Olatunji Johnson, 27, graduated from the Federal University
of Technology, Akure, Ondo State with a 4.57 CGPA in
Statistics in the 2013/2014 academic session. In this
interview, he shares with JESUSEGUN ALAGBE how he
realised his dream
You made a first class in Statistics. How easy was it?
Through the help of God and hard work, excellence was
possible for me. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined to
make it happen.
Many students shy away from mathematics-related courses.
What motivated you to go for the course?
There is a saying that “the voice of men is the voice of
God.” People’s testimonies concerning my performance in
mathematics positioned me to achieve the best of it. I never
knew I was good at mathematics until I was awarded the
best pupil in mathematics when I was in primary one. When
I was in the junior secondary school, my lesson teacher,
Late (Mrs.) Adelu affirmed that I was good at the subject.
All these testimonies motivated me and through that, I
developed a keen interest in mathematics.
What important decisions did you make when you learnt you
gained admission to study Statistics?
I was so happy because I chose Statistics and I was offered
the course. So I decided that if I could make above 4.00
GPA in the first semester of 100Level, I would not relent and
improve until I graduate. I achieved it and that decision
helped me to graduate with excellence.
So you maintained a good grade right from your first year in
school?
I started with 4.16 in the first semester, but later it dropped
to 4.12 in the second semester; then from that point I began
to increase my performance until I bagged first class
(4.57). I made three 5.00s consecutively in the last three
semesters and this really helped me. I did not despise the
little beginning.
Any challenges encountered?
Sincerely, I faced so many challenges such as my inability
to get the required textbooks that could enhance my
performance in the course as a result of financial
incapability. I’m from a humble background, but I did not
allow it to affect my thinking. These and many more posed
a lot of challenges, but God saw me through it all.
Many parents would rather want their children study courses
like Medicine, Accounting and so on because of the notion that
they are more lucrative than others. Did yours agree with your
choice of studying Statistics?
My dad was late when I got admission, but my mum always
respects our opinions in the choice of career. So she was
happy for me. I also believe my dad would have been happy
seeing me study Statistics.
Did your dad’s death affect you in any way?
Well, it certainly did, but I didn’t let it affect my
performance. He wouldn’t be happy with me being an
average student because he’s gone.
So what specific role did your mum play in your academic
excellence?
One of those things my mum did was the love she showed
me while in school; she proved to me that we were studying
together, which boosted my morale. I didn’t want to let her
down and I have not.
Did your friends play any role to help you achieve this feat?
Yes, in terms of prayers, encouragements and finance, my
family and friends played a major role.
Tell us how you spent your typical day on campus
My days on campus were more of a triangular movement
within the circles of church, school and home. I was also a
bit social and participated in a bit of student unionism.
And that didn’t affect you?
It’s a matter of planning and knowing oneself. Being social
doesn’t mean one is not serious.
So where did you often spend the most part of your day?
The most part of my days were spent on campus. Even if I
didn’t have lectures, I would still go to school because I
would always have something to do. I also handled tutorials
in statistics across all levels to help other students.
…in exchange for what?
Nothing! To whom much is given much is required.
Describe how you read in school. Did you always study in
groups or solo?
I studied alone while in school and I preferred to read
during the day (5:00am – 10:00pm). I took it upon myself
to always study every day, if I didn’t read in a day, then
questions like “am I sick, depressed or worn-out?” always
occupied my brain.
Then how did you balance your social, spiritual and academic
lives?
I maintained a balance in my social and spiritual lives, but I
placed more importance on my primary objective in school
– which was my academics.
So what awards have you received for your academic
excellence?
I received a lot of awards such as the ‘most brilliant,’ ‘most
active,’ ‘most intelligent,’ ‘most influential,’ and the ‘best
graduating student,’ to mention but a few in my
department.
Could you mention some of the distractions you avoided and
sacrifices made in school?
University knowledge is universal and its distractions are
universal. To mention but few, social and relationship
aspects are more than enough to distract students’. I
sacrificed all these enjoyment so as to achieve excellence.
What dreams and aspirations are you pursuing now?
I have got a scholarship for my Masters with the African
Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Tanzania and I would
be leaving by August, 2015. I hope to reach the peak in the
profession.
Do you have any role models in your field?
My role model is Dr. F.B. Adebola, the Head of Department
of Statistics Department, FUTA. He inspired me a lot.
What specific actions are you taking to be like him?
He taught me not to procrastinate on anything and advised
me that much is expected from me even if little is given.
Since graduation, I have not relented in doing researches. I
have one publication now and the second is under review.
My area of research is Randomised Response Techniques.
He is a motivation to me.
What advice would you give to pupils who also want to study
Statistics?
Statistics is a branch of science that is practicable and
applicable to all aspects of science, arts and commerce.
Any pupil will find it interesting if he or she can just develop
the right attitude or passion for calculation and
computation. As a statistician, you can be self-employed by
being a consultant to all sectors and as well work in any
organisation; every company needs the mind of a
statistician.
Do you think it’s easy for students to graduate with first class
degrees?
Yes, it is easy to graduate with first class by putting God
first, setting one’s priority right and working hard. http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/campus-champion/moms-love-support-helped-me-i-chose-not-to-let-her-down-johnson-futa-first-class-graduate/

Congrats bro. Best wishes...

thanks