Academic Spotlight Interview With Olakitan Abdul-Malik Gbolahan

Every generation is blessed with individuals who choose to live beyond themselves—people whose greatest achievements are not the awards they receive, but the lives they transform. They are the mentors who give their time when no one is watching, the leaders who quietly shoulder responsibilities so that others may flourish, and the teachers whose legacy is written in the success stories of those they have guided.

This week’s Academic Spotlight celebrates one such individual. A man whose commitment to excellence is matched only by his unwavering devotion to service; whose influence extends far beyond the lecture halls into the hearts and minds of countless students; and whose years of sacrifice, mentorship, and selfless leadership have inspired a culture of academic excellence within the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim community.

It is with great honour that we present Olakitan Abdul-Malik Gbolahan, fondly known as Wisdom.

There are individuals whose influence cannot be measured merely by their titles or achievements, but by the countless lives they have quietly shaped through consistent sacrifice, selfless service, and an unwavering commitment to the growth of others. Olakitan Abdul-Malik Gbolahan—fondly known as Wisdom—is one such individual. To many students, he is more than an exceptional scholar; he is a mentor, a teacher, a leader, and a guiding light whose dedication to academic excellence and student development has left a lasting mark on the Obafemi Awolowo University community.

A Part V student in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Wisdom has distinguished himself through both outstanding academic performance and exemplary leadership. A two-time recipient of the UNIFEMGA Scholarship and the Omotayo Adegboye Foundation Scholarship—an initiative of an OAU alumnus—he has consistently demonstrated excellence throughout his academic journey. His leadership story began early, serving as Head Boy in primary school and later Assistant Head Boy in secondary school. Today, as the Director of Studies of MSSN OAU, he continues a legacy of service, investing countless hours in mentoring, teaching, and guiding students towards academic and personal excellence.

For Wisdom, teaching is more than an activity—it is a calling. He believes that explaining concepts to others deepens his own understanding more effectively than conventional studying. Rather than spending endless hours reading, he deliberately studies when his mind is most productive and spends much of his time helping others succeed academically. Beyond the classroom, he also explores opportunities in cryptocurrency and blockchain as a side hustle, reflecting his curiosity and willingness to embrace emerging technologies.

Outside academics, Wisdom enjoys watching action movies and is a devoted Chelsea supporter. While his disciplined nature often gives first-time acquaintances the impression that he is strict or difficult, those who know him soon discover a warm, approachable, and easy-going personality. Interestingly, if engineering had not been his path, he says he would have pursued a career in Medicine and Surgery.

With a journey defined by excellence, service, and an enduring passion for uplifting others, we sat down with Wisdom to explore the experiences, principles, and moments that have shaped his remarkable story. From his academic journey and leadership philosophy to the lessons he has learned along the way, this conversation offers valuable insights for every student striving for excellence and purposeful living.

Let’s dive into the conversation.

Q1: As your tenure as Director of Studies comes to an end, what lessons have you learned about academic excellence and student development that you believe every OAU student should carry with them?

Abdul-Malik: One of the greatest lessons I’ve learnt about academic excellence is that there is no universal formula for success. You must discover what works best for you. Every student learns differently, and the moment you understand how you learn most effectively, you can maximise your potential. At the end of the day, your academic success rests largely in your own hands. Be intentional, be disciplined, and take responsibility for your growth.

When it comes to student development, my advice is simple: don’t be a loner. University is more than lectures and examinations; it’s also about the relationships you build. Create meaningful connections, invest in genuine friendships, and don’t isolate yourself. Be willing to serve others whenever you have the opportunity, because service has a way of opening doors you never expected. As the saying goes, once you serve, you will be served. The value you give to others often finds its way back to you in remarkable ways.

Q2: You’ve earned a reputation for academic depth, even being nicknamed “Wisdom” by your classmates. Beyond intelligence, what qualities do you think truly distinguish students who consistently excel from those who merely study hard?

Abdul-Malik: The nickname “Wisdom” didn’t come because I considered myself the smartest person in class. It came from something much simpler—I was given the name by a lecturer because of my curiosity. Whenever I didn’t understand something, I spoke up and asked questions. To me, there is no such thing as a stupid question. I’d rather ask and learn than remain silent and confused. In fact, there were times people laughed at me for asking questions, but I never allowed that to stop me. Looking back, that curiosity became one of my greatest strengths.

Over time, I also discovered a learning method that worked exceptionally well for me: teaching others. Before you can confidently teach a concept, you must first understand the why and the how behind it. That means reading early, reading consistently, and seeking true understanding instead of merely preparing for examinations. I’ve also learnt not to study when I’m mentally exhausted. I read when my mind is at its optimal level because that’s when I absorb and retain information best.

Teaching has always deepened my own understanding. Every time I explain a concept to someone else, I uncover new insights and reinforce what I’ve learnt. That’s why I often say I don’t just study to know—I study so I can teach.

Above all, every student should take time to discover what works best for them. Don’t allow peer pressure or even the volume of the syllabus to dictate how you learn. Success isn’t about copying someone else’s strategy; it’s about finding a method that suits you and committing to it with consistency and discipline.

Q3: Over the course of your leadership, you’ve interacted with students across different levels and academic abilities. Looking back, what are the most common mistakes you’ve observed students make, and what practical steps can they take to avoid them?

Abdul-Malik: Two mistakes stand out to me more than any others.

The first is not speaking up when they need help. Many students keep struggling in silence until it becomes too late. It’s possible to be hardworking and still not be making progress. If you’ve been putting in the effort but your results aren’t improving, don’t just keep doing the same thing and hope for a different outcome. Speak up. Talk to a friend, a senior, a lecturer, or someone who can guide you. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you’re committed to getting better.

