Oluwafemi Sobowale, a first-class graduate from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, speaks to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about how he moved from attending public schools and working for five years as a teacher to overcoming financial challenges and graduating with a first-class degree in computer science
Can you take us back to your early years?
I’m a 27-year-old graduate from Abeokuta, Ogun State. My childhood was quite exciting, but rough and a bit tough for my parents. My parents are uneducated, and I’m sure everyone knows how difficult it is for poor people in this country.
My mum had always strived to meet our educational needs. She was very intentional about making sure that the factors that militated against her never had the upper hand over us. I faced basically every downside a child from a poor home is expected to face.
But I had the freedom of movement and could play football as much as I wanted within the neighbourhood.
I attended public primary and secondary schools, but I later got to live in Benin City while in SS2, where I attended a private school. The details behind the journey to Benin are a memorable one, and I’m grateful to everyone God used—and He is still using—for my uplifting.
Growing up, did you always envision yourself studying computer science, or was it a path you discovered later?
I would be lying if I said I wanted to study computer science at first. I had always wanted to be a civil engineer. I had written several compositions on civil engineering growing up. But it all changed after secondary school.
I wanted to further my education, but there was nobody to help. My parents did not have the funds, and my two younger siblings were still in school. So, I started teaching at a nursery and primary school to save for tertiary education.
I taught for five years. In the process, I felt a need to learn a vocational skill, and after a few considerations, I started learning how to repair computers and do software installations at a computer institute.
I got a Diploma in Computer Engineering from an institute. I will say my love for computing became big while I was at the institute.
It’s quite personal. Yes, I was brought up in the Christian faith, and the Church played a big role in my upbringing, but I was always determined to change my family’s financial situation.
My mum always says in Yoruba, ‘Iran meta o gbodo jiya,’ roughly translating to, ‘three generations must not suffer.’ The statement always gets to me, and it drives me daily to put in my best to change the story.
What made you choose the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, for your studies, especially given that it’s known more for agriculture?
Basically, I did my research, and I discovered that one of the best courses one could study in FUNAAB is computer science. The department has great lecturers and researchers who are doing really well in the field.
Of course, that stereotype is there. It is always good to ask questions and carry out findings when applying for UTME. The Department of Computer Science has become a standalone college known as the College of Computing.
Some of the courses being offered are Data Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Information Technology, etc. This is a feat that some of the popular conventional universities are yet to achieve.
So, this is me using this opportunity to tell everyone that FUNAAB isn’t all about agriculture. Other non-agricultural colleges are also doing great.
What unique academic culture or teaching approach at FUNAAB helped you excel?
The openness of our lecturers helped me to excel. We were not confined to a particular textbook or textbooks like they do in some universities. PDFs are free, and most lecturers give room for self-expression when answering exam questions.
When did you gain admission?
I gained admission into Yabatech in 2019. Having completed my National Diploma with distinction, I got direct entry into FUNAAB in 2022.
A first-class degree in computer science is no small feat; can you walk us through your daily study routine and the discipline that made it possible?
Honestly, I never had a rigid study routine. My teaching days had opened my eyes to the importance of previous knowledge, and I made it a habit never to attend a particular lecture without understanding the previous class.
I also ensured I started studying early and made sure I had covered most parts of my course materials before the usual ‘hectic’ lecture-free week.
How did you overcome moments of self-doubt or academic burnout?
That’s inevitable. I was always telling myself that I had tried and that I was doing well. My first result in FUNAAB was 3.50. I was shocked because I studied really hard. I wanted to start the journey with a very strong GPA, but what I got was something else.
Needless to say, what I saw as a poor performance became one of the best in the department at that time. It was that bad. I always kept my cool, played some cool gospel songs, and relaxed my brain at that time.
Many students struggle with distractions, peer pressure, and financial limitations. What were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you navigate them?
Peer pressure isn’t my thing. The only time it really got to me was before I gained admission. Most of my friends were in school, and some were already done, and I felt I was wasting away. I also don’t get easily distracted. I know how long I had waited to get into the university.
I wanted every moment to count. In football, I participated in a few competitions representing my level, department, and college. I am a lethal goal scorer. I was the highest goal scorer in one of the HOD’s Cup competitions, but I never allowed my participation in those events to hold me back.
