A determined Nigerian lady named Halleluyah Kola-Adebayo, has overcome a series of setbacks to graduate with a first-class degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Nigeria.
She earned the degree with a remarkable 4.61 cumulative grade point average over 5.00. From the very beginning, Halleluyah had her heart set on studying Medicine.
She wrote JAMB and applied to study it three times in different universities, but was denied admission each time. When she finally got accepted to FUTA, it was not for Medicine, it was for Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology.
She admitted that the disappointment hit her hard, and she cried. The course felt far from her dream, and accepting the offer did not come with any joy.
She recalled how her mom gently asked if she was ready to take the offer, and how her dad tried to encourage her by saying she could work anywhere, but at that point, she was not convinced, but was left with no option the admission.
At the beginning of her academic journey, she did not like to mention her department to others. She preferred to say “Aquaculture” rather than “Fisheries,” often trying to avoid the teasing that came from friends and classmates who did not understand the course.
” Instead, I’d just say, “Aquaculture.” My friends from other departments teased me endlessly, asking, “What exactly do you guys learn? Eja Fish? After graduation, where will you work?” she said.
Things began to change when she saw her first-semester results in the 100 level. With a CGPA of 4.39, she began to see the possibility of making something great out of her situation.
A friend encouraged her to join a voluntary organization that would help her develop both personally and professionally. She joined Enactus FUTA, and that decision became a turning point in her life.
But the journey was not without tough moments. At the 400 level, she had a drop in performance, and her GPA that semester was her lowest ever. That same night, Nigeria lost to Ivory Coast at the AFCON, and she admitted that the tears flowed even harder.
Still, she did let that moment break her spirit. Instead, she leaned into the support of mentors who guided and encouraged her through it.
Now, as she looks back, she’s filled with gratitude. She did not just graduate with a first-class degree—she emerged as the best student in her department and made significant strides in research and leadership.
Halleluyah credits her success to her mentors, lecturers, and friends who stood by her through the highs and lows.
Passionate about exploring the world of aquaculture and molecular biology, Halleluyah actively seeking opportunities to further her studies or grow in professional spaces tied to these fields.
