Oluwafunmito Oshunmakinde, 21, was the best graduating female student of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, in the 2014/2015 academic session, having graduated with a 4.91 CGPA from the Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering. She tells TUNDE AJAJA how she was able to scale the hurdles on her way
You are in a field some females would dread going into, what was the attraction?
My love for Physics, Chemistry and anything that has to do with calculations made me consider the field, coupled with the broad nature of engineering. Those were the things that made it interesting and attractive to me.
What was the special interest in Electrical Electronics?
Initially I wanted to do Petrochemical Engineering but then I had a running battle with my dad because he was of the opinion that electrical/electronics was a better option because of its broad scope. After so much research, I realised how broad the course is and the fact that I can work anywhere with it. That eventually influenced my choice, and I’m happy with this choice. No regrets. The aspects that I really found interesting were power and electronics. I really enjoyed them, even though the programming aspect was a little tasking. It became interesting eventually.
Knowing that Elect/Elect is usually male-dominated, were there times you felt intimidated by the number of guys around you?
I was never intimidated. My mind was prepared for it. In fact, when I resumed as a fresh student and I saw that we were just 10 girls in the midst of 60 boys, it pushed me to work harder to be ahead of the guys and even make them feel intimidated by me. I believe anything a man can do, I, as a woman, should be able to do it better.
You had an impressive result, how easy was it to have a first class?
It was not an easy task, but I had a goal I was working towards. Anytime I realised I was getting distracted, I remembered my goal and I would naturally be compelled to sit up. I also held on to the word and promises of God. I was hardworking, dedicated to my work and focused on the initial goal I had set for myself to finish with a first class, regardless of the hurdles. I also had serious-minded friends who were always ready to assist and drive me when there was need to or when it appeared I was becoming too relaxed. Those were the ingredients that led to the impressive result. I won’t say I did anything differently, but I was able to identify the methods that worked for me early in life, and I was used to speaking positive words concerning each of my courses, no matter how bad the exam or test was, all of which helped a whole lot.
You must have started with a good grade to have 4.91 as your final CGPA. Do you still remember some of your results?
I can still remember some. I started with 4.86, which I had a few other times. I also had 5.00 GPA about four times. I remember having 4.92 and 4.96 at some point, but that of 4.86 was the lowest GPA I had and my lowest grade was B. With that result, I was the second best in my course, third best graduating student and best among the females.
Did you receive any award as an undergraduate?
Yes, I did. I was on Total scholarship from my second year till I graduated. I won an award as the Fashionista of College of Science and Technology (100 level) in my first year. I also won an award for Icon 360 (i.e. all-rounder), course representative award, sacrifice and service award for serving as a member of the admin and logistics team of the convocation planning committee 2015 in my 500 level.
Was there any reward from your parents for your good performance?
There was no need for any special gift. It wasn’t needed because they have constantly done their part as my parents, so, I also had to do my part as the child. Their resources, efforts, time, attention, sacrifices and constantly providing for all my needs and making sure I’m comfortable and happy at all times were enough for me. I really appreciate them.
How was your performance in your elementary schools?
With the help of God and the constant support of my family, right from my nursery school, I have always emerged top three at the end of every year except in my primary five, which was largely because I changed school, and having to adapt to the new system and environment.
How easy was it passing your ‘O’ Level exams and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination?
I did both in one sitting, including my Cambridge exams. It was easy because of the hours and sleepless nights I had put into the preparation. I am a big product of hard work and God’s faithfulness. I remember I finished the New School Physics and New School Chemistry textbooks, solved all the examples in my Further Maths Project 1, 2, and 3, and finished solving all the past questions I had so that I wouldn’t leave out any part of the syllabus. I also had to cover what the teacher could not cover due to time constraint. All these extra efforts helped eventually. I was in top three at every point and the school where I had my secondary education, Olashore International School, also had a great impact. Securing an admission was also easy. In fact, I got admission into University of Lagos for the same Electrical/Electronics Engineering on merit, but I decided to go to Covenant University instead.
What was your experience as a fresh student in 100 Level?
I had a fun and exploratory experience and I found out that those negative information flying around about the school were false, such as students of opposite sex not being allowed to communicate with one another and that relationships with opposite sex should be registered. Those things are false. However, unlike the way most fresh students struggle to find their feet in the new environment, my story was the complete opposite. I had a cousin who was also admitted the same year I was, so, we went through the process together, which made things so easy for me. It was a memorable and beautiful experience. However, the part I also won’t forget was getting used to some of the rules, especially pertaining to dress code. A few times, my clothes were seized or I was sent back to change my dress, which left me frustrated at those times, but I overcame that with time.
What was your typical schedule like then?
After classes, I used to stay back to do my assignments or sort out issues, if any, as the class representative (a position I held throughout the five years programme). I used to attend meetings because I was involved in a lot of activities, after which I would go back to the hostel to rest and hang out with my friends. I could study if I wasn’t too tired. There were days I didn’t read, I could be too tired, but I did try my best to study on Saturdays and Sundays to cover some things I could not during the week. I would always go to the library on weekends. During exam, library was practically my second room. There was a time I read for 12 hours, so I could cover certain areas that needed serious attention. I also didn’t sleep for more than six hours. These were things I did consciously to realise my goal.
Men love to associate with ladies who are intelligent. How did you handle the gestures?
Everyone loves to associate themselves with brilliant ladies but due to my friendly nature and the good relationship and interpersonal skills that I possess, I knew how to handle the gestures very well without letting it affect me adversely. Also, it is typical for male students to disturb female students, so I was disturbed the usual way every female student would be disturbed, but I knew how to balance it in such a way that it would not disturb the pursuit of my goals. In Covenant University, lecturers do not disturb female students.
How social were you?
I was quite social and I attended social gatherings a lot, but I didn’t lose sight of my goal. I used to hang out with friends, watch movies, went for various interesting activities and surf the internet, usually the social media. I was involved in those activities because I believe in being an all-rounder.
Where would you like to work?
Any reputable company that will help in the enhancement of my career and one that would challenge me to be a better engineer and a solution provider.
What are your aspirations?
My dream as a child was to be the first female president of Nigeria. Beyond that, I aspire to be one of the topmost female engineers in Nigeria, a successful wife and mother. I also want to have a scholarship scheme to help children in the rural areas have opportunity for international education.
What is your advice to students?
They should put God first in everything. Impossibilities don’t exist; they should be focused and hardworking. Students should set goals for themselves to enable them to have a focus. It is also important for them to surround themselves with serious-minded people who share the same values with them. They should not be scared of trying out new positive things because whatever they put their mind into, they will definitely succeed in it.
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