Breaking Records: First Class and Best Graduate (Statistics)

History is not just read; it is written by those who refuse to settle for less. Graduating as the first female First Class student in the history of the Statistics Department at FUL was a journey of grace and grit.

My name is Oluwadamilare Remilekun Babatunde. I stand here not just as a graduate, but as a testament to what God can do when determination meets preparation. Being the best student in the department was a dream, but becoming the first female to ever hit the First Class mark in Statistics at Federal University Lokoja is a milestone I hold with immense gratitude.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling

In many technical fields like Statistics, there is an unspoken pressure, especially for women. I didn't just want to pass; I wanted to set a standard. When I looked at the records and realized no female had reached that peak yet, it became my "Why." It wasn't easy. The life of a student is often defined by hunger, distractions, and tough nights, but I had a target that was bigger than my appetite.

Spiritual Strategy: God First

Many people ask, "What was your secret?" The answer is simple: I put God first in everything. Putting God first means making Him the Author and Finisher of your faith. You don't just plan and ask Him to bless it; you let Him lead the plan.

"My friends and I didn't wait for exams to start before we sought God. We did joint fasting and prayer before the season. If you don't have the strength to do it during the exams, build that spiritual stamina before the heat begins."

The 4.13 Foundation

I didn't start at the top. I started with a GP of 4.13 out of 5.00. Many would see that as "good enough," but for a First Class, you need to maintain 4.50 and above. It looked impossible at first. But with consistency, I tracked my 'utility cost'—meaning I calculated exactly what I needed in every course to bridge that gap. I worked as if it all depended on me, and prayed as if it all depended on God.

Character: The Silent Requirement

Success isn't just about what you know; it's about how you behave. The degree is awarded for "Character and in Learning." I always tell students: be quick to listen and slow to give responses. In any environment—the lecture hall, the HOD's office, or around campus—stay calm and well-behaved. Your character will open doors that your grades only show you to.