By Oritsejolomisan Edun
The Faculty of Arts commenced its week-long programme on Monday, 22 June 2026, with activities culminating in a conference and award ceremony held on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.
The event, tagged Artisphere 2026 and themed ‘Media, Technology and Leadership: Advancing Democratic Accountability in the Digital Age,’ brought together academics, media professionals, public officials, and students to discuss the role of digital tools and civic participation in strengthening democratic accountability.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to the most outstanding students across departments based on academic performance and cumulative grade point average (CGPA).
Among the award recipients were four students from the Department of English: Abiola Oyindamola (Part 4), Edun Oritsejolomisan (Part 3), Azeez Azeezat (Part 2), and Aworeni Oluwabusayomi (Part 2).
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH CELEBRATES OUTSTANDING STUDENTS
In a release issued by the National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies (NASELS) executives on Wednesday, 25 June, the award recipients were formally congratulated and celebrated. The department also recognised two additional students for their outstanding academic performance in the 2024/2025 academic session.
Recognised students include:
• Abiola Oyindamola (Part 4, EGL)
• Akinola Glory (Part 4, LIT)
• Edun Oritsejolomisan (Part 3, EGL)
• Nasiru Amidat (Part 3, LIT)
• Azeez Azeezat (Part 2)
• Aworeni Oluwabusayomi (Part 2)
‘We commend the exceptional qualities of discipline and academic competence that distinguish them on this special day,’ the release read.
The release further expressed hope that the awardees would inspire other students to deepen their academic discipline and commitment to excellence.
TWO AWARDEES’ SPEAK
Speaking with NCB, Abiola Oyindamola, the Part 4 recipient, described her initial reaction to receiving the award.
‘I was shocked. I didn’t know my academic record was good enough to the point of being awarded the best, especially since I do so many other things on the side. The shock eventually turned to excitement and pride.’
Azeez Azeezat, one of the Part 2 award recipients, expressed a similar sentiment.
‘When I learnt I was receiving the award, I was shocked and confused because I believed there were others who deserved it more than I did, but it is what it is.’
Reflecting on what contributed to her success, Oyindamola emphasised the importance of understanding personal learning patterns.
‘One decision I’m glad I made early enough was not following the majority. If I had, there’s no way this interview would be happening. I figured out my study style, cried to God sometimes, and set my priorities right.’
For Azeezat, sustained interest played an important role.
‘I’d say my interest and the fact that, in all I do, I always circle back to my studies because it’s the one thing I know how to do best.’
Oyindamola also reflected on difficult periods in her academic journey.
‘I wonder sometimes how I made it through Part 3, but here we are. That was basically my “when there’s life, there’s hope” era.’
When asked what advice she had for fellow English students, she encouraged consistent lecture attendance.
‘This may sound very cliche since almost everyone says it, but that’s just because it’s true. Attend classes. You have no idea how many things lecturers say in passing that actually help in the long run,’ Oyindamola said.
Azeezat advised students to understand themselves and adopt systems that work for them. ‘Not everyone is built the same. You can be the best without losing yourself in the process,’ she advised.
The conference and award ceremony not only celebrated academic excellence but also encouraged students to remain committed to growth, discipline, and continuous improvement.
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