Meet the UNILAG Mathematician that bagged his first degree at 13, M.Sc at 19, and doctorate at 24!

                              

                              

Hallowed Olaoluwa recently crowned his academic prowess by bagging a PhD at 24.
He bagged two first class degrees simultaneously in Mathematics and Physics at 18.
At 19, he obtained two master’s degrees with distinction. Now at 24,  he has a doctoral degree in his bag.

Be inspired by his success story below:
 Scoring the Cumulative Point Grade Average of 5.00, he emerged the overall best doctorate student at the university’s 2013 convocation held last week. In other words, Olaoluwa scored A in every course he offered.

How did he achieve this feat, particularly bagging BSc and MSc degrees simultaneously? At what age did he start school? Did he not attend a primary school? Were the academic achievements a sudden success?



“I had four double promotions in the primary and secondary school. In primary school, I was promoted from Primary 5 to Primary 6 in the middle of the session. I also obtained three other double promotions in the secondary school, always passing my exams with distinctions.

“Thus, having started primary 1 at age 5, I was able to complete my Baccalaureate (or HSC/Diploma/A’ levels) at the age of 14 and entered the university through Direct Entry at the age of 15. I then opted to take Mathematics and Physics simultaneously and obtained two BSc degrees in the University of Bangui at the age of 18.

“Running two programmes simultaneously was not done before; neither has it been done after. I was an exception to the rule due to my performances and God’s grace. I then did two master’s degrees the following year and bagged them at the age of 19.”

The youngster, who also received the best graduating student award at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Mathematics and in Physics at the University of Bangui, CAR, stresses that before him, it was not possible for anyone to run two degrees simultaneously in the university.

He says, “It was a daring move. When I was allowed to carry on and when I was successful, a few number of my junior colleagues attempted the same feat but did not succeed. The school management then put an end to it.”

But is his life revolving around only education and books? The Mabo, Ekiti-born academic, who spent his first 19 years at CAR, says no. Though claiming to be sociable, he quickly points out that his time, particularly at the UNILAG, was “one-dimensional.”

He adds, “My time on campus was dedicated to research and work. I would go to my department to work, see my supervisor, and collaborate with my fellow colleagues and then go back home when I am done with my tasks.

“Besides, I have friends and I interact with them. I have hobbies like any other person. I love watching football and playing the piano. I am also a member of the Deeper Life Bible Church and I relate well with the brethren of my district. I even sing in the choir and go occasionally for evangelism sessions. So, even though my social life might be a little boring for some people, I actually think it provides a balance to my academic pursuits.”

 “My academic life has not all been rosy. Sometimes I look back and say I could have bagged my PhD at the age of 21. It might be surprising to know that I actually failed my Baccalaureate (HSC) at my first attempt at the age of 13. That was the hardest moment of my life but God used it to reposition me. I came back stronger and more focused thereafter.”