Both Kehinde Lawal and Roheemah Arogundade graduated with 4.56 CGPA, something no student has been able to achieve in the last 21 years.

Since 1997, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) did not produce first-class graduates in its English Department. In fact, the last distinction graduate of the department, Akinmade Akande is now a professor of English.

In OAU, the English and Geology Departments have a reputation for not producing first-class graduates. However, during the last 43rd joint convocation ceremony, the university announced Roheemah Arogundade and Kehinde Lawal as the first graduates of the University to bag first class from the English Department.

Ms. Lawal, from Osun State, said her background contributed to the success.

“My daddy was very strict about academics and he kept telling his children that his only inheritance for them was a good education and a wise child would make good use of the opportunity,” said Ms. Lawal.

“My mummy too, all she wants is the best. She complains when she sees 70A and she says always that she is sure there is someone in the class with 80A.

“I have a lot of siblings, older and younger ones. I look up to my elders and try my best to impress them because I know they have their eyes on me. And, because I have so many younger siblings too, I always strive for excellence because I know they look up to me.”

Ms Arogundade, from Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, said her background also contributed significantly towards achieving her feat.

“I grew up in the family where it is believed that education is a key to unlocking countless opportunities in the outside world,” said Miss Arogundade. “That is the reason I dedicate the success to my family.”

However, unlike Miss Lawal who was involved in several activities while on campus, Ms Arogundade was not so engaged in varying activities.

“Well, I did multitask to a certain extent, but not fully,” she said.