AT a time when the nation is plagued with all sorts of challenges, some youths seek to make the nation
proud. One of such Nigerians is Olaoluwa Hallowed Oluwadara who at 24, is Doctor of Mathematics, with a
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5, thus making him the youngest African with a doctorate
degree.
To achieve this, he surpassed Opeyemi Shodipe of
Babcock University who at 25 had a doctorate with a
CGPA of 4.98.
The Ekiti State indigene born in Bangui, Central
African Republic (CAR), who recently convoked from
the University of Lagos, Akoka, as the Best
Graduating PhD holder, has two first degrees in
mathematics and physics which were run
simultaneously and master’s degree in the same
courses, also run simultaneously.
From missionary parents and the last of five children,
Olaoluwa, in an interview with Vanguard Learning,
shared how he achieved this feat amidst challenges
and distractions.
Having been born and bred in a French- speaking
country, how did you cope with academics in English
language?
When I was in CAR, I was studying French in school
but speaking English at home, so it was a smooth
transition from French to English.
However, French-speaking countries have a more traditional and rigorous system of education, while the
English system welcomes change and is more into modern mathematics which I like. The capacity to adapt
matters a lot and if one works hard, adapting is not a problem.
Experience in PhD
It was challenging but very instructive. I learnt a lot about collaboration, mentoring, and the importance of
God in one’s endeavours. There were times when I was discouraged and needed my supervisor, parents
and colleagues to encourage me.
One of such instances was at the beginning of the programme. It seemed that all the topics had been
researched and there is nothing left to do except the complicated ones beyond one’s ability. Also
sometimes when you send your paper to international journals, they return it for one reason or the other.
Though it does not mean you are not good enough, but they have their reasons. That can be very
discouraging. Persistence kept me.
Distractions
There were distractions but not restricted to Nigeria. They are universal. Friends, male and female, can be
distracting. Mainly females but I am a born again Christian and I believe that when it comes to
relationships, it is best to wait for God’s time for a proper relationship which is marriage. They might not
mean anything bad, but it can be distracting.
Good job offers also come that would make you slow down your work. Fortunately, I was sponsored by
Deeper Life Bible Church under the approval of the overseer, Pastor William F. Kumuyi so there was no
need to work.
Past performance
I used to read the textbooks of my elder ones, so that made me generally smarter than my peers, albeit, I
was not always first in school but my performance improved greatly when I entered university at age 15 to
study mathematics. I have two bachelors and master’s degrees and it took me three years to get my PhD.
The Future
I believe it would not take me long to attain professorship. I might add another doctorate degree, maybe in
mathematical physics. I would also serve the house of God while working.
Guiding principle
According to the Bible, whatever your hand finds to do; do it with all thy might. That’s my motto. It keeps
me going.
Advice: Never give up. Be focused, diligent, disciplined and have God at the center of all your endeavours.
Olaoluwa Hallowed Oluwadara won University of Bangui’s All Time Best Student Award from the
Department of Mathematics (B.Sc), Best B.Sc Student Award in Physics, 2007 and Best M.Sc Awards in
Physics and Mathematics respectively in 2008. He currently is a Research Fellow of the Mathematical
Analysis and Optimisation Research Group.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/06/wasnt-always-first-school-africas-youngest-ph-d-holder/

Great

I personally think I wld be fine wif a masters in my field, all dis book self, were person day cari am go?

wow.. very impressive

Nigerians sha!!! If they dnt have sumtn , they will sha luk 4 ways 2 spoil it...... Pastor adeboye also has ph.d in applied maths,go and ask im if he wil take it to heaven...... May GOD hlp us all

Great

all dis epistle with no pics?

Youngest African with a Phd? I doubt it.

Karl-Nkem was done by 22. He's Nigerian. Thumbs up to him though.

Interesting.

NIGHTFOX: I personally think I wld be fine wif a masters in my field, all dis book self, were person day cari am go?

all na for grave oo..you are right

Highly commendable. However, how come you still believe that born-again bible stuff if you are so intelligent? Mr. PhD holder, you have ruined it the whole thing. Don't bother getting another doctorate in mathematical physics, it would be a waste. Leave all those high-minded scientific pursuits to atheist, the real masters of the universe.

Anyway, you are still young. I hope you grow up and come to your senses.

[size=33pt]With all this??
the Big question is










how much does he have in his account[/size]
Read book kill yourself and you nor get money you be suegbeeeeee oooooo

Awesome achievement.

lagcity: Highly commendable. However, how come you still believe that born-again bible stuff if you are so intelligent? Mr. PhD holder, you have ruined it the whole thing. Don't bother getting another doctorate in mathematical physics, it would be a waste. Leave all those high-minded scientific pursuits to atheist, the real masters of the universe.

Anyway, you are still young. I hope you grow up and come to your senses.

?

Wow.



































###That's All !!

Nice

Ok

[quote author=Drabrah][/quote]
Well, achievement/accomplishment/aspirations is an individually defined concept. 4 some, it's money, 4 others it's physical possession (houses, cars, etc), 4 others still, it's fame or accolades.
4 him, success is defined by d certies/degrees/awards obtained &achieving such @ a reasonable tym. So, let him b.
Personally, I join those dat think he's gr8 & I wish him many more.[color=#006600][/color]

That's good for him.

Impressive

How I wish this deternine how far one goes in life! Congrats dude.....

Mathematics again, just like other young Ph.D holders on the world, they mostly achieve the feat with Mathematics...


And yet they keep saying that it is the hardest subject.

From a proud member of the Calculus Family..

Highly commendable. However, how come you still believe that born-again bible stuff if you are so intelligent? Mr. PhD holder, you have ruined it the whole thing. Don't bother getting another doctorate in mathematical physics, it would be a waste. Leave all those high-minded scientific pursuits to atheist, the real masters of the universe.

Anyway, you are still young. I hope you grow up and come to your senses.[/quote]

GOD OF THE BIBLE WHO MADE THE WHOLE UNIVERSE IS OMNISCIENT. ALL THE LAWS OF PHYSICS AND MATHS ARE HIS HANDWORK. TO BRING HIM GLORY IS TO EXCEL IN THE SCIENCES AS WELL. FOR TRUE SCIENCE IS COMPATIBLE WITH CHRISTIANITY!

Lilimax: ?

Confused uhn? I understand. You are way out of your league here, missy.