The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Mass Communication programme, now under the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, continues to nurture outstanding talents.
The graduating classes of 2025 and 2026 academic session have produced a remarkable group of 25 first-class graduates, whose candid stories reveal the grit, faith, creativity, and strategies behind their 4.5+ CGPAs.
From near-perfect starts in 100 level to navigating challenging courses like Data Analysis (MAS 414), Reporting the Economy (MAS 323), and recovering from unexpected setbacks—Cs, Ds, or even Fs—they balanced intense workloads: editorial roles, internships, fellowships, businesses, volunteering, and personal branding.
Many shifted early ambitions from Law to Mass Comm, drawn by the programme’s storytelling power and versatility across PR, advertising, journalism, film, and digital media.
TRIBUNE ONLINE, in this article, profiles their collective story, woven from their own words— a testament to resilience, community, and purpose.
Elizabeth Boluwatife Cole (4.68)
Elizabeth started strong with a 4.84 CGPA in her first year, building on childhood passions for writing and journalism. A self-published author of three books and ghostwriter of over 10 novels, she credits Queen’s College for instilling discipline and confidence. A painful C in International Communication was all she needed to bring the champ in her. Today, she works in multimedia storytelling and filmmaking (Aproko Doctor Studios, EbonyLife), with plans for Multichoice Talent Factory and a masters in Media/Film.
Ayomide David Balogun (4.55)
Living so close to his secondary school, with a fence separating them, sparked Ayomide’s reflective journey. After JUPEB points fell short, he switched from Law to Mass Comm and fell in love with the field. Calm study environments, teaching peers, and a vision board fueled his comebacks from dips (4.41 → 4.55).
Odunewu Tosin Iyanuoluwa (4.89 – Best Graduating Student)
Tosin, a teacher’s pet and class captain in secondary school, initially struggled with camera shyness but thrived in Mass Comm. From a 4.94 in year one, she juggled ALX Africa courses, fellowships, and meetings in year three, maintaining mostly As. Short daily reads, class attendance, and resolving a class-wide Data Analysis D kept her steady.
Treasure Ughulu (4.78)
Head girl and best student in secondary school, Treasure embraced Mass Comm to challenge herself. Starting with 5.0 in year one, she studied in 20-minute pockets, observed a 10 pm cut-off, rewrote notes, and relied on social learning. A third-year exam blank due to exhaustion taught her calm trust in preparation. She now explores solutions-oriented strategy and problem-solving roles.
Iseoluwa Grace Onadipe (4.52)
Grace credits Roche International and Merit Tutors for mindset and fundamentals. Balancing arts with family responsibilities, she grew to love Mass Comm. Year Three, though chaotic with editorial and fellowship duties, was productive. Library habits, self-questioning, and full syllabus coverage helped her rebound from a first C. She focuses on social media marketing, mobile videography, and visual storytelling.
Ogunro Tiwaloluwa Grace (4.56)
Grace saw herself as average in secondary school, but that spurred her to strive for excellence. Mass Comm over parental Law push, she faced challenges, especially recording D in one of her courses. Faith, encouragement, and note-rewriting under test pressure helped her navigate setbacks. She interns at an ad agency, with hopes for full-time placement post-NYSC.
Balogun Olamide Oluwafeyikemi (4.62)
Olamide, a multipotentialite, started with a 4.88 and adapted to ambiguous courses like New Communications Tech. Class attendance, study groups, and overcoming overconfidence dips shaped her path. She now aims for a creative agency role while scaling a catering business started in school.
Toochi Cynthia Ejiofor (4.51)
From average beginnings to winning an English award in secondary school, Toochi pursued Mass Comm to fulfill childhood broadcasting dreams. Data Analysis and publishing courses were challenging for her. Flexible routines, tutorials, and intense final-year efforts, however, helped secure first-class. She is now seeking media and storytelling roles.
Precious Ebine Oluwaseun (4.53)
Competition at Faith Academy ignited Precious’s drive. Choosing Mass Comm over Law/IR for newscasting, she faced tough courses and dips in 300L. Intense study sessions, teaching peers, and faith helped her rebound. She launched More Than Just Grades to mentor over 30 students on holistic success.
