Every week, we shine the spotlight on exceptional students whose journeys inspire excellence, resilience, and impact. Through their stories, we uncover the lessons, challenges, and experiences that have shaped their success, providing valuable insights for students striving to make the most of their academic journey.
This week’s spotlight features a remarkable student leader, researcher, debater, poet, and advocate whose story reminds us that success is not always about where you begin, but how determined you are to make the most of every opportunity.
Meet Khadijat Sunmola.
Khadijat Sunmola is a Part V student in the Department of Soil Science and Land Resource Management, Faculty of Agriculture.
She’s a Spoken Word Poet, a Social Impact Advocate, and a Debater.
She received a Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research. She was the 1st Runner-up in a debate competition in 2020 and the 1st Runner-up in the Yinka Odumakin Debate Competition. She was also recognized among the 50 Most Outstanding Great Women for two consecutive years.
She was the President of the Soil Science Students’ Association in 2024 and also served as a Co-Campus Director for a Millennium Fellowship in 2023. She has been honoured to perform both nationally and internationally.
She is also a recipient of the OAU Star Award.
Now that you’ve met our Spotlight Personality of the Week, let’s dive into a conversation with her as she shares insights from her academic journey, leadership experiences, personal growth, and the lessons that have guided her path to excellence.
Q1. Looking back on your academic journey, what would you say has been the biggest contributor to your success?
Khadijat Sunmola: I’d say Almighty Allah, then my father has been the biggest contributor to my success. I had always wanted to study Medical Rehabilitation, but I was transferred to Soil Science. At first, I was discouraged and even considered rejecting the admission. However, my dad told me, “Khadijat, you are outstanding; you will stand out in this field.” I trusted his advice and decided to give it my best.
Over time, I realized that success is not always about where you start but how much value you are willing to create wherever you find yourself. I began to embrace my discipline, explore opportunities within it, and develop genuine interest in research and agricultural development.
Another major contributor has been my doggedness and hard work. I read a lot because I know where I am going. I remain focused on my goals, and even when things become difficult, I keep pushing. I have also been blessed with mentors, supportive friends, and opportunities that challenged me to grow beyond my comfort zone.
Q2. What challenges have you faced in your academic journey, and how did you overcome them?
Khadijat Sunmola: One of my biggest challenges has been balancing academics with leadership responsibilities and extracurricular engagements.
As a student leader, debater, spoken word poet, and social impact advocate, there were periods when multiple responsibilities demanded my attention simultaneously. Managing projects, attending meetings, preparing for competitions, and still maintaining strong academic performance was not always easy.
I overcame this challenge through effective time management, proper planning, and setting clear priorities. I learned how to maximize my productive hours, avoid procrastination, and stay organized. Most importantly, I constantly reminded myself that excellence is not about choosing one area over another but learning how to give your best in all areas without compromising your values or goals.
Q3. What study habits, routines, or strategies have helped you maintain academic excellence?
Khadijat Sunmola: I’d say the first thing is knowing yourself. I understand how I learn best. For example, I am not a nocturnal person, so I do not force myself to read at night. Instead, I maximize my daytime hours because that is when I am most productive.
Secondly, I attend classes consistently. I do not miss classes except when absolutely necessary because lectures often provide clarity that textbooks alone may not give.
I also make use of personal notes, revise regularly instead of waiting until examinations approach, and ensure that I understand concepts rather than merely memorizing them.
Lastly, I surround myself with like-minded people. Being around individuals who are focused, ambitious, and growth-oriented helps me stay motivated and accountable.
Q4. Beyond academics, what skills or experiences have had the greatest impact on your personal and professional development?
Khadijat Sunmola: Leadership, spoken word poetry, and debating have had the greatest impact on my development.
Leadership taught me responsibility, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and how to make decisions under pressure. Serving as President of my department exposed me to different challenges and helped me develop confidence and resilience.
Debating sharpened my critical thinking, public speaking, research, and communication skills. It taught me how to analyze issues from different perspectives and confidently express my ideas.
Spoken word poetry gave me a platform to use my voice for advocacy, social impact, and storytelling. Through poetry, I have been able to inspire people, address societal issues, and connect with diverse audiences both locally and internationally.
These experiences have shaped me into a more confident, versatile, and purpose-driven individual.
Q5. If you had the opportunity to advise younger students aspiring to excel academically, what three pieces of advice would you give them?
Khadijat Sunmola:
- Develop genuine passion for your course of study. It becomes easier to excel when you intentionally seek knowledge rather than merely study to pass examinations.
- Think about what you can contribute to your field. Do not focus only on obtaining a degree; focus on developing solutions, ideas, and innovations that can create impact.
- Think about the opportunities your field offers. Every discipline has value and possibilities. Explore them, build relevant skills, and position yourself for growth.
Additionally, I would encourage students not to limit themselves to academics alone. Build leadership capacity, communication skills, and meaningful networks because success is often a combination of knowledge, character, and relationships.
Rapid Fire Questions
One word that best describes your academic journey?
Khadijat Sunmola: Adventurous.
What is one book, quote, or lesson that has significantly influenced your life?
Khadijat Sunmola: One lesson that has significantly influenced my life is that where you start does not determine where you will finish. Sometimes life may not go according to our plans, but excellence is still possible when we embrace opportunities, remain resilient, and continue to give our best. That lesson helped me turn what initially seemed like a disappointment into a journey filled with purpose, impact, and growth.
Khadijat’s journey is a powerful reminder that setbacks can become stepping stones, and that excellence is often the result of resilience, intentional growth, and a willingness to embrace opportunities. From leadership and research to debating and spoken word poetry, she continues to demonstrate that students can thrive academically while creating meaningful impact beyond the classroom.
What a wonderful experience
I really learnt alot