UNILORIN Graduate Who Started with 1.3 CGPA Bags First Class Degree, Shares Her Story

Ebiomofari Omowumi Janet, a graduate of the Department of Agriculture at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), has defied expectations and emerged as a beacon of resilience and determination. In a revealing interview with Legit.ng, Janet shared how she started her academic journey with a low 1.3 CGPA—a score that would typically signal the end of the road for many students. But for Janet, this was just the beginning of a remarkable turnaround that would inspire many others.

As the first child and only daughter in her family, Janet carried the weight of expectations from a young age. “My daddy always reminds me of this saying: ‘It’s the path you create that your brothers will follow,’” she recalled, understanding early on the importance of setting a strong example for those around her.

Struggle for Academic Redemption

Janet’s first year at university was a difficult one. She described it as a “brutal failure,” but instead of giving up, she made a pivotal decision. “I made a commitment after that to achieve academic excellence by setting smart and clear goals and creating a study plan,” she explained. “One of my mistakes in 100 level was not having goals or a plan. I was just going to school without any real drive.”

Determined to improve, Janet saw a dramatic shift in her academic performance. In her second year, she earned a 4.50 GPA in her first semester—a sign that her hard work was paying off. “I told myself I could still come out with a first-class degree,” Janet said, and that growth mindset ignited a newfound determination.

Her strategy involved time management, active learning, critical thinking, resilience, and regular self-reflection. With these tools, Janet turned her academic fortunes around, proving that it’s never too late to change one’s path.

Power of Faith and Community

Even in the face of personal challenges, Janet was never alone. She leaned heavily on her faith and the support of her community. One moment in particular stands out from her journey. In her final year, Janet faced immense pressure, especially with courses that involved complex calculations—a subject she had always struggled with.

Despite attending personal tutorials, she found herself overwhelmed. “I felt like my ‘village people’ were waiting for me to fail,” Janet humorously reflected. “But I turned to God and poured out my concerns.” What followed was a series of struggles, doubts, and silent prayers, with Janet questioning whether all her hard work would ultimately lead to failure.

Then, during a prayer meeting, she received divine reassurance. “God responded with a word: 2 Thessalonians 3:16 – ‘Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.'” This scripture gave her the peace and strength to face the exams with renewed vigor, and she emerged with excellent results.

Recognition and Future Aspirations

Janet’s achievements were widely recognized, and she received various awards, including one from her student fellowship. Reflecting on her journey, she offered powerful advice to aspiring students: “Academic excellence isn’t reserved for a specific breed of people; it’s for everyone who desires it and works for it. Set your priorities right, celebrate progress, and learn from setbacks. Reflect on what you did wrong and right to scale your growth.”

Janet’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and hard work. Despite the odds, she emerged as a first-class graduate, proving that with determination and the right mindset, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve greatness.