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Meet-the-Scholar: An Interview with Toyeeb Adeogun

This week’s “Meet-the-Scholar” features Toyeeb Adeogun, a 400-level Nursing student of the University of Ibadan and the current Academic Coordinator 1 of the Muslim Nurses Association of Nigeria, University of Ibadan. In this interview conducted by Tohir Najimdeen, Toyeeb Adeogun reflects on his academic journey, leadership experience, challenges, and aspirations shaped by his studies and responsibilities.

As a 400-level Nursing student with impressive academic achievements, what do you consider the key factor behind your academic excellence?

First and foremost, I would say the grace of ALLĀH. I strongly believe that every ability and opportunity I have is a gift from Him.

Alonside that, one thing that has really helped me academically is understanding rather than mere memorization. I may not be the type that memorizes large volumes easily, but I understand concepts deeply, whether simple or complex, and that makes it easier for me to retain and reproduce knowledge during assessments and examinations.

Consistency has also played a major role. I try to remain disciplined with my academics despite leadership responsibilities and other engagements. Over time, I have learned that excellence is not usually about one extraordinary effort, but about repeated small efforts done consistently.

You graduated from Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (now Lagos State University of Education). What course did you study, and how is it related to your current field in Nursing?

I graduated from Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education in 2021 where I studied Biology/Mathematics Education. Biology was my primary interest, while Mathematics was the second subject in the combination because, at the time, it was one of the few courses I genuinely found intellectually engaging.

The relationship between Biology and Nursing is quite strong because both revolve around life and living systems. Nursing is obviously more advanced, clinical, and practical in its approach, but Biology provided me with a solid scientific foundation that made my transition into Nursing smoother.

My background in Mathematics has also helped me develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are useful in Nursing education and practice.

What inspired your decision to pursue Nursing after graduating from Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED)?

Initially, Medicine and Surgery was the career path I thought I wanted. In fact, I sat for UTME multiple times with Medicine as my preferred course before eventually applying for Nursing in 2022, which happened to be my sixth attempt at university admission.

Most of those applications happened before and during my time at AOCOED. After graduating, my plan was actually to continue in the field of Education by returning to Lagos State University of Education (LASUED). However, when I discussed this with some of my lecturers, they strongly encouraged me not to settle for less than the bigger dreams they knew I had always pursued.

At some point, I began reflecting deeply on my long-term goals and whether Medicine truly aligned with the kind of life and impact I envisioned for myself. That was when Nursing came to mind for the first time. The more I studied the profession, the more I realised that it aligned perfectly with my interests, values, and passion for healthcare, leadership, advocacy, and patient-centred care. Since then, Nursing has become more than a course of study for me; it has become a mission.

You served as the Campus Team Lead, Office of the President, for the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association (NUNSA National). What have been your achievements in this role, and how has it contributed to your academic journey?

Although my tenure recently ended following the transition to a new administration, serving as the Campus Team Lead for the Office of the President, NUNSA National was a very impactful experience for me.

One of my major achievements was strengthening the connection between the National body and the University of Ibadan chapter. Through effective communication and active engagement, many students in our chapter became early beneficiaries of opportunities coming from the national level. Some students gained access to training in project management, graphics design, data analysis, and other professional skills, while others participated successfully in national competitions and challenges.

The experience also contributed significantly to my academic journey. Being surrounded by students and leaders striving for excellence constantly motivates me to improve myself academically and personally. It exposed me to a network of ambitious and purpose-driven individuals, and that environment naturally pushes one to remain focused and productive.

You previously served as Chairman, Academic & Scholarship Committee of MSSN Akinyele Area Council. How did this experience influence your thinking and academic life?

Serving as the Chairman of the Academic & Scholarship Committee broadened my perspective on academics beyond personal achievement. It taught me that academic excellence becomes more meaningful when it positively impacts others.

