Rahmat Olajumoke Aliyu, a recent graduate of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), has celebrated the end of a decade-long academic journey marked by repeated admission setbacks, family disagreements, and unwavering determination to earn a university degree.
She officially signed out of the university on July 16, 2026, bringing to a close years of perseverance and resilience.
After Three JAMB Attempts and Years of Setbacks UNILORIN Graduate Finally Earns Degree
Rahmat completed secondary school in 2016 with the dream of studying Nursing. Between 2016 and 2018, she sat for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination three consecutive times, scoring 256, 245, and 242. Despite her impressive scores, she was unable to gain admission to her preferred university.
In 2018, she was offered admission to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, through the school’s screening process. However, her father did not allow her to accept the offer, forcing her to let go of what she considered one of her biggest opportunities.
Rather than give up, Rahmat enrolled at Kwara State College of Education, where she graduated in 2021.
After completing college, she applied for Direct Entry admission to UNILORIN and was offered Adult and Primary Education. She declined the offer because she believed the program did not align with her career goals.
She then spent nearly two years teaching, working as a secondary school teacher at Hassanat Islamic College and a preschool teacher at Offspring Ilm School between January 2022 and November 2023.
Her breakthrough finally came in August 2023 when she was admitted through Direct Entry to study Biology Education at UNILORIN. She resumed her studies in January 2024, matriculated on February 14, 2024, and successfully completed her degree in July 2026.
Reflecting on her journey, Rahmat said the criticism and doubts she faced only strengthened her resolve. She explained that people who questioned the money spent on her education and those who judged her because of her marital status never discouraged her from pursuing her dreams.
She now hopes to become a professor, contribute to academic research, and inspire young girls to remain committed to their goals despite life’s challenges.
UNILORIN Graduate Named Best Student at Nigerian Law School
Another UNILORIN graduate, Israel Adeniyi, has also made headlines after emerging as the Overall Best Student among 6,009 successful candidates at the Nigerian Law School in 2026.
Adeniyi graduated from UNILORIN’s Faculty of Law with a CGPA of 4.83 on a 5.0 scale, reportedly the highest ever recorded in the faculty’s history.
His admission journey was equally remarkable. He scored 297 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and 84 in the UNILORIN post-UTME examination, earning admission as one of the top candidates in his cohort.
He described studying law at UNILORIN as a defining moment that affirmed his dedication and hard work.
His academic journey, however, was not without challenges. During his first year, a disappointing first-semester result—including a D grade in European Literature—shook his confidence. Instead of allowing the setback to define him, he redoubled his efforts and eventually rose to the top of his class.
He went on to earn a perfect 5.0 GPA on four occasions before graduating with his record-breaking CGPA.
Adeniyi credited his success to discipline, consistency, and understanding what examiners expected during examinations. He also emphasized the importance of getting enough sleep, noting that maintaining a consistent routine played a key role in his academic performance.
He dedicated the achievement to God, his teachers, mentors, scholarship sponsors, and the memory of his late father, whom he believes would have been proud of his accomplishments.
Looking ahead, Adeniyi hopes to become an influential lawyer involved in policy development, legal writing, and mentoring young professionals. He also expressed interest in gaining international experience, saying exposure to different legal systems would help him become a better lawyer and use the law as a tool for positive social change.
After Three JAMB Attempts and Years of Setbacks UNILORIN Graduate Finally Earns Degree
After Three JAMB Attempts and Years of Setbacks UNILORIN Graduate Finally Earns Degree
After Three JAMB Attempts and Years of Setbacks UNILORIN Graduate Finally Earns Degree
After Three JAMB Attempts and Years of Setbacks UNILORIN Graduate Finally Earns Degree
After Three JAMB Attempts and Years of Setbacks UNILORIN Graduate Finally Earns Degree
After Three JAMB Attempts and Years of Setbacks UNILORIN Graduate Finally Earns Degree