Salami Habeeb Folarin has emerged as the Best graduating student of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos (UNILAG), for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Habeeb clinched multiple prestigious awards for his outstanding academic performance, emerging as one of the most decorated graduates in the history of his department.
Amidst numerous accolades, Habib won the Head of Department’s Prize, the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Prize, the ECPM Engineers Award, and the Dr. Folashodun Shonubi Prize (Sahara Group).
Speaking on his journey in an interview with Daily Independent, Habeeb attributed his success to discipline, consistency, and a clear vision formed even before gaining admission into the university.
He explained that he was motivated to pursue academic excellence the moment he realised that graduating with a first class degree was a goal open to every discerning student.
“By the time I gained admission into UNILAG, I already had a clear goal: to study hard, attend classes diligently, and graduate with a first class,” he said.
Habeeb’s commitment to excellence started early, consistently achieving first position throughout his time at Logic International School and later at Adedokun International Schools, Ota, Ogun State.
Habeeb noted that his strong academic foundation helped him adapt easily to the university’s demanding learning environment.
He also expressed a commitment to changing the narrative by encouraging young people to see their communities as breeding grounds for excellence.
On his study habits, he explained that he had no fixed reading time, as he studied both during the day and at night depending on his schedule, often reading at night after returning from classes and structuring his routine around consistent study periods.
Talking about his learning strategies, Habeeb said he sought guidance from senior colleagues on how to tackle some courses, attended lectures regularly, and prioritised deep understanding of his courses to gain mastery.
Reflecting on challenges, Habeeb revealed that staying motivated and consistent throughout his long academic journey was not always easy, especially over the course of seven years of rigorous training.
He noted that he had to push through demanding schedules, challenging conditions, and long hours spent completing laboratory reports, assignments, and projects, all of which tested his endurance and discipline.
Despite these challenges, he remained motivated by his department’s strong academic culture, which has produced many outstanding graduates.
Habeeb acknowledged the critical role of family and friends in his success and credited his parents for their emotional and early academic support, particularly during his primary and junior secondary school years.
He also expressed gratitude to his teachers at his primary school, Logic International School and his secondary school , Adedokun International Schools, Ota, Ogun State, for providing a strong academic foundation, adding that the citadel of learning instilled in him a love of learning, a hunger for knowledge, and critical thinking skills that shaped his approach to study.
He also praised the supportive academic environment of the department and the healthy competition among peers, which constantly pushed him to improve.
Commenting on Nigeria’s education system, Habeeb called for increased financial support for students from low-income backgrounds, including the regular disbursement of endowment funds, expanded scholarship opportunities, and improved student loan schemes.
He advised students aspiring to academic excellence to dream boldly, remain disciplined, seek help when needed, and combine faith with hard work.
“With God, nothing is impossible. Set clear goals, pray, put in the work, and remain consistent. Success will follow,” he said.
