After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member

Joseph Ayodele, a Computer Science graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, has shared how two unsuccessful attempts to join the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) eventually gave way to an academic journey that saw him emerge as the university’s overall best graduating student.

After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member

Ayodele, who grew up in Abuja and attended primary and secondary school in Kaduna State, graduated with a first-class degree after years of discipline, consistent studying, and faith. Despite his childhood ambition to become a military officer, he discovered a different path that ultimately brought him one of the highest academic honors at ABU.

How Joseph Ayodele Chose Computer Science Over a Military Career

Ayodele said his interest in the military developed while attending a military secondary school in Zaria. At the time, he hoped to join the Nigerian Defence Academy and build a career as an officer.

However, his academic interests gradually pointed him toward technology.

During his final year of secondary school, teachers introduced students to different university courses and their admission requirements. Although he initially considered engineering, he eventually chose Computer Science because he enjoyed working with computers and wanted to understand how they functioned.

Having grown up and attended school in Zaria, he was already familiar with ABU and admired the institution.

He gained admission in October 2019 and resumed his studies in January 2020.

Two NDA Attempts That Did Not Work Out

Even after gaining admission to ABU, Ayodele did not immediately give up his dream of becoming a military officer.

He applied to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2020 and 2021 while pursuing his university education. According to him, he passed the examinations and attended interviews on both occasions but was unsuccessful in securing admission.

He described it as an unusual experience because it was the only examination he had attempted twice without achieving his desired outcome.

Eventually, he accepted that a military career might not be part of his path and continued focusing on his Computer Science degree.

What followed was a remarkable academic journey that would see him achieve a distinction he had never imagined at the beginning of his studies.

The Study Routine Behind His First-Class Degree

Ayodele said he started his first semester at ABU with a grade point average (GPA) of 4.68. Rather than becoming complacent, the result motivated him to aim higher.

In the following semester, he recorded a perfect 5.0 GPA and maintained that performance throughout most of his time at the university.

His only semesters without a perfect GPA were his first semester in 100 level and his final semester, when he recorded 4.71.

He attributed his academic performance to discipline, consistency, and his determination to take every course seriously, including subjects he initially found less difficult.

Ayodele explained that he typically spent two to three hours studying daily and increased his study time whenever he encountered challenging topics.

When classroom explanations were insufficient, he turned to educational videos on YouTube to gain a better understanding of difficult concepts. He also participated in a reading group during the early stages of his university education.

Although he limited the time he spent on social activities, he said having a structured study routine helped him remain focused on his academic goals.

Why Becoming ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student Surprised Him

Ayodele’s ambition initially centered on earning a first-class degree. As his results improved, he began considering the possibility of becoming the best graduating student in his department and faculty.

However, he never expected to finish as the overall best graduating student across the entire university.

He recalled becoming discouraged at certain points when his cumulative grade point average (CGPA) fell below his expectations of approximately 4.95 to 4.97. He worried that another student might graduate with a stronger academic record.

Despite those concerns, he continued working toward his goals.

When his name was announced as ABU’s overall best graduating student during the convocation ceremony, he was surprised. He had expected recognition at the departmental or faculty level but had not anticipated the university-wide honor.

His mother attended the ceremony, and the moment became particularly emotional when she began crying with joy.

Ayodele said seeing her reaction made the achievement even more meaningful and left him grateful to God.

COVID-19 and ASUU Strikes Delayed His Graduation

Although Computer Science was expected to take four years, Ayodele’s journey at ABU lasted longer than anticipated.

He gained admission in 2019 and graduated in December 2025. He attributed the extended period partly to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and industrial strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The delay sometimes left him discouraged, particularly when friends attending private and state-owned universities graduated as early as 2023.

However, he eventually came to view the experience as an opportunity to develop patience, humility, and determination.

Rather than allowing the extended academic journey to define him negatively, he continued working toward the goal he had set for himself.

Faith, Family, and His Father’s Influence

Ayodele grew up in a Christian family of three children and was the youngest. He described his late father, a minister of God who died in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, as an important influence on his education.

He also spoke about his names, Joseph Babalola Ayodele, which he shares with Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola, founder of the Christ Apostolic Church.

His family worshiped at the Christ Apostolic Church during his childhood before later attending the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

He said the connection to his namesake gave him a sense of pride and strengthened his faith.

Ayodele recalled praying for direction and believing that God had assured him he would be announced as the university’s best graduating student. He said the conviction encouraged him to keep working hard while trusting in God’s grace.

What Comes Next for the ABU Graduate?

Ayodele is currently participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program and seeking fully funded scholarship opportunities for a master’s degree.

He hopes to continue to doctoral studies after completing his postgraduate education.

His journey from two unsuccessful NDA applications to becoming ABU’s overall best graduating student has shaped the advice he now offers other students.

He encouraged undergraduates to set clear academic goals from their first year, study consistently, prepare early for examinations, and remain disciplined throughout their university education.

He also emphasized the importance of faith and prayer, saying his achievement reflected not only intelligence and hard work but also what he described as God’s grace.

For students facing setbacks, Ayodele’s experience offers a reminder that an unsuccessful attempt at one ambition does not have to determine the outcome of an entire future.

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After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
Student
After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
Studen
After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
Student
After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
Student
After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
Student
After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
Student
After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
After Two NDA Rejections, I Became ABU’s Overall Best Graduating Student – Corps Member
Student