Lawal Ayilara, a graduate of Project Management Technology at Lagos State University, has revealed that sleepless nights, discipline, teamwork and determination helped him graduate with a first-class degree and a CGPA of 4.97.
Ayilara, who emerged as one of LASU’s best graduating students for the 2025 academic session, said his academic journey was not always smooth. He failed English Language several times before eventually passing after three sittings.
He said his father, a retired civil servant, strongly encouraged him to remain committed to education despite the setbacks. During the period, Ayilara also learned graphic design and computer skills while preparing to return to school.
Although he initially wanted to study Mechanical Engineering, LASU offered him admission to study Project Management Technology. He said he was initially disappointed and even cried after receiving the admission offer, but his family encouraged him to accept it.
According to him, a professor in his department later inspired him to aim for a first-class degree. The lecturer told students that no graduate from the department had achieved a first class since its establishment and offered ₦200,000 to the first student who achieved the feat.
Ayilara said this challenge motivated him and his friends to work harder. They formed study groups, made friends across departments and helped one another understand difficult courses.
He revealed that his preparation for examinations often involved studying late into the night. About a month before examinations, he and his colleagues gradually increased their study hours until they could read for as many as six hours at night.
“Sometimes, we read from 10pm to 4am and had a brief sleep before praying at 5am,” he said.
Ayilara described sleep as the biggest sacrifice he made during his university years, saying he sometimes slept for only three or four hours before returning to school.
Beyond academics, he also participated in the Millennium Fellowship and initiated an environmental project known as Greener Lagos, aimed at improving cleanliness around his school environment.
He said his parents, friends and lecturers also played important roles in helping him remain focused throughout his university education.
Reflecting on receiving a monetary prize from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ayilara said he was particularly happy because of the sacrifices his parents had made to support his education.
He added that he intended to give the prize money to his parents in appreciation of their support.
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