How I Broke FUTA’s Academic Record with 4.98 CGPA – Varsity Best Graduate, Akindunbi

Sideeq Oyeniyi

Aduragbemi Akindunbi, a 25-year-old Civil Engineering graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, has etched his name in the institution’s history after graduating as the overall best student of the 2024 set with a record-breaking CGPA of 4.98.

In an interview with The Punch, Akindunbi explained that his choice of Civil Engineering was driven by his passion for infrastructure development. Beyond academics, he enjoys watching football and working as a video editor, creating digital content in his spare time.

Reflecting on the moment he saw his final CGPA, Akindunbi said the achievement was a culmination of years of consistent effort. According to him, his academic journey was built steadily from his 100-level, making the final result a fulfilment of a long-term goal rooted in discipline, dedication, and strategic learning.

He confirmed that his CGPA is the highest ever recorded in FUTA’s history, surpassing the previous record of 4.96. Although he was officially honoured as the overall best graduating student during the convocation ceremony, he noted that the recognition went beyond awards, as his achievement was publicly acknowledged at the event.

Akindunbi traced his drive for excellence to his early education at Divine Favour Nursery and Primary School and Oyemekun Grammar School, both in Akure. While he was not always the outright best student, he consistently positioned himself among the top performers. This mindset, he said, shaped his approach throughout his undergraduate years.

After gaining admission a year later than planned, Akindunbi sought mentorship and guidance from senior colleagues, particularly one who inspired him academically during his first year. His strong start — a 4.95 GPA in his first semester — convinced him that greater heights were achievable with more focus and improved strategies. He also benefited from a supportive academic circle where ideas and study techniques were shared.

Despite excelling, he said competition was never his primary motivation. Instead, he described his department as a community of high achievers who pushed one another positively. Although several classmates recorded perfect GPAs at different points, he remained focused on steady improvement rather than rivalry.

His academic journey, however, was not without challenges. Akindunbi recounted facing serious financial difficulties, health issues during examination periods, and emotional stress following the theft and malfunction of his phones shortly before exams. He also battled physical pain from a tooth problem and a skin infection during critical academic periods. In spite of these setbacks, he remained determined not to lose focus.

On the financial front, he revealed that he delayed sitting for UTME initially due to limited family resources, as several of his siblings were already in school. He worked as a primary school teacher before eventually receiving support from a benefactor who encouraged him to apply for UTME and assisted with key university expenses after his admission. His parents also contributed as much as they could.

As he progressed, scholarships eased his burden. He benefitted from the MTN Foundation Scholarship, Chevron Scholarship, and a Federal Government SSB Scholarship. These opportunities, he said, also enabled him to develop skills in video editing during his undergraduate years.

Akindunbi admitted that he experienced moments of disappointment, particularly in his 400-level when a ‘B’ grade caused his CGPA to drop from 4.99 to 4.97. Although the grade was not poor, it fell short of his expectations and attracted public attention due to his reputation. That period, he said, taught him valuable lessons about resilience, consistency, and learning to recover from unexpected setbacks.

Despite the pressure of being seen as a role model, he continued mentoring younger students and contributing to academic life on campus. He eventually rebounded with a perfect 5.0 GPA in the following semester, raising his CGPA to the historic 4.98.

Looking back, Akindunbi believes consistency was the most important decision that shaped his FUTA experience. He hopes his story will inspire students who feel limited by their background or circumstances, encouraging them to strive for excellence regardless of challenges.

He added that receiving messages from newly admitted students seeking guidance has been one of the most fulfilling outcomes of his achievement, reinforcing his belief that his journey can motivate others to pursue academic success.

Source: Adapted from an interview published by The Punch newspaper, written by Ayoola Olasupo