22/08/2026
I had a 4.91 in my first semester...
The stories are always the same. It's always the first semester that sets the pace. Once you see that first class is very possible, you wouldn't want to look back.
238 in UTME. 4.52 CGPA. First Class. Best Graduating Student.
Sometimes, the score that makes you cry at 15 can become the story you tell proudly at 19. 🔥
Meet Mafolayomi Otujiya, a 19-year-old graduate of Public Administration from Babcock University, who has shown that one disappointing result does not have the power to determine your future.
She scored 238 in UTME.
Not the 300+ she had hoped for.
She was disappointed. She cried.
But instead of allowing that result to define her, she made a decision:
“If I couldn't prove myself in UTME, I would prove myself in university.”
And she did.
She gained admission to Babcock University at just 15 years old. Interestingly, she initially wanted to study Law, but was assigned Public Administration instead.
Rather than remain bitter about the course, she researched it, understood it and eventually developed a genuine interest in government structures, organisational systems and public administration.
Then came her first semester.
4.55 GPA.
That was when she realised:
"First class is possible."
From there, she stayed consistent.
Her highest GPA was 4.74, and she eventually graduated with a 4.52 CGPA, emerging as the best graduating student in her department.
But the journey wasn't perfect.
French became a major challenge. She got Cs in the three-unit course for three consecutive semesters.
Did she give up?
No.
She sought help from her lecturer and kept working.
She also had to change her study routine. She initially preferred studying at night but discovered that she performed better during the day.
So she adapted.
Because sometimes, academic success isn't about finding the perfect method.
It's about being humble enough to change your method when what you're doing isn't working.
She sacrificed sleep, afternoon naps and some entertainment. She spent long hours in the library, sometimes until 8 p.m., while handling classes, research projects and leadership responsibilities.
And she wasn't only an academic.
She served as Assistant Social Director in 200 Level and later became Vice President of her department in 300 Level.
She also joined her chapel's media team, interviewed the university's Vice Chancellor and received an award for meritorious service.
Imagine being a student, a leader, handling projects, serving in church and still maintaining a first-class CGPA.
Her secret?
Not just intelligence.
Discipline.
Consistency.
Sacrifice.
Determination.
Prayer.
Intentionality.
And perhaps the most powerful lesson is this:
Your starting point does not have to become your ending point.
That UTME score was 238.
But her university story became 4.52.
The rejection, disappointment, poor grade, failed exam or setback you're experiencing today may only be a chapter—not the entire story.
Don't let one result convince you that you're not capable.
Don't let your age make you think you're behind.
Don't let one difficult course make you abandon your goal.
And don't confuse natural intelligence with success.
Sometimes, the person who keeps showing up, keeps learning, keeps adapting and refuses to quit will eventually outrun the person who was naturally gifted but undisciplined.
Mafolayomi's story is a reminder:
You don't need a perfect beginning to have an exceptional ending.
If you know a student who is currently disappointed with their academic performance, tag them below.
Now let's talk:
If you had scored 238 when you expected 300+, would you have allowed it to affect your confidence—or would you have used it as fuel to prove yourself?
Follow for more inspiring stories of people turning setbacks into success.
