*Can we meet you?* Certainly. My name is Shakirah Adewole, officially ADEWOLE SHAKIRAH ADEBOLA. I'm a visibly Muslim woman, and I recently graduated with a First Class degree from the Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University. *How do you feel bagging first-class degree in the Department of English after 8 years (when it was last recorded)?* The timeline of 8 years is not quite accurate. After the 2017 record breakers, there have been three students who graduated with First Class honours between 2018 and 2020. However, since 2020, there hasn't been another record of a First Class, so it has been four years since the department last had one. As to how I feel: my response to this achievement is a twinge of relief engulfed in waves of gratitude. I'm relieved that there's an evident result for my exertions. Beyond all, I'm entirely thankful for my Lord's Graciousness. I'm grateful to Allāh for magnifying my efforts, for aiding me and for buoying me wit...
IF OTHER DEPARTMENTS CAN PRODUCE TOP STUDENTS, WHY NOT ENGLISH?- ZAINAB ATOYEBI, FIRST CLASS GRADUATE OF DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, OAU
*Can we meet you?* •I am Adéwùmí Zainab Atóyèbí. I recently graduated from the Department of English with a First Class degree (Honours)and the privilege of being the best graduating student of the department. *How do you feel bagging first-class degree in the Department of English since the last time it was recorded?* • I feel very joyful and grateful to God who enabled me and gave me the privilege to have achieved such a feat. While I was diligent with my studies, it is entirely by the grace and favour of God that I graduated well, and I am sincerely grateful for it. *What challenges did you encounter?* • The Department of English is undeniably challenging on its own, especially considering its past records. Personally, I faced health, accomodation and financial challenges, as well as the disappointment of having grades below my expectations. Every of such situations, especially when I first had C's in 300 level, was so discouraging and demoralising, but upon all that, I still g...