Meet twenty-three-year-old Oluwasanmi Abigail Arowolo, the best graduating student of Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) 2018/2019, she won the best in eight courses out of 13 courses in the medical school; Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, haematology, pharmacology, paediatrics and O and G.
However, Abigail has broken the Lagos State University College of Medicine’s record of over 17 years by finishing with MBBS Honours from the MBBS programme..
Here is YossyInfo’s interview with Arowolo, have a vicarious read…
Can we meet you?
I am Arowolo Abigail Oluwasanmi, the 3rd of 4 children from Elder Abraham Arowolo’s house. I am 23 years old, a medical doctor. I like talking, reading, going out and meeting new people. I am single and a Lagosian from Ojo local government.
How was growing up like?
Growing up was fun. I am a very playful person. I played a lot as a child and had a very happy childhood. I had a lot of friends and my family to support me. I was a smart child who didn’t like trouble yet trouble followed me around, maybe because of my playfulness.. Lolz. But I was happy. I grew up with my parents and 3 siblings.
Briefly tell us about your educational and family background
I am from Arowolo family, my dad is a businessman and he is into politics, my mum is a lawyer and she lectures in LASU. I have 2 brothers and a sister.
I attended Kristobel Junior Academy for my nursery and primary education.
I attended Rose Valley High School for my secondary education and LASU for my tertiary education.
How easy was it gaining admission into LASU, was it your first choice of university?
Wow, it wasnt easy, that was the year that Lasu refused to take medical students who took LASU as a second choice. I had 241 in jamb, wrote GCE in SS2 and passed, WAEC in SS3 and passed.
So sat for the Post UTME, which I had a very high score, but I was given fisheries because I chose LASU as my second choice, then OAU was my first choice for microbiology, I was admitted but I didn’t go for it. So I had to wait for another year. I took jamb again and chose LASU as my first choice and got in with the merit list.
Did you ever imagine you would become the best graduating student in your set?
No, I didn’t. I was surprised when I was the overall best after my first professional exam in 300 level, it was very tough and we had a lot of people in my class that are very good. So I decided to try best and glory to God for the results I got.
Why did you choose to study Medicine?
I chose medicine because I always liked it. From a tender age I always wanted to be a doctor, to help people.
What were the challenges you encountered in making this feat of coming out the best?
Well, challenges, I won’t really call them challenges just some adjustments I had to make like reduction of sleep and watching of movies, reduction of playtime or outings.
How did you overcome them?
I made up my mind from the start to be a serious student and to be dedicated. So I was consistent with these from 100 level to 600 level.
What would be your advice to students, who also desire such academic excellence?
Be serious, get mentors and role model. Believe in yourself and in God.
Would you say the kind of friends you had also influenced your performance?
Yes, greatly. I had people with great minds as my friends.
Did you engage in extracurricular activities?
Yes I did, I was involved greatly in the fellowship that was on campus, was the one time academic secretary for the school for a year, I was also involved in the student body LASUMSA
How were you able to manage both academics and socials?
I planned well. Planning is key so as to allocate and use your time judiciously. I was able to make out time for socials and also my academics by planning.
(This article was originally published in 2019, now republished to celebrate Arowolo on her birthday, October 25, 2020).
