Saheed Sunday, a standout student from the Department of English at Lagos State University (LASU), has made headlines with his impressive academic achievement. Graduating with a First Class degree and a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.59 on a scale of 5.0, Sunday's story is one of determination and hard work. In an interview with IFEOLUWA ADEYEYE, he shared his inspiring journey, highlighting the pivotal role of his secondary school English teacher, Mr Babatunde Sanyaolu, in shaping his academic path.
According to Sunday, Mr Sanyaolu's influence was instrumental in his decision to study English. Having moved from Lagos to a disadvantaged area in Ogun State during his secondary school years, Sunday's academic performance suffered. However, Mr Sanyaolu recognized his potential and mentored him, sparking a passion for English literature. This mentorship not only helped Sunday discover his purpose but also encouraged him to explore his creative side through writing poetry and participating in debates.
When asked about his choice of LASU, Sunday revealed that as the first person in his family to attend university, he was determined to make his parents proud without burdening them financially. With Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Ibadan unavailable for admission that year, LASU became his next affordable option. Reflecting on his decision, Sunday believes that attending LASU was a blessing in disguise, allowing him to excel academically and creatively.
Throughout his undergraduate years, Sunday adopted a unique approach to learning, focusing on teaching what he had read rather than merely re-reading his notes. This method enabled him to grasp complex concepts, identify knowledge gaps, and ultimately achieve academic success. His final-year project, which developed a grammatical formula for understanding Nigerian spoken-word poems, showcased his innovative thinking and commitment to making poetry more accessible.
As a poet and advocate for language accessibility, Sunday aims to make a positive impact in his community and Nigeria at large. He believes that studying English can be lucrative, citing his own experience as an editor while still an undergraduate. With plans to pursue a master's degree in Literature in English at the University of Cambridge, Sunday hopes to continue empowering individuals to express themselves effectively through language.
In addition to his academic achievements, Sunday has produced two poetry collections, one published in Nigeria and the other in Canada. He credits his undergraduate years with providing opportunities for growth, not only academically but also creatively and as a leader. Sunday's story serves as a testament to the possibility of balancing academic rigor with extracurricular activities, inspiring fellow students to strive for excellence.
Key points
- Saheed Sunday graduated with a First Class degree and a CGPA of 4.59 from the Department of English at Lagos State University (LASU).
- Sunday's academic success was influenced by his secondary school English teacher, Mr Babatunde Sanyaolu, who mentored him and sparked his passion for English literature.
- Sunday aims to make language more accessible and empower individuals to express themselves effectively through his advocacy, teaching, and creative pursuits.