The second mistake is trying to figure everything out alone. Some students believe they have to discover every strategy by themselves, but that’s an unnecessary and often frustrating path. There are people who have walked the journey before you, made mistakes, learnt valuable lessons, and are willing to share them. Ignoring that wealth of experience only makes the journey more difficult.

The solution is straightforward. Speak up early whenever you realise you need help. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed or until examinations are around the corner. The earlier you seek guidance, the easier it is to get back on track.

Also, intentionally reach out to your seniors. Don’t limit yourself to just one person because everyone has their own approach and unique insights. Talk to five or six seniors if you can. Learn from their different experiences, compare their methods, and then identify what works best for you. You don’t have to copy anyone completely, but you can learn something valuable from everyone. In the end, the goal is to build a system that fits your own strengths and helps you become a better student.

Q4: If you were designing a blueprint for a student determined to graduate with academic distinction, what daily, weekly, or semester-long habits would be non-negotiable in that blueprint?

Abdul-Malik: If I had to design a blueprint for academic distinction, there are three habits I would consider absolutely non-negotiable.

The first is building relationships with seniors. Never underestimate the value of learning from those who have successfully walked the path before you. Reach out to them, ask questions, seek advice, and learn from their experiences. Every senior has a different approach or “hack” that worked for them. Gather those insights, reflect on them, and adopt the ones that best suit your own learning style.

The second is having a consistent reading routine. Don’t read randomly—have a specific time dedicated to studying. For some people, that may be early in the morning; for others, it could be late at night. Personally, I believe you should study when your mind is at its optimal level. During demanding semesters, an overnight reading schedule might work well, while in less stressful periods, you can choose a more flexible routine. The important thing is consistency, not the time itself.

Finally, make teaching others a habit. One of the best ways to master a subject is to explain it to someone else. When you help people academically, it’s beneficial for both of you. They gain understanding, and your own knowledge becomes even stronger because teaching forces you to think more deeply, identify gaps in your understanding, and communicate concepts clearly. In my experience, teaching has always been one of the most effective forms of learning.

If you can consistently learn from others, maintain a disciplined reading routine, and intentionally teach what you know, you’ll be building habits that not only improve your grades but also develop you into a more confident and well-rounded scholar.

Q5: Imagine a student reads this interview five years from now. If you could leave them with one enduring piece of advice—something you hope they’ll remember whenever they face academic pressure or uncertainty—what would you want that message to be?

Abdul-Malik: My message is simple: believe in yourself. There is no such thing as an “average” student. Human potential is far greater than we often realise, and if you truly set your mind to achieving something, you can accomplish it. Never allow labels, past failures, or other people’s opinions to define what you’re capable of becoming.

Confidence is powerful. When you believe in your ability to learn, grow, and overcome challenges, you approach every obstacle with a different mindset. That confidence, combined with consistent effort, will take you much farther than you can imagine.

At the same time, remember that you don’t have to go through difficult moments alone. If it ever feels like nothing is working despite your best efforts, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out. Ask questions. Seek guidance from your friends, seniors, lecturers, or mentors. Sometimes, the breakthrough you’re looking for begins with a simple conversation.

Finally, I pray that Allah makes your journey easy, grants you beneficial knowledge, and blesses your efforts with success. No matter where you are today, keep moving forward—you are capable of achieving far more than you think.

Q6: People call you “Wisdom.” What’s the funniest or most memorable moment that nickname has led to?

Abdul-Malik: One moment I’ll never forget happened during a lecture. The lecturer was clearly upset and started asking questions row by row. When he got to my row, he surprisingly skipped me. Immediately, my coursemates shouted, “Sir, ask him!” Then the lecturer said, “He’s Wisdom!” The funny part was that I didn’t actually know the answer to that particular question.

Q7: Suppose you could have a one-hour study session with any scholar, scientist, or historical figure—living or dead. Who would you choose, and what would you ask them?

Abdul-Malik: I would choose Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Throughout his life, he endured immense trials, opposition, and hardship with remarkable patience, wisdom, and resilience. If I had the opportunity to spend an hour with him, I would ask:

“When life pushes us to our limits and frustration begins to overwhelm us, how do we remain patient, composed, and steadfast without losing ourselves?”

I believe the answer to that question would be a guide not only for academic life but for every challenge we face.

Q8: Would you rather lose your memories of the past or be unable to make new memories?

Abdul-Malik: I would choose to stop making new memories. My past has shaped who I am today. Every success, failure, lesson, and experience has contributed to my growth and helped build my character. I wouldn’t want to lose those experiences because they define my journey. While it would be difficult not to create new memories, I’d rather hold on to the ones that made me the person I am today.

Final Advice

Abdul-Malik: One piece of advice I’d love to leave with every student is this: be intentional about the people you surround yourself with. Make good friends, build meaningful relationships, and connect wisely. The company you keep has a profound influence on the person you become.

Be willing to serve others and make a positive difference in people’s lives. Service is never a one-way street. The impact you make in others eventually comes back to shape and enrich your own life. As you help others grow, you also grow yourself. Never underestimate the value of investing in people, because today’s follower can become tomorrow’s leader.

OAU is a challenging environment. It will stretch you, test your resilience, and at times make you question your abilities. But don’t allow OAU to change who you are—instead, let it build you into a stronger, wiser, and more resilient version of yourself.

Above all, never forget your roots. Remember where you came from, remember the values that define you, and always remember Allah. No matter how successful you become or how difficult the journey gets, hold firmly to your faith. It will remain your greatest source of strength and guidance.