Through the role, I became more intentional about creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and access academic support. It also opened my eyes to the potential impact one can have on younger students, especially at the secondary school level. This experience made me begin to think more deeply about grassroots influence and how academic support can shape long-term outcomes in people’s lives.

Overall, it helped me shift from seeing academics as a personal pursuit to understanding them as a tool for mentorship, empowerment, and community development

During your 200-level, you served as Circle of Prelim Muslim Science Students (CPMSS) Coordinator. What was your experience like, and what lessons did you learn from it?

My experience as CPMSS Coordinator was both challenging and rewarding. It gave me one of my earliest opportunities at the University of Ibadan to coordinate students academically and spiritually, building on my prior experience as Director of Studies in MSSN AOCOED, as well as about six years of experience as a senior secondary school teacher.

One major lesson I learned was the importance of service-oriented leadership. Leadership is not merely about holding a position; it is about understanding people’s needs and sincerely working to support them. I also developed stronger skills in managing individuals with different personalities, balancing responsibilities, and communicating effectively under pressure.

I also came to deeply understand that success is ultimately from ALLĀH alone. There were moments when I had to sacrifice personal study time for the sake of coordinating and supporting hundreds of students, yet by the mercy of ALLĀH, I still experienced unexpected ease and barakah in my academic efforts.

The role significantly strengthened my confidence and prepared me for the larger responsibilities I handle today. Serving as CPMSS Coordinator taught me resilience and showed me that I could adapt and thrive in even more demanding leadership environments.

You are currently the Academic Coordinator 1 for the Muslim Nurses Association of Nigeria, University of Ibadan (MUSNAN UI). What programmes have you introduced to enhance students’ academic performance, especially freshers, and how do you measure the impact on them?

As Academic Coordinator 1 of MUSNAN UI, my focus has been on strengthening academic support systems, particularly for freshers who are still adjusting to the demands of university education. At the 100-level, students are primarily engaged with foundational science courses, which often require strong academic guidance and adjustment. Most of the initiatives I work with are sustained programs rather than entirely new introductions. These include academic orientation sessions, structured study guidance programs, and tutorial support, often in collaboration with CPMSS, where examination preparation is reinforced and optimized. However, a structured mentor–mentee framework that allows younger students to consistently interact with senior colleagues for academic guidance is still in development, and it remains one of the key improvements I am currently working toward implementing. We measure impact through students’ feedback, levels of participation, observable academic improvement, and the increasing willingness of students to seek academic support and remain actively engaged in their studies.

You are a member of the Asido Campus Network. Can you explain what the organisation is about and share your experience so far?

The Asido Campus Network is a mental health advocacy organization focused on promoting mental health awareness, education, and support among young people, especially students. My experience with the organization has been very enlightening, as it has deepened my understanding of mental health beyond theoretical knowledge. It has exposed me to important conversations around emotional wellbeing, stress management, suicide prevention, and the need to build supportive communities within and beyond the campus.

Being part of the network has also strengthened my communication and advocacy skills, particularly in helping students understand that mental health is a vital component of overall wellbeing and academic productivity. One recent experience was my role as a counsellor during the Sigma Club health outreach, where we provided mental health support and intervention for individuals struggling with emotional and psychological concerns. Within a short period in office, I have also been involved in coordinating collaborations and various activities in my capacity as Vice President. All of these have been both impactful and humbling, and I give all glory to ALLĀH.

With all these leadership roles, how do you balance your leadership responsibilities while maintaining academic excellence?

Balance has honestly been one of the most challenging aspects of my journey, but I have learned the importance of prioritization, planning, and discipline. I try to organize my responsibilities based on urgency and importance while ensuring that academics remain a major priority. Another important factor is understanding my limits and managing my energy wisely. Leadership can consume a lot of time and mental strength, so I intentionally create time for studying, rest, and personal reflection. Most importantly, I constantly seek ALLĀH’s guidance because balancing multiple responsibilities successfully requires both effort and divine help.

Maintaining a first-class grade in a demanding field like Nursing is impressive. What do you consider the key factors behind this achievement, and how have you been able to maintain it?

