From induction hall to our interview spotlight!
Following the induction ceremony for the 2022/2023 MBBS and BDS class of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) on the 27th of June 2025, our correspondent – Hafsat Inuwa – caught up with one of the top graduating students to reflect on her journey and share insights.
MM: Hello and Congratulation! Can you tell us about yourself?
Hi and thank you. My name is Ajileye Oluwaseun, a recent MBBS graduate of the distinguished College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and an aspiring interventional cardiologist. I’m a dedicated and passionate individual who has always been driven to excel not just academically, but in all spheres of life. And I’m honoured to be the best student in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
MM: Excellent! Having achieved such great feat as a best graduating student for one of your courses, was this pre-planned or something that just came to be?
Well, I am someone that puts my all and tries my possible best to excel in all I do, no course excluded. So, I would say it was something that came to be.
Excellence drives my passion and motivates me for academic pursuits. Being the best at what I do and ultimately making God and my parents proud.
MM: How do you set and prioritize your academic goals?
Right from the beginning of the courses, or even before they start, I would have gotten all the information I need to make an accurate and SMART plan about the courses I am taking for the year. Once I have all the information I need, I go ahead to set the plan—most times setting even beyond what I have been told is not attainable, because I believe “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me”, and I am not letting anything make me settle for less. I prioritize based on urgency and importance, focusing on high-impact activities that align with my objectives.
MM: Insightful. So, how do you manage your time effectively to combine academic responsibilities and other life commitments?
I know there are boundaries not to cross. When it is time to attend to other activities, I do so with full attention while creating time for academics, because that cannot suffer either. When it is time for major academic activities, I also focus fully on it and temporarily halt other activities. Again, effective and smart planning helped me to plan my time well.
MM: What strategies do you use to overcome obstacles, stay focused to achieve your set goals?
I have this saying that I fall back to: “It is okay to fall, but not okay to remain fallen”. So, when faced with obstacles, I encourage myself, knowing that it is just a phase that will pass, and I need to gather all strength not to remain in it. To stay focused and achieve my goals, I look at the glory that is ahead—essentially making my parents proud, and their laughter and joy when they eventually see me succeed. This has always been my biggest motivation and booster. Works like magic!
MM: What tools or techniques do you then use to stay on track?
I use timetables and to-do lists to keep me on track. I do not strictly follow them at all times, so I make allowance for days or sometimes weeks when I slack off, to accommodate these. That way, I am not discouraged when I am not on track—I know I still have time to get back on track and catch up.
MM: How do you handle academic setbacks or failures?
I partially mentioned this already—I believe strongly that sometimes, it is okay to fail… not like I strive to fail. I put in my best to succeed, and not just succeed, but do it excellently well. But there are some things beyond your control. When I am faced with those, I know it is okay that this is happening to me. I encourage myself, talk to my parents and friends who also encourage me, then most importantly, pray and encourage myself more with the word of God. Rather than let failure bring me down, I use it as a stepping stone to do even better in the coming activities and challenge myself.
MM: What do you consider your greatest academic achievement in school, and why?
Hmm… this is a big one. I would say getting distinctions in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and even being the best student while at it. While no one believes this, I can count the number of classes I listened to actively in O&G (they were online), not because I was lazy or not motivated, but because I was planning and co-heading the Welfare Department for CMDA National Conference at the time, while juggling clinical activities and community health project. It was week 9 out of 12 I realized I did not know anything, and I was really scared at that point. Fortunately, Dr. Familusi started tutorials for us, and I on my part started to read textbooks, class notes and listened to recorded lectures. Thank God I was able to catch up.
MM: Wow! Such a limited time to achieve something great. So how were you able to evaluate your academic performance and identify areas for improvement?
My results, basically. There are marks I aim to get before each exam. When I meet them, I am extremely happy and even set higher standards for the next exam. If I don’t, I am encouraged to work even harder. When things don’t go as planned, I also remind myself that even though I tried to do better for this exam, the knowledge gained is never a waste. I am also preparing to be a good doctor.
MM: How do you see your academic achievements impacting your career or personal goals and what are your future plans?
My academic achievements have prepared me for a successful career and personal growth. I’m confident that the skills and knowledge I’ve gained will enable me to make a positive impact and achieve my goals. Now, I know there is nothing I put my mind to that I cannot do with the help of God. My plan moving forward is to start house job and later residency. Maybe get a Master’s degree somewhere in between.
MM: If you are to change the time, what would you have done better in achieving milestones?
In hindsight, I would have taken more risks and explored more opportunities. I would have also prioritized self-care and mental well-being to maintain a better work-life balance.
MM: What your take on the current state of pursing excellence in education and how education as a whole is being portrayed and mocked by youngsters, especially by those in the entertainment industry making it big without education?
If the purpose of excelling in education is solely to make money, then the purpose is being defeated. You can achieve that without this type of education (i.e. formal education). However, the place of education cannot be relegated to the background. It gives you leverage, especially when an opportunity arises. While education may not be the sole key to success, it remains equally vital. Success, after all, is relative.
Most importantly, recognising the significance of education in fostering foundational skills, critical thinking, and adaptability is essential.
MM: Aside from academics, what else do you enjoy at leisure?
I enjoy watching movies, reading about history, and absolutely love quiet time to myself.
MM: What advice do you have for junior colleagues aspiring to be celebrated academically?
I know there’s been a lot of pressure as to getting distinctions or not. While this is a good thing to desire, let it not be at the detriment of your mental health or even your well-being. If it works, all well and good. If not, rinse, rest, and restart.
Also, my advice would be to stay focused, be resilient, and prioritize your goals. Surround yourself with supportive people, seek guidance when needed, and maintain a growth mindset.
MM: Thank you for such an insightful chat…
You are welcome! I was thrilled to share my story with you as well. Stay blessed and be happy!
