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Interview: I Avoided Extracurriculars Close to Exams" — Ridwan Agboola, UI’s Best MLS Graduate, 2023/2024

Ridwan Agboola, Best Graduating Student of Medical Laboratory Science for the 2023/2024 Academic Session at the University of Ibadan, attributes his success not just to diligence, but to years of hard work, resilience, dedication, and trust in Allāh. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, the challenges he overcame, and the contributions he made within and beyond the classroom.

What motivated you to study MLS and not any other medical courses?

Initially, while registering for MLS with JAMB, I would say the desire then was to save lives. Health is wealth, they say. Later on, the motivation kept multiplying as I continued learning more about my profession.

How did you stay motivated and focused during periods of slow progress or setbacks?

I look at how far I have come with Allāh's aid and put my trust in Him for ease. I have, over the years, learnt that progress is not only by huge wins. And sometimes, setbacks are there for one to learn from. My family is also always there to encourage me not to give up and that's something I really cherish.

Can you share a particularly challenging experience you faced in your academic journey and how you overcame it?

I think my final year as an MLS student was one of the most challenging periods for me. Having to turn up for classes, practicals, laboratory postings, working on my final year project, and losing my paternal grandfather, who I was close with, created some sort of academic and emotional pressure. The support of good classmates, supervisors, and sticking to a good academic routine really did a lot to ease the challenges. I had to create little goals and checkpoints for myself in order not to feel the weight of the academic pressure all at once and I am glad it worked out.

At what point did you realize that you would be the BGS of your set?

I would say people were assuming that I would be the BGS since the end of the 400L first semester. However, personally, I think it was after the first semester of my final year (500L) that the realization came fully.

What role do you think mentorship played in your academic journey?

An enormous role.
I knew from my first year that the role of people who have walked the same path I was just about embarking on then, in sharing valuable academic insights, cannot be overemphasized. For each level, I had mentors (senior students and lecturers) who did their best in providing the necessary information I needed to succeed.

Did you engage in extracurricular activities, and how did you manage them without affecting your academics?

I engaged in a number of them and I am glad I did. It's all about balance and good prioritization. I wouldn't say they didn't affect my academics or took up moments I could have used to relax, but the effects were minimal.

I engaged in extracurricular activities when I had time to spare, and while leading some projects or committees, I effectively delegated so that the burden was not on me solely. I avoided extracurricular activities when examinations were near, and I was firm with my "NO" response if it was going to affect me beyond levels I could accommodate.

Can you take us through some of them and your contributions to them?

- I am a barber and I gave students haircuts during my time in school.

- I was an active member of the Media and Publicity Directorate at Asido Campus Network from 2020 to 2024, where I enhanced the propagation of mental health awareness among the University of Ibadan student community.

- With the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), I provided information on universities and associations that serve marginalized youths.

- I participated in and led several medical outreaches both within the University of Ibadan campus and villages in Ibadan.

- I volunteered with the United Nations Volunteer Regional Office of East and Southern Africa to celebrate International Volunteer Day.

- I played in Blazers Football Club where I was integral to the club's defense and eventually won a cup.

- I became the Director of Media and Publicity at Smilebuilders Initiative (SBI) - an NGO that promotes awareness about non-communicable diseases, blood donation, and the donation of relief materials. A position I still hold after graduation.

- I was an MSSN UCH deputy business chairman, where I was in charge of the affairs of all sales volunteers (students), market surveys, and runs.

- I briefly served as the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ilaaj Editorial Teams (MSSN UCH)

- I was also my class representative for over 5 years, coordinating all class/department extra-curricular activities.

- I participated actively in various Ramadan feeding programs where I supported making food and water available for fasting students.

How do you prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively?

- I prioritize deadlines and engage in tasks with early deadlines first.
- I avoid burnout by taking necessary breaks in between tasks.
- After classes or studying that involve expenditure of higher energy, I relax and find ways to incorporate my non-demanding tasks within my leisure time. One may say I sometimes relax after a hectic day by engaging in less stressful items on my to-do list.

Looking back, is there anything you feel you should have done differently?

Well, I think looking back, I would have wanted to be a better version of myself in all the positive aspects I engaged in and didn't engage in. In retrospect, some situations could have been better handled.

What advice would you give to others aspiring to achieve similar academic excellence?

Put their faith in Almighty Allāh, the source of knowledge and wisdom. Believe in themselves and never give up. People would say certain things are not achievable but they should not despair. The sky is just the starting point.

You can connect with the interviewee on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/agboolaridwanayomide