I believe the key factors are consistency, understanding-based learning, discipline, and the grace of ALLĀH. Nursing is academically demanding because it combines theory, clinical practice, and continuous assessments. To maintain good academic performance, I try to focus on truly understanding concepts instead of memorizing without comprehension as I may not have enough time to come back to such concept like others with less extracurricular engagement. Additionally, I surround myself with people who motivate me positively and maintain environments that encourage academic growth. May Almighty ALLÃH continue to bless my girls (my reading buddies; coursemates). Remaining purpose-driven has also helped me because whenever I feel tired or overwhelmed, remembering why I started keeps me moving.

How would you describe your academic journey so far, including the challenges and memorable experiences that have shaped you?

My academic journey has been a journey of resilience, growth, and gratitude. It has not been completely smooth, especially considering the multiple admission attempts before gaining admission into the University of Ibadan. There were moments of uncertainty, self-doubt, and pressure, but those experiences taught me patience, perseverance, and trust in ALLĀH’s timing. Transitioning from a College of Education background into a highly competitive Nursing program also required serious adjustment academically and mentally. One of the most memorable aspects of the journey has been the opportunity to combine academics with leadership and service. Meeting inspiring people, mentoring younger students, representing students in leadership spaces, and still maintaining strong academic performance are experiences I deeply value because they have shaped my confidence, perspective, and sense of purpose.

How do you handle the stress and pressure that come with leadership responsibilities while maintaining academic excellence?

One important thing about my approach to stress management is how I define stress itself. I hardly label every demanding situation as “stress,” and I think that mindset has helped me build a higher threshold for pressure. I usually see what many people describe as stress as something that naturally comes with responsibilities. Because of this, I approach challenges as calculated parts of leadership and growth rather than as something unusual or overwhelming.

To me, taking on more roles simply means taking on more responsibilities, and that understanding keeps me focused and positively motivated. However, when real stress sets in, I handle it primarily through proper planning, self-awareness, and maintaining a healthy support system. I have learned that trying to do everything at once without structure can quickly become overwhelming. One major lesson I have also learned is the importance of recognizing “opportunities forgone.” Balance does not necessarily mean trying to keep everything at the same time. Sometimes, it means understanding what can be temporarily sacrificed and directing my energy toward the most important and unavoidable responsibilities at a particular moment. I also understand the importance of rest and emotional balance. Taking short breaks, engaging in meaningful conversations with trusted people, or briefly stepping away from pressure sometimes helps me regain clarity and energy. Spiritually, my faith plays a major role as well. Prayer and reliance on ALLĀH help me remain calm, focused, and grounded even during demanding periods.

Outside academics and leadership, what are your hobbies or personal interests?

Outside academics and leadership, I enjoy meaningful conversations with friends, mentoring younger students, reading, and engaging in activities related to personal development and community impact, especially volunteering. I am also deeply interested in mental health advocacy, educational development, and healthcare-related discussions. Interestingly, research was actually my primary area of interest even before gaining admission into the University of Ibadan. However, my passion for it has grown much stronger this year, and I would say it has now become one of the most important aspects of my personal and professional interests. I am genuinely excited to see where the journey into research will take me.

What advice would you give to students, especially freshers, who aspire to achieve academic excellence?

My advice to students, especially freshers, is to understand that academic excellence is a gradual process that requires consistency, discipline, and patience. This is something I have repeatedly emphasized whenever I have the opportunity to speak to freshers and younger students. Do not focus solely on competing with others; instead, focus on improving yourself continuously. Learn to understand concepts properly rather than relying only on memorization. Also, surround yourself with serious-minded and positive people because your environment greatly influences your mindset, attitude, and academic performance. Most importantly, never allow temporary setbacks to define you. Challenges are part of growth and success. Stay focused, remain prayerful, seek guidance when necessary, and trust the process. Excellence may take time, but consistency and determination will eventually produce results.