red a strike that lasted 8 months. During that time, I began to teach myself Autodesk Revit, Lumion, and SketchUp, using only PDFs I could download (because I didn’t have the data or money for video tutorials). To my surprise, I got really good at them.
That academic year, I was elected Welfare and Health Director, while still holding the role of Class Representative. University began to mean a bit more to me. I poured myself into service — not just because I was extremely passionate, but because I felt that even if my grades didn’t speak for me, at least my lasting impact might.
I made sure students were cared for during departmental events and also Architects during Accreditations. I mediated between students and staff, I ensured my classmates’ registrations were properly done, and sometimes took the blame for things I didn’t even do.
It was heavy, the responsibility. But it taught me patience, servant leadership, and how to lead under pressure.
My mantra became: “Read to Escape Carry-overs.” I never imagined a First Class — just survival at this point since I realised I had so many courses to still offer. But slowly, my CGPA began to rise into a low Second Class Upper.
This was also the year we started serious studio projects. That added another layer of already existing pressure to my already shaky footing and mindset. Nevertheless, I kept studying — just enough to avoid carryovers.
I studied late into the night, got hooked on caffeine, cried over failed models, jury critiques, and mental fatigue. I had panic attacks and very often felt like I wasn’t good enough to be in the department.
But by God’s grace, support from my wonderful parents, amazing classmates, and stubborn consistency, I made steady progress.
In 300 Level, I was re-elected as Welfare and Academic Director, and also the Class Representative. I had a close brush with a carryover, but kept pushing. That year, I interned under the then Nigeria Institute of Architecture (NIA) Chairman in Oyo State, Arc. Lola Oyenekan of Arkibest, and I took it upon myself to tutor my fellow interns in architectural software — not because I was told to, but because I genuinely cared and had begun the habit of leaving my impact whenever I could. And by the end of that year, my CGPA had risen again.
In my final year, my goal was simple and straightforward: maintain my CGPA and Second Class Upper Grade through the additional stress brought on by final year studio projects and dissertation work. Once again, I was elected Treasurer of the departmental executive and at the same time the Class Representative.
Then came the moment I’ll never forget: at a departmental event, I received an Award for having the Highest CGPA in my class (3.44), even though it was still a Second Class Upper Grade.
It meant the world to me — but it also came with pressure. Because now, it wasn’t just about maintaining my grades. I was aiming for a First Class Grade — something I had never thought to aim for before.
I intensified my studying. Pushed through meltdowns and breakdowns. Panic attacks became more and more frequent. My eyes were often too tired to read and make out the words, so I started listening to audio recordings of my lectures.
I studied through tears, through exhaustion, through fear of hoping for what I’d most likely not get.
And then… the results came out. All A’s, in the 10 courses I took in my final Semester! Just enough to push me into First Class. I had done it! The only First Class Honours graduate in my set. And I’d also retained the position of the Best Graduating Student both in the Department of Architecture and in the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management (BSG).
This journey wasn’t just about grades. It was about perseverance, fighting through failures, frustrations, self-doubt, and silently leading through personal struggles.
Progress in itself might not be so obvious during the journey until the end when it becomes undeniable!
*Olukayode, Ireoluwa Deborah*
*CGPA: 3.52/4.00*
B.Sc Arc. (UI) 2023/2024 Session
