Academic Spotlight Interview With Ganiyat Olamide Lawal (AAT, ACA)

Behind every outstanding achievement is a story of hard work, perseverance, growth, and intentionality. For this edition of our Academic Spotlight Interview, we had the privilege of speaking with Ganiyat Olamide Lawal, a highly accomplished Part 4 Business Administration student whose excellence extends beyond the classroom. From earning prestigious academic recognitions to building professional and entrepreneurial experience, she shares the journey, lessons, and mindset that have contributed to her continuous success.

Ganiyat Olamide Lawal is an exceptional Part 4 student of Business Administration in the Faculty of Administration whose journey reflects excellence, resilience, and remarkable ambition. As a two-time recipient of the prestigious OAU Star Award and a beneficiary of the UNIFEMGA Scholarship, she has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance and an unwavering commitment to personal development.

What makes her story even more inspiring is her ability to combine academic excellence with impressive professional achievements at such a young stage in her career. She is both an Accounting Technician and a Chartered Accountant — milestones that reflect years of discipline, dedication, and hard work. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Ganiyat is also passionate about impacting others through tutoring while thriving as an entrepreneur in the perfume business. Her journey stands as a true testament to the power of consistency, determination, and purpose.

Having gotten a glimpse into her inspiring journey and achievements, let us now delve into the conversation as she shares the experiences, challenges, and principles that have shaped her path to success.

Interviewer: Many students admire your achievements today, but they may not know the sacrifices behind them. What were the hardest moments in your academic journey, and how did you overcome them without giving up?

Ans: My toughest moment was combining ICAN with school activities, as I had to prepare for multiple examinations simultaneously. I was writing exams back-to-back, which made the period very stressful and demanding for me.

What helped me overcome this challenge was the kind of people I surrounded myself with. I had serious-minded individuals around me who constantly motivated me to become better and strive for greater achievements. They encouraged me to keep improving, inspired me through their own standards of excellence, and pushed me not to give up despite the pressure. Having such people around me helped me remain determined and maintain excellence throughout that challenging period.

Interviewer: Being a multiple-time OAU Star Award recipient requires consistency, not just intelligence. What daily habits, systems, or routines helped you remain academically excellent over time?

Ans: The first thing is discipline. I constantly remind myself that I have to keep showing up and putting in effort at all times. I have trained myself never to give up, and I usually set deadlines for myself in order to achieve specific targets.

Whenever I notice that I am not doing well in a particular course or topic, I humble myself and learn from others. I never see myself as being better than anyone, and I believe there is always something to learn from people around me.

I am also not a big fan of tutorials, which further emphasizes the importance of understanding what works best for you as an individual.

Interviewer: University life comes with distractions, pressure, comparison, and sometimes spiritual decline. How were you able to balance academics, personal growth, and your relationship with Allah throughout your journey?

Ans: I prioritize my activities carefully. I also keep sticky notes where I write down my targets and tick them off whenever I achieve them. This helps me monitor my progress and makes accountability easier for me.

Whenever I want to study, I prefer reading close to the mosque so that I do not lose track of prayer times.

One important advice I would give to students is not to get overly involved in everything, especially things that are not important. Personally, I am involved in politics to a small extent, I run a business, and I also watch movies, but I always ensure that none of these activities negatively affect my academics. In addition, I do not compare myself with others. Anything that I know will bring unnecessary stress, I simply avoid it.

To Part 1 students especially, I would advise that they take their first year very seriously because it is extremely important and can greatly influence their academic journey.

Interviewer: What are some common mistakes you see students make academically in OAU, and what advice would you give someone who genuinely wants to stand out without burning out?

Ans: Overnight reading is not for everyone, so students should understand themselves and do what works best for them. If daytime reading is more effective for you, there is no need to force yourself to study at night simply because others are doing so. Students should also avoid late preparation for tests and examinations, as it often does not end well. Procrastination should be avoided as much as possible; students should cultivate the habit of reading when necessary and doing the right things at the appropriate time.

Another important factor is surrounding yourself with people who positively inspire your growth and development. For instance, someone motivated me to pursue ICAN. One of the greatest blessings I have received on this campus is the gift of good people, which is why students should choose their friends wisely.

Lastly, students should always remember to pray, rest properly, and eat well, as all these contribute greatly to both academic success and personal well-being.

Interviewer: If you could speak to your 100-level self again, knowing everything you know now, what would you say about success, purpose, friendships, and making the most of university life?

Ans: I made a lot of friends during my Part 1 year, so I had many memorable moments and experiences. If there is anything I would tell my younger self, it would be: “Keep showing up and keep believing in yourself, because the future belongs to those who never give up.”

Interviewer: What is one thing people assume about top students that is completely false?

Ans: People often assume that I read every day, but that is not entirely true.

Interviewer: Do top students engage in other things aside from academics?

Ans: Yes, life is not all about reading books. I engage in a lot of other activities as well. I volunteer, and work as a tutor. Interestingly, I also enjoy watching movies and usually keep up with the latest releases. However, during examination periods, I temporarily put these activities on hold to focus on my academics.

Interviewer: Interviewer: As we bring this enlightening conversation to a close, what final words of advice would you like to share with students who aspire to achieve excellence academically while also pursuing growth in other areas of life?

Final Advice: My final advice to everyone is to always remember that your current situation is not your final destination. Do not allow your present challenges to define your future. Believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams or aspirations. Winners never quit, and it is never over until it is truly over.

Brought to you by the Academic Spotlight Team