Francis Olusegun, a Mathematics graduate of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), has emerged as the institution’s best graduating student for the 2025/2026 academic session after recording a perfect 5.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).
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Olusegun attributed his achievement to self-belief, consistency, adaptability, and a deliberate commitment to his academic goals, saying his ambition to become the university’s overall best graduating student developed over several years.
In an interview with the Union of Campus Journalists at UNILORIN, published in October 2026, he said seeing his first-year results convinced him that graduating with a perfect CGPA was achievable.
The graduate explained that his interest in Mathematics began in primary school, making the course a natural choice despite its abstract and demanding nature. He said his enjoyment of solving mathematical problems helped sustain his interest throughout his university education.
Olusegun said he maintained his performance by reviewing lessons after classes, researching difficult concepts and remaining flexible with his study methods. Rather than relying on a rigid timetable, he adjusted his approach whenever he discovered that it was no longer effective.
He also paid close attention to continuous assessment and examination scores, noting that both contributed to his final grades. He said he aimed to score above 70 per cent in his assessments to maintain a strong academic record.
The graduate acknowledged that social media and other competing interests sometimes distracted him, but said he learned to limit activities that did not align with his long-term ambitions. He also described financial difficulties and the challenge of studying without a functional phone during part of his first year.
According to him, support from friends, church members, family members, and former students of his department helped him navigate some of these challenges. He said he sought assistance when necessary rather than allowing difficult circumstances to derail his academic goals.
Olusegun disclosed that he was largely self-motivated, explaining that his determination to excel came from his personal ambitions. He encouraged students facing academic difficulties to identify the causes of their challenges, seek guidance from mentors and apply practical solutions.
The achievement comes as UNILORIN prepares to graduate 16,152 students at its 41st convocation ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session. Of the total, 365 students are graduating with First Class honours.
Looking ahead, Olusegun said he plans to pursue postgraduate studies, potentially progressing from a master’s degree to a PhD. His research interests include Mathematical Biology and Mathematical Epidemiology, particularly the use of mathematical models to understand infectious diseases and support public health planning.
He also expressed interest in combining mathematics with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to develop solutions to real-world challenges.
Olusegun’s achievement highlights the role of consistent effort, adaptable learning strategies, and a clear sense of purpose in pursuing academic excellence.
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