David Oluwatomiwa Akanmu, the Overall Best Graduating Student at the 54th Convocation Ceremonies of the University of Lagos, has launched a book on attaining academic excellence.
Titled,“Roadmap to 5.0: The Not-so-Hidden Secrets to Academic Success”, the book was launched at the Tolu Odugbemi Hall, University of Lagos on Saturday, February 3, 2024 with pomp.
Friends and well wishers of the high-flying author gathered at the event, physically and virtually, to celebrate the product of a noble intention to democratise the knowledge of achieving excellence.
The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Michael Taiwo, Head of Hydrogen Operations for Shell in North America, who made a virtual presentation from the United States. Also a First Class graduate of Chemical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, he harped on the need for students to commit to the demands of excellence as a lifestyle. He urged them to embrace education as their pathway to the top.
His words: “If you are not from a privileged background, like many of us, I can tell you that Education is your way out of lack and poverty. Embrace it. Commit to it, and do your utmost to finish with the best grades possible. It will lead you to heights unimaginable”.
Two separate panel sessions defined the intellectual fervour that came with the book launch. On-site and virtual, respectively, both panels paraded a galaxy of academic stars, each one a Best Graduating Student who graduated with First Class from different universities across Nigeria. The panelists shared their respective experiences, highlighting special moments on their journey to academic stardom, and sharing lessons with the audience.
On the first/on-site panel, which had the topic, Cracking the Code: Strategies for Maintaining a First-Class CGPA. The panelists were: Bukunmi Shonde, Bukola Alada, Ibrahim Quadri, and Similoluwa Okunowo. It was moderated by Richard Cooker.
On the second/virtual panel, the topic of which was, “Beyond the Books: The Importance of Holistic Development in Academic Excellence”. Treasure Okure served as the Moderator while the panelists were: Bolaji Lawal, Motunrayo Ajia, Ayodele Dada, Ewerechukwu Asaka.
The President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, Engineer Mustafa B. Shehu, was in attendance to launch the book. He expressed delight in the author’s strides as a young man; and commended him for documenting his thoughts in a book.
In his brief comments, the author expressed appreciation to all who made the event a reality, ranging from his parents to his project team.
“It is my most sincere desire that students coming after me, who read this book and apply its lessons to their own journey will not only run, but fly”.
David Akanmu is a graduate of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos. He graduated with a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0, the fourth of its kind in the 60-year history of the University.
REPORT: Isaiah Kumuyi
PHOTOGRAPHY: Ayo Oloyede
