How LAUTECH’s Basirat Adeduntan Earned a First Class with 9-Hour Study Sessions
At just 23 years old, Basirat Adeduntan has carved her name into the records of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, as the best graduating student of 2025. She earned a first-class degree in Science Laboratory Technology — and her story is one of resilience, discipline, and unwavering focus.
Her Journey: From Medicine Dreams to Science Lab Success
Initially aiming for medicine, Basirat’s dream took a different path when she missed the University of Ibadan’s cut-off mark by one point. Undeterred, she redirected her focus to LAUTECH, where she gained admission into Science Laboratory Technology. Though it wasn’t her first choice, she embraced it with determination and excellence.
Daily Routine: Nine Hours of Nightly Study
Basirat’s academic success wasn’t accidental. Once lectures fully resumed, she devoted herself to a strict study routine — starting around 9pm and ending by 6am. She often used her night class as a space to revise notes, write summaries, and digest the day’s lessons. Writing, she said, helped her retain information better.
“I understood myself. I knew when I read and wrote at night, the knowledge stuck better,” she shared. Hunger or not, Basirat stayed focused — often relying on classmates for meals when things were tough financially.
The 300-Level Shock: A Wrong Grade Almost Ruined Her CGPA
Basirat’s toughest moment came in her 300-level first semester when she saw a score of 23 in a key three-unit course — a result she knew didn’t reflect her effort. She cried and appealed. Her persistence led to a discovery that it was a data entry error. The correct score? An 81.
Lesson: “Always review your results. A single wrong grade could cost your first class. Speak up.”
Family, Friends, and Faith: Her Support System
Basirat’s father, a farmer, and her mother, a trader, couldn’t offer much financially, but their moral support was unshakable. She also credited her lecturers — both strict and kind — for their roles in her journey. She believes lecturers should be like parents, offering both discipline and empathy.
When times got hard, her friends came through. “There were days I studied with hunger, and my classmates would help me with food. That kindness helped me stay strong,” she added.
Advice to Students
- Discover your best study method — writing, teaching others, reading aloud, etc.
- Be consistent. Success is built daily, not overnight.
- Don’t cram. Understand concepts early and revise frequently.
- Ask for help when stuck, and stay humble.
- Don’t be afraid to challenge results or errors — respectfully and confidently.
What’s Next for Basirat?
Basirat plans to complete her internship and serve through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). After that, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree and eventually a PhD, either in Nigeria or abroad. Her long-term goal is to impact lives through research, teaching, and mentorship.
A Voice for Education Reform
Basirat’s story also highlights gaps in the Nigerian education system — from grade errors to inequality. She advocates for:
- Better student record systems
- More funding for practical science programs
- Improved lecturer-student relationships
