By Adesina Wahab

In the era when some students rely on sitting for WASSCE, NECO and UTME examinations in “miracle centres” where candidates are helped to pass, Mr Salami Habeeb Folarin, who is the Best Graduating Student in Mechanical Engineering at the ongoing convocation ceremonies of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, has emphasized the importance of a solid education foundation at primary and secondary school levels before moving on to tertiary institutions.

Therefore, he has beautiful words for the owners and teachers at the primary and secondary schools he attended -Logic International School and Adedokun International Schools, Ota, Ogun State.
Folarin, who spoke in an interview with Vanguard Newspaper, confessed that Adedokun International Schools was where the innate talents in him were polished and where disciple and focus, among other virtues, were instilled in him.
Folarin who clinched multiple prestigious awards for his outstanding academic performance, emerged as one of the most decorated graduates in the history of the department.
He won the Head of Department’s Prize, the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Prize, the ECPM Engineers Award, and the Dr. Folashodun Shonubi Prize (Sahara Group).
On what was the driving force behind his exploits, he listed discipline, consistency, and a clear vision formed even before gaining admission into the university.
“By the time I gained admission into UNILAG, I already had a clear goal: to study hard, attend classes diligently, and graduate with a first class,” he said.
He added that his commitment to excellence started early, consistently achieving first position throughout his time at Logic International School and later at Adedokun International Schools, Ota, Ogun State.
“The strong academic foundation I had in those schools helped me adapt easily to the university’s demanding learning environment. I am using my experience to help young people change their narratives regarding their social and family backgrounds and to see their communities as breeding grounds for excellence,” he stated
On his study habits, he explained that he had no fixed reading time, as he studied both during the day and at night depending on his schedule, often reading at night after returning from classes and structuring his routine around consistent study periods.
Talking about his learning strategies, he said he sought guidance from senior colleagues on how to tackle some courses, attended lectures regularly, and prioritised deep understanding of his courses in order to gain mastery.
Reflecting on challenges, he said, “Staying motivated and consistent throughout the long academic journey was not easy, especially over the course of seven years of rigorous training. I had to push through demanding schedules, challenging conditions, and long hours spent completing laboratory reports, assignments, and projects, all of which tested my endurance and discipline.
” Despite these challenges, I remained motivated by my department’s strong academic culture, which has produced many outstanding graduates.”
He acknowledged the critical role of family and friends in his success and credited his parents for their emotional and early academic support, particularly during his primary and junior secondary school years. He also expressed gratitude to his teachers at his Primary School, Logic International School and his secondary school, Adedokun International Schools, Ota, Ogun State, for providing a strong academic foundation, instilling in him a love of learning, a hunger for knowledge, and critical thinking skills that shaped his approach to study.
He has nice words for his department for being a supportive academic environment where healthy competition among peers, pushed him to improve.
On the country’s education system, he advocated for increased financial support for students from low-income backgrounds, including the regular disbursement of endowment funds, expanded scholarship opportunities, and improved student loan schemes.
This, he added, would help many youths from underprivileged backgrounds to be able to achieve their potentials.
He charged students who want to excel academically to dream boldly, be disciplined and focused too, while they should seek help where and when necessary.
“They must also combine faith with hard work. With God, nothing is impossible. Set clear goals, pray, put in the work, and remain consistent. Success will follow,” he admonished.