also, when I read and digest, I communicate using symbols for easier understanding, using trees as an example.”
Regarding his financial experience, he worked for some time before being admitted to the university. “Seeing how hard it is to make money gave me a sense of endurance and satisfaction with the little things I have,” he stated.
Advice to students
Emmanuel advised students to be focused and courageous, emphasizing the importance of having a goal to come out as the best, no matter the circumstances. “Reading will not always be easy,” he affirmed, recounting his own challenges.
He urged students to be focused and determined, identifying distractions and combatting them.
How he will impact the society
Emmanuel envisions enlightening society on the importance and relevance of the aquatic environment despite uncertainties surrounding the study and relevance of the course.
“One of the things I have discovered is the underutilization of our aquatic resources. My major focus is to saddle the society with knowledge, importance, and usefulness of the aquatic environment. I would love to own a farm and be a consultant to enlighten people more about agriculture in general.”
He urged the government to invest more in research in the field to bring out better things from the aquatic environment and go beyond the trend of just fishing and farming.
