Rauf Olayiwola Hassan was a star attraction at the last convocation of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). He recorded a perfect score of 5.00 Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate (CGPA), Faculty of Engineering.
He spoke with Daily Sun:
How was your first-degree university education?
For my BSc degree, I studied Civil Engineering and graduated in 2014 from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun state. I graduated as the best in the department with a CGPA of 4.50/5.0. It was a challenging but rewarding experience.
Why the choice of the MSc programme at UNILAG?
Choosing to pursue an MSc after gaining meaningful field experience was one of the best decisions for my career. My passion for knowledge, the desire for the highest education level, and the need to learn more after facing challenges on-site motivated me. I selected UNILAG based on the advice of a mentor, considering its strong faculty and research facilities. Additionally, being in Lagos made it more convenient since I work here.
Which is easier, the BSc or MSc programme?
I would say the MSc was relatively easier, considering the challenges of balancing work and family. Although it was not without its difficulties, it was still more manageable compared to my undergraduate experience.
You set a record at UNILAG, how did you do it?
I never thought it would end this way. All I know is that I just stayed true to myself. I make it a point to do everything well, as the saying goes, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” I particularly dislike failure and feel very sad whenever I fail. So, any spare time I have after work and family, I spend reading, including weekends. Mind you, during this whole period, I never had the 5.00 CGPA in mind, but I was giving my absolute best. One of my secrets to success is helping others succeed.
It happened during my BSc and it happened again. I have friends I study with and hey have been incredibly faithful and helpful. We all graduated with good grades. In fact, we studied so much that they would meet me in the office to study, and we would also meet in school on weekends to study. I can confidently say that I gave it my all. I rarely missed classes. Although my goal was not just for academic records, but rather to become an authority in the field of civil engineering.
Who broke the news of the 5.00 CGPA and what was your reaction?
The news came first unofficially. I believe I called the postgraduate coordinator for my department. While on the phone and making an inquiry on a different matter, I mentioned my name. Suddenly, my name resonated in his memory, and he said, “Wait, what’s your name again?” I responded, and he mentioned to someone with him, “That’s the guy with the 5.00.”
It brought me back to my undergraduate experience, which was almost a similar situation. I felt immense joy because some of the courses had initially intimidated me, but I put in every effort to succeed.
What next?
I have been working and I am still actively engaged in my work. My aspiration is to become a professional consultant specialising in safe and sustainable building, non-destructive testing, building inspection and condition assessment. Additionally, I am considering the possibility of becoming a lecturer.
Currently, I am actively seeking opportunities abroad for my Ph.D., with a focus on construction materials, NDT, sustainable infrastructure, and 3D printing. It’s worth mentioning that my passion for learning drives me to continuously seek knowledge and expand my expertise.
Undergraduate students would like to know to how obtain a perfect score?
I believe when they read from above, they will get clues. In addition, giving one’s best for everything is just the first advice. I often hear people say I should just pass. I don’t like that. Do your best and leave the rest.
But many people don’t do their best before leaving the rest. Study smartly. Learn from others. I was the oldest amongst my study mates but I never looked down upon them. I can learn from anyone.
Then understand your strength and weakness. Within my study group, someone is very good at summarising. I am good at researching, another is well-experienced infield. The last is very good at keeping organised record. We merge everything together. No one is an island of knowledge
How did you combine work and study?
Add one more aspect – balancing work, study, and family. I am genuinely a family lover, so I prioritise my family commitments. I must acknowledge the understanding nature of my boss, who is also a UNILAG alumnus. He provides valuable insights into some of the lecturers he learned from and gives me the flexibility I need for my studies. His considerate approach allows me the necessary space to focus on my academic pursuits.
Additionally, I make an effort to cover for the company, even on weekends, to ensure there are no lapses. I am fortunate to have colleagues who genuinely wish for my success, as we mutually support one another. They readily cooperate when I need some time to myself.
Can we meet you?
My name is Rauf Olayiwola Hassan, the second child of my father’s third and last wife, Shakirat Hassan. I hail from Ogun State, specifically Odeda Local Government. I was born and raised in Lagos.
Currently, I work with Skaap Consult as the Lead Engineer.
Credit: TheSun
