Segun Olayinka, who is the son of a cocoa farmer from Abiri, Ile-Ife in Osun State, has shared the story of how he overcame significant challenges to graduate with a remarkable 4.79 CGPA in Law from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
He completed his studies in June, with his certificate issued in September 2024. Olayinka, who is the first son but the third child in his family, attributes his success to God and a relentless drive to break free from the limitations of his humble beginnings.
Growing up in a rural village, Olayinka realised early on that not every child of a peasant farmer should be destined to remain one. This understanding motivated him to set ambitious professional goals. His interest in advocacy and justice was sparked during his secondary school years, where he excelled in debates and was inspired by the struggles of his community, many of whom were unable to access justice due to financial constraints. Stories of Gani Fawehinmi, a renowned advocate for justice, further deepened his resolve to pursue a career in law.
Coming from a modest background, Olayinka’s father worked as a cocoa farmer, while his mother was a small-scale cocoa trader. His parents’ unfulfilled dreams—his mother’s aspiration to become a nurse and his father’s desire to become a pilot—served as motivation for him to succeed academically. Despite their financial constraints, his parents, especially his mother, supported his education wholeheartedly.
Olayinka noted that learning he was the best graduating student in his faculty was a deeply fulfilling moment. While he aimed to perform well academically, he did not initially expect to achieve such an honour. The recognition not only validated his hard work but also inspired pride in his family and his hometown. Guided by biblical principles, Olayinka credited God for his achievements, emphasising that his faith played a pivotal role in his journey.
Challenges He Faced While in School
Olayinka’s academic success did not come easily. His dedication to studying was evident as he spent more time reading than engaging in extracurricular activities. He started preparing for exams from the beginning of each semester, ensuring he was well-prepared before test periods.
Despite facing challenges, such as his mother’s health complications during his third year, he persevered. During this period, he juggled additional responsibilities, worked part-time jobs to cover expenses, and sometimes walked long distances to save on transportation costs.
One of his most challenging moments came during the first semester of his third year when he resumed just a week before exams due to financial difficulties. Overwhelmed and uncertain, he turned to God for strength. Fortunately, the exams were postponed by a week, giving him extra time to prepare. This marked the first time he achieved straight A’s in his Law courses.
Despite contemplating dropping out during his third year, Olayinka remained resilient and ultimately graduated with distinction. During his convocation, he received 12 awards, including 11 academic prizes and a special recognition for being the overall best graduating student.
Olayinka’s Advice and Future Aspirations
Olayinka advised aspiring law students to remain determined, focused, and prepared for the challenges of studying law, which requires significant dedication and memorization. He encouraged them to persevere through tough times, as the sacrifices would be worth it in the end.
Looking ahead, Olayinka hopes to attend Law School and pursue postgraduate studies through scholarships. He also aims to secure training positions at reputable law firms to further his career.
