Samuel Oluolamide Adebanjo, a 22-year-old Aerospace Engineering graduate of Lagos State University, emerged as the university’s overall best graduating student for the 2025/2026 academic session with a 4.97 CGPA out of 5.00.
Adebanjo’s achievement came despite financial difficulties during his university years and a health challenge affecting his father.
To support his education and meet some of his expenses, Adebanjo taught tutorials and took on other paid work while pursuing his degree.
His academic journey began with a 4.81 grade point in his first semester. Although the result placed him firmly in the First Class category, Adebanjo said he was determined to improve.
He went on to record a perfect 5.0 grade point in his second semester and continued to maintain a strong academic performance throughout his studies.
Adebanjo said there were periods when financial difficulties made his university experience particularly challenging. He recalled studying without food on some occasions and using streetlights to study during power outages.
Before he had access to his own laptop, he also borrowed devices from colleagues to complete some of his engineering assignments.
Despite the challenges, Adebanjo remained focused on his studies while teaching tutorials and providing other services to earn money.
His final result placed him at the top of LASU’s graduating class. According to reports, he recorded seven perfect semesters out of 10 and finished with a 4.97 CGPA.
The achievement was also reported as the highest CGPA recorded in LASU’s Aerospace Engineering department.
Adebanjo’s academic record was complemented by research work, scholarships and technical training during his time at the university.
Reflecting on his achievement, he credited God, his family, lecturers, mentors, teachers and friends for the support he received throughout his academic journey.
“Where you come from does not determine where you can go,” Adebanjo said.
His story has attracted attention not only because of his near-perfect academic result, but also because of the circumstances surrounding his journey.
For Adebanjo, the 4.97 CGPA represents the result of years of discipline, sacrifice and persistence in the face of financial and family challenges.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
