University didn’t honour me after bagging first class degree – Bricklayer

A 30-year-old bricklayer who recently bagged first class from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun state, (FUNAAB), has disclosed that the institution did not celebrate him for the feat.

The young man identified as Toyinbo Hezekiah graduated with a CGPA OF 4.5 in Animal Breeding and Genetics, and he combined his studies with his work as a labourer and okada rider.

He recently had a chat with The Punch and revealed that he performed well in his 100 and 200 levels, but made a deliberate decision to improve as was able to get distinction in his final year.

Hezekiah said after he was announced as a first class graduate, all that happened was getting a handshake from professors during the convocation as there was no special recognition.

He said; “It was just a standard handshake with professors during the convocation. However, I didn’t feel satisfied with the recognition. This is another reason why many undergraduates fail to fully dedicate themselves to academics.

They often compare themselves to others and believe that people they know are more accomplished. This perception leads to laziness among many young people. Unfortunately, those who accuse us of laziness are the same people who instilled this behaviour in us.”

Speaking on future aspirations, he said he wants to further his studies to become a professor in Animal Science and Research, and also establish his own farm.

In his words; “I still have aspirations for further education. As a child growing up in a village, completing primary school was my initial goal. However, I want to continue my education beyond this level. After primary school, I desired further education, so I progressed to secondary school and eventually pursued a degree.

Presently, my thirst for knowledge persists, but I strive for a balance between academic pursuits and other aspects of life. My specific interest lies in animal science, particularly breeding and genetics. I aspire to establish my farm and ultimately become a professor specialising in animal science and research.”