…“I just wanted to get a First Class.”
In a remarkable display of academic prowess, Umeozor Chukwuzubelu Benedict has been named the Overall Best Graduating Student for the University of Lagos (UNILAG) 2024/2025 session, achieving a flawless Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.00 in Business Administration. This historic feat not only crowns him as the top performer in the Humanities but also highlights the 56th Convocation Ceremonies, where a total of 16,506 students are set to graduate.
Benedict’s journey to perfection was far from effortless. As the first in his nuclear family to attend university, he entered UNILAG with a simple ambition: to secure a first-class degree. “I just wanted to get a first class,” he reflected in an exclusive interview. He never imagined topping the entire institution, viewing such an honor as reserved for “geniuses with two heads.” His path was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged ASUU strikes, forcing a shift to online learning—a format he initially struggled with, especially for calculation-heavy courses. “Mathematics was my lowest score in UTME,” he admitted, but he adapted by turning to YouTube tutorials, eventually mastering and even preferring those subjects.
Benedict’s success stemmed from discipline, strategic friendships, and relentless consistency. He joined the “Achievers” study group, a circle of peers all aiming for strong first-class honors. “I had to make friends who shared the same goals with me… Sometimes just seeing them reading motivated me,” he shared. He made reading a daily habit, even if just for an hour, and maximized daytime study to avoid late nights. Balancing academics with side hustles—like working as a front-end developer, tutoring at organizations such as Early Bright and Smart Hub Academy, and co-owning a paid tutorial service—required meticulous time management. “Proper time management helped me balance everything out. It wasn’t all smooth because some aspects of my life suffered like the social aspect,” he noted, sacrificing departmental parties for his goals.
Faith played a pivotal role in his resilience. As a practicing Catholic, Benedict relied on prayer during tough moments, such as a challenging 400-level exam where he scored a 70 despite feeling unprepared. “Before every examination, I do the sign of the cross and hope the questions favor me,” he said. Mentorship from seniors, an educational consultant in the UK, and tech industry figures further guided him. His achievements have already opened doors, including a remote job secured via his X profile and recognition from the National Federation of Catholic Students.