Ololade Ruth Alade (4.51)
A competitive secondary school background shaped Ruth’s disciplined approach. She shifted from Law to Mass Comm and developed a strong foundation to overcome reporting and data analysis challenges. Late intensive study sessions and prioritising understanding over rote memorisation helped her maintain first-class. She looks forward to NYSC and marketing communications opportunities.
Umoren Winifred Onaopemipo (4.60)
Winifred, initially shy, thrived in senior arts and was guided into Mass Comm by her mother. Despite challenges in Reporting and Data courses, she relied on peer collaboration, tutorials, and volunteering to stay on track. Her focus now is sharpening skills for growth-oriented media roles.
Chioma Stephanie Okoye (4.63)
Chioma combined a love for advertising with careful academic planning. Facing difficulties in broadcasting, she used shadowing, strategic past questions, and AI tools to bridge theory and practice. Her next steps include digital marketing internships and full-time media roles post-NYSC.
Ekere Cynthia Onyinyechi (4.71)
Cynthia balanced top JAMB scores, social prefect duties, and statistics-heavy courses. Pre-reading, handwritten notes, and quiet study environments were instrumental to her success story. She is now preparing for roles in advertising and public relations.
Moyosoreoluwa Azeez (4.79)
Moyo navigated chaotic schooling across countries with adaptability. Starting with 5.0, she maintained consistency through lecturer consultations, past questions, and extracurriculars. She is keen on climate education, research, sustainability teaching, and sports volunteering.
Badmus Bolaji Aishat (4.68)
Bolaji shifted from a pre-law mindset to Mass Comm, excelling consistently. She used hostel/music study time, targeted question writing, and rare library sessions to maintain high CGPA. Her career focus includes professional exams, employment, and postgraduate studies.
Udo Ifiok Wisdom (4.60)
Coming from a rural background, Ifiok initially struggled with confidence. Data Analysis and Consumer Affairs courses were challenging, but first-year excellence, rest strategies, and faith helped him persevere. Now, he expands storytelling through his nonprofit ShieldHer.
Tomiwa Angela Onasanya (4.62)
Tomiwa transitioned last-minute from Law to Mass Comm. She excelled through the Pomodoro technique, detailed note-taking, and faith-led trust. Despite ‘undeserved’ Cs in her final year, she focuses on brand design, women’s empowerment, and volunteer work.
Heritage Kehinde (4.57)
Heritage faced a final-year F→E and tough reporting courses. Faith, Bible-first principles, and deep library study enabled a bounce-back. Her plans include a master’s in Biblical Literature.
Oluwatimilehin Naomi Akhibi (4.57)
Naomi’s path included double promotion and senior-year firsts. She tackled Comparative Media challenges through intensive pre-exam preparation and timetable-based note rewriting. Her next steps include content creation, NYSC, and masters scholarship.
Omolade Shittu (4.59)
Omolade moved through multiple schools and overcame statistics anxiety with active recall and mentorship inspiration. Despite COVID disruptions, he maintained focus and now aims for MSc Finance and personal finance mentorship.
Victor Chibuzor Chijioke (4.59)
Victor rose from a public school environment, leveraging curiosity and library research to overcome book publishing and final-year challenges. He now pivots towards journalism, tech, and academic research.
Ayeni Tomiwa Eniola (4.52)
Tomiwa’s challenge was mastering technical reporting and overcoming a third-year dip. Grace, group study, timetabling, and prayer fueled recovery. He now focuses on PR, digital marketing, and writing projects.
Akindele Adeseye Motunrayo (4.54)
Motunrayo narrowly missed Law but thrived in Mass Comm. Data Analysis challenges and exam scares were overcome with calm, pre-planned study and faith. She now applies “billionaire energy” to any pursuit.
Nwobi Peace Chinenyenwa (4.59)
Peace moved from survival mode in Queen’s College to versatile Mass Comm excellence. Managing data and reporting challenges, she used intentional effort and pre-study photos to recover from third-year dips. Plans include advertising and a masters abroad in Marketing/AI.
Ogunseye Ayomide Atinuke (4.57)
Ayomide faced Data Analysis blanks and online learning misses, relying on front-seat classes, prioritisation, and all-nighters. She now focuses on communication and tech roles, keeping Law as a possible future pursuit.
Credit: Tribuneonline
