By AYOOLA YESIRAT TAIWO - (300lvl Mass Comm)
For years, earning a first-class degree in Mass Communication at Ahmadu Bello University seemed like an unattainable feat. That changed when Adeola Fashola shattered the long-standing record, rewriting the department’s history and proving that excellence is within reach. To uncover the journey behind this remarkable achievement, Campus Herald sat down with Fashola to discuss the struggles, strategies, and sacrifices that led to this historic moment.
Can we know your name and year of graduation?
I am Adeola Fashola, a recent first-class graduate from the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. I’m from Kogi State but currently based in Lagos, Nigeria. I graduated with the class of 2022 and was officially convoked by the Senate on January 25, 2025.
It's nice to meet you. I understand that you live in Lagos. What inspired you to choose ABU as your university and Mass Communication as your course?
Fun fact, I lived in Zaria for 20 years before relocating to Lagos in 2022. Naturally, when it came to choosing a university, ABU Zaria was the obvious choice. Back in 2018/19, I didn’t want to be too far from home. Another fun fact, I initially wanted to study Civil Law, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I was instead admitted to study Mass Communication. It was a surprising turn of events, but one that worked out well in the end.
Were you always a top student?
I would say I was decent, above average but not necessarily the best. However, things significantly improved from my second year onward.
Did you expect to break the record, or was it a surprise?
At the end of my third year, some lecturers informed me about the department’s long-standing record. I believe they told me because I was still maintaining a first-class CGPA, and they saw potential in me. They monitored my results and encouraged me whenever possible. Honestly, it was still a surprise because my final year was stressful, I almost lost hope. I was barely holding on, but thankfully, the exam officer called to inform me of my achievement, and the rest is history.
So, if I’m correct, you didn’t start university intending to graduate with a first-class?
Yes, that’s right. I finished my first year with a second-class upper and wasn’t even leading my class, so getting a first-class wasn’t something I initially aimed for. In fact, I didn’t even know there was a jo to break. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic and ASUU strike, I decided to take my studies more seriously, and things improved. My original goal was just to do my best, pass all my courses, and graduate well, but God had other plans.
How did it feel to be a first-class graduate after so many years?
It felt rewarding, but it also came with a lot of pressure. I had always kept a low profile in class, and most lecturers didn’t know me personally until my final year, for obvious reasons. Among my coursemates, I started getting more responsibilities, from answering academic questions to tutoring and offering explanations. It was a bittersweet experience, fulfilling, but also mentally exhausting.
What was your daily or weekly reading routine like?
Because of my busy schedule, I couldn’t always study daily. Instead, I used weekends to review the week’s work and conduct further research when needed. However, during exams, my routine changed—I often pulled all-nighters (TDBs) to keep up. I find that I don’t assimilate well during the day, so I prefer studying at night. I also attended tutorials whenever possible, as discussing topics with others helped me gain deeper insights.
At any point, did you think graduating with a first-class was impossible?
Yes. I finished my first year with a 4.28 CGPA, and at the time, getting a first-class seemed like an impossible goal. I didn’t even think about it.
Did you participate in any extracurricular activities during university?
Yes, I did. I took online courses, earned certifications, interned, and volunteered. Within the department, I was on the editorial board for the newspaper and magazine production. However, I wasn’t involved in student politics or social events. For fun, I mostly rewarded myself with small treats and incentives for my hard work.
Many students struggle academically. As a distinction student, what advice would you give them?
Attend lectures regularly.
Do your assignments properly.
Start studying early in the semester.
Prepare thoroughly for tests.
Understand your lecturers’ expectations.
Get past questions and practice them.
Research beyond lecture notes.
Attend tutorials.
Rest and eat well.
Arrive early for exams to relax before starting.
Avoid excessive extracurricular activities that may become distractions.
Most importantly, pray.
Students often feel tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed while striving to maintain their CGPA. What advice would you give them to keep pushing forward?
They need to set clear academic goals, know the class of degree they want and work towards it. They should learn how to calculate their CGPA and GPA, understand how many As or Bs they need to reach certain levels, and consult their course advisers or exam officers for guidance. Keeping track of credit units is also essential. More importantly, they shouldn’t put too much pressure on themselves when things don’t go as planned. Instead, they should self-reflect, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and make necessary improvements.
Finally, did you have any mentors to guide you?
Yes. My level coordinator, Dr. Kabiru Danladi; my exam officer, Mallam Al-Mansur; my supervisor, Dr. Murjanatu Mohammed Abba; my HOD, Dr. Adama Adamu; as well as Dr. Ahmed Abubakar and Mallam Bukar all encouraged me at different points in my journey.
But what does it take to break such a barrier, and why has it remained unbroken for so long? Campus Herald sought answers from Mallam Sani Al-Mansur, the exam officer who oversaw Fashola’s graduation. He revealed that the department has produced only three first-class graduates, attributing this rarity to the distractions that often sidetrack students. Mallam Sani emphasized dedication as the key to achieving such an outstanding feat, commending Fashola’s unwavering commitment. "Fashola is dedicated and persistent. From my observations, he rarely engaged in social activities, his books were his constant companions."
Contrary to the misconception that the department’s grading system is excessively rigorous, the exam officer clarified: "Our grading system is the same as in other departments. We follow a standardized marking guide approved by the departmental exam office, and there is no discrimination. As lecturers, we do not know students by name, and even when we do, we don’t associate names with registration numbers."
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