I locked Myself Out of Social Media to Chase First Class — OAU Geophysics Graduate

Joy Osesanmi
Joy Osesanmi, an Applied Geophysics First-Class graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University.
Photo: Temitope Adetunji

By Temitope Adetunji

Joy Osesanmi, an Applied Geophysics First-Class graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), speaks to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about her journey from struggling with a course she initially didn’t love to achieving academic excellence through relentless focus and determination.

Congratulations on your new achievement. Can you describe how you felt the moment you saw your final result?

It was a moment of “I did it.” I broke the odds, stretched myself, and felt proud of the woman I worked hard to become. I was happy and grateful to live in that moment.

Just to clarify, I graduated as the best graduating student in the Department of Geology and broke a record of over a decade in Applied Geophysics, which is under the Department of Geology.

Can you share a bit about your background with us?

I am from Ondo State. I have three siblings, and I am the only daughter. My mum is a nurse, and my dad is a non-civil servant. While growing up, I was taught to always be hardworking and honest, regardless of the outcome, even when discipline was involved.

How old are you?

I am 23 years old.

Did anyone in your family have a science or academic background that influenced you?

Yes, my mum. She is like a superhero to me. She took great care of the family and was always going back to school to run one programme after another. As a child, this really amazed me and inspired me deeply.

When did you first realise you were academically inclined towards science?

That was when I was in primary school.

Why did you choose Applied Geophysics instead of other science-related courses?

I initially wanted to go into the medical line, but I didn’t meet the requirements and ended up in Applied Geophysics. Over time, I grew to appreciate the course and never regretted studying it.

Was OAU your first choice?

Yes, OAU was my first choice. I was attracted by its reputation and the hype around Great Ife.

How was your first year in OAU—emotionally, academically, and socially?

My first year was literally depressing because I didn’t like my course of study at all, coupled with the fact that we had to stay home for almost a year due to COVID-19.

Resumption after the pandemic was emotionally challenging because I was back to a course I despised. I was advised that if I made a First Class in Part One, I could change my course. I worked hard and recorded a 4.72 GPA in my first semester.

However, I couldn’t apply for a change of course in the second semester for two reasons. First, my part adviser—who later became my mentor and close friend—said he wouldn’t let me go because I was the top student. Second, I didn’t meet the course requirements for transfer.

At that time, classes were online, so I focused on rewriting the JAMB exam and Post-UTME, but I missed the cut-off mark by 1.3 points. That period led to my lowest GPA in my undergraduate journey.

What was the biggest culture shock you experienced coming into the university?

Most students were engaged in one business or another, either as small business owners or freelancers. OAU students are very industrious, even while still undergraduates.

What was the hardest course you took during your programme?

Every course has its challenges. I believe it’s about learning how to navigate them, so I wouldn’t say there was a particular course that stood out as the hardest.

Did you ever fail or perform poorly in any test, quiz, or exam?

No, I never failed any exam. I had just one B in my departmental courses, aside from a few Bs in borrowed courses. I love to maintain a strong streak of As in my core courses.

Were there moments you felt like giving up?

Yes. Part Three (300 level) was very demanding because I was trying hard to get a perfect GPA in both semesters, which many considered nearly impossible. I chose not to believe that, because the only limitation you can have is the one you set for yourself.

I almost gave up, but I had two wonderful people in my life—Folorunso Joshua and Adedapo Adeduntan—who believed in me and constantly cheered me on. Eventually, I achieved perfect GPAs.

How did you stay mentally strong during difficult periods?

Through prayer and by leaning on a few close friends I could trust. I also listened to podcasts. In tough times, you don’t need everyone—just God and a few good people.

Describe your typical study routine while in school.

My study routine had little to no school-life balance. Most classes ran from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Afterwards, I went home, freshened up, took a nap, and left again by 9 p.m. for overnight reading.

By 6 a.m., when the school gate opened, I returned to my off-campus hostel to nap and prepare for classes. Sometimes, I stayed at a friend’s place on campus to save transportation costs, taking along clothes for several days.

I also had a personal bike rider who picked me up by 9 p.m. This helped prevent laziness or procrastination, as he would always call once he arrived, leaving me with no choice but to go.

What study methods worked best for you?

Active reading. Many students practise passive reading, but I actively read by solving past questions immediately after studying. I drafted questions based on what I had read and solved them.

Before moving to a new topic the next day, I recalled what I had previously studied and refreshed my memory where necessary. I also went beyond class notes to gather extra information and build comprehensive notes.

How did you handle distractions like social media, relationships, and peer pressure?

Once the semester began, I stayed off all social media platforms and entered lock-in mode. I uninstalled all apps except WhatsApp for academic communication and rarely watched movies.

I had a supportive boyfriend who graduated from my department. He understood the importance of focus and encouraged diligence.

As for peer pressure, I believe like minds attract each other. My friends were not very social or outgoing, so I wasn’t pressured at all.

Did you have a First Class in your first year, or did it build over time?

No, I didn’t have a First Class after my first year. I performed poorly in my second semester of Part One after realising I couldn’t change courses. I diverted my attention to JAMB and Post-UTME, which affected my GPA.

However, I built my CGPA steadily. After Part Two, I was already on a First Class. In Part Three, I recorded 5.0 GPAs in both semesters. I finished with a 5.0 and 4.86 in my final year, graduating with a 4.81 GPA.

What advice would you give to students who want a First Class but feel discouraged?

You can do it. Don’t listen to voices that say you can’t just because they couldn’t. You can achieve whatever you set your mind to if you’re willing to put in the work. Grades may not be everything, but they open doors, and your skills will sustain you.

What message would you give to young girls who are afraid of science?

Find your spark. Identify what you love about science—it could be a profession, research, or a particular interest. Imagine yourself doing that work and thriving in it. When your mind accepts it, you’ll keep pushing even during the hardest challenges.

Don’t be afraid. You are capable of far more than you think.