Oluwateledemi Adeyemo, a 16-year-old student, recently achieved an outstanding score of 99 in Mathematics and a cumulative score of 334 in the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In an interview, he discusses his academic journey and the factors that contributed to his success. Here are some excerpts from the interview:
Education Background:
- Oluwateledemi attended Saint Raphael Kiddies School and Destiny Nursery and Primary School for his primary education.
- For secondary education, he started at Faith Academy in Ikorodu and completed his studies at Stars International College, Ikorodu.
- Initially, he struggled academically in primary school but gradually improved over time.
- Despite financial difficulties and exam delays, he learned to catch up with his peers and developed a strong work ethic.
Subject Preference:
- Oluwateledemi has always been drawn to science subjects, particularly Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
- He enjoys mental mathematics and problem-solving, which align with his interest in pursuing a career in the science field.
Preparation for Examinations:
- Before the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Oluwateledemi started with school exams but intensified his efforts as the WASSCE approached.
- He dedicated four to six hours of nightly studying, starting at 10:30 pm until 2 am or 4 am.
- During exam preparations, he focused more on science subjects, studying past questions and seeking help from friends and teachers.
- Oluwateledemi aimed to achieve high grades and successfully avoided receiving any C grades.
Impactful Teacher:
- Oluwateledemi credits Mr. Bolaji, one of his teachers, for greatly impacting his academic performance.
- Mr. Bolaji, a mathematics enthusiast, provided guidance, answered questions, and motivated Oluwateledemi to excel.
- Their close relationship and Mr. Bolaji’s support played a significant role in Oluwateledemi’s achievements.
Balancing Academics and Fun:
- Oluwateledemi enjoys playing games with his classmates, such as chess, board games, and football.
- He believes these games enhance his thinking abilities and help him approach exam questions with a broader perspective.
- Oluwateledemi maintains a schedule for studying, preferring to read at night when there are fewer distractions.
Family Support:
- Oluwateledemi’s parents play a crucial role in his academic success.
- They allow him to study until he is satisfied, providing the necessary resources and encouragement.
- His father monitors his academic progress, offers guidance, and motivates him to perform better.
Future Aspirations:
- Oluwateledemi intends to study Mechanical Engineering, which he sees as a versatile field offering various career opportunities.
- Initially interested in robotics engineering, he discovered that it is not widely taught in Nigeria, leading him to choose mechanical engineering instead.
- His long-term goal is to work in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics engineering.
Readiness for Tertiary Education:
- Oluwateledemi feels 60 to 75 percent prepared for tertiary education.
- He aims to achieve a first-class degree and plans to engage more in social activities in college to improve his interpersonal skills.
Parenting Style:
- Oluwateledemi’s parents are not strict or disciplinarian.
- His mother encourages him to study, occasionally shouting at him if she finds him playing instead of reading.
- His father reminds him of his study targets but does not force him to read, providing gentle guidance and support.
- His father is a pastor and financial consultant, while his mother is a teacher.
Overall, Oluwateledemi’s passion for science subjects, disciplined study habits, supportive teachers, and his parents’ guidance have contributed to his remarkable academic achievements.