For finances, God is faithful, and He was there for me. My mum and my siblings also assisted financially. I also got a few gigs as a web developer and made something little in Web3. I was able to pay my school fees and fend for myself.
Web3 is all about a decentralised internet, built on blockchain technology, where users control their data, identities, and transactions without relying on centralised intermediaries like big tech companies.
Unlike Web2, which is dominated by platforms controlling user data, Web3 aims for peer-to-peer interactions, powered by cryptocurrency, smart contracts, and decentralised apps (dApps). More like saying I made money from crypto.
Were there moments when you had to sacrifice your social life, hobbies, or comfort to maintain your grades?
Not really.
What role did mentorship, peer support, or networking play in your success?
I created a mini study group of about four of us. More friends were added in our final year. The group was really helpful. My friends thought I was the real deal when, in actual sense, it was a mutual feeling.
We pushed one another, and yeah, I’m forever grateful to God for the gift of good friends. I also stayed connected to my friends in Yabatech, especially the Distinction Elite Guys (a group we created consisting of those of us with distinction and some in upper credit).
Beyond academics, what practical skills in computer science did you master during your time in school?
I mastered web development, data science, and machine learning.
Did you work on any groundbreaking projects, research, or software that you’re particularly proud of?
Yes. I worked on a privacy preservation technique using anonymisation. It was an exciting project, particularly in this age where data is the real deal.
How do you see emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, or cloud computing shaping Nigeria’s tech future?
AI, blockchain, and cloud computing will play leading roles in Nigeria’s tech future by enhancing financial inclusion, improving healthcare and agriculture through data-driven solutions, and enabling scalable digital infrastructure.
AI will simplify the learning process, making life easier for tutors and learners. It will boost automation and innovation.
Blockchain will secure transactions and bring about public trust in digital systems, especially in the financial sector. Cloud computing will help us with cost-effective and scalable solutions.
How do you hope your academic excellence will inspire other Nigerian students, especially those in underfunded schools?
My story has been that of grass to grace. Saying I wasn’t born with a silver spoon is an understatement. With determination and discipline, we can do great things from a small place.
I just want us to focus more on the positive side of the Nigerian story. Dwelling too much on negativity won’t help anyone.
If you could change one thing about Nigeria’s higher education system, what would it be, and why?
Crowded and non-conducive lecture halls. It makes learning hellish and uninteresting. Sometimes, I get to pity my lecturers—the way they sweat it out. Things can and should get better.
What support did you get from your parents and siblings during your academic journey?
My father is late. He died in 2017. As for my mum, she has been supportive both spiritually and financially. My siblings were there for me when I needed emotional and psychological support.
When did you graduate?
I graduated in July 2025.
What was your CGPA?
I was at 4.40 before my final semester exam. I had a 5.0 GPA in my final result—something I never imagined, even in my wildest dreams. I finished with 4.51, which was my final CGPA.
How did you feel when you saw your results?
Euphoria! I can’t describe the feeling.
How do you plan to merge your academic brilliance with real-world problem-solving?
I plan to engage in projects that solve real human problems. I plan to research and contribute my quota in solving real-world problems using AI and technology generally.
If you weren’t studying computer science, what career path would you have pursued?
It would have been football or engineering.
What three habits should every student adopt if they want to excel academically?
They are time management, active learning, note-taking, and a consistent study routine.
Who was the single most influential lecturer or mentor you had, and why?
This is not an easy one to answer because I have several lecturers I admire so much. One of them is Mr. Ogundele; he was my class advisor at Yabatech. He played a pivotal role in my success while I was in that great citadel of learning. I must say that I did admire the then HOD of the Department of Computer Technology, Dr. Adetoba, for her teaching methods, composure, and knowledge.
Likewise, in FUNAAB, I have lecturers who were very intentional about students’ growth and academic success. I have got a couple of them who I see as shining lights. The list would be quite long if I chose to mention them.
In conclusion, I would say my pastor was the most influential figure growing up. Pastor Femi Bamigboye played a very crucial role in my life. The church was a second home for most of us. His teachings and insights were inspirational and motivating. He ensured that no one was left behind. I’ll say he was a huge factor in my success story.
What’s next for you?
That is one question that’s not very easy to answer because I have several things in mind. Well, I’m still working on solidifying my knowledge in Data Science and Machine Learning. I’m currently working on a few projects that will boost my standing and make my CV more attractive. I have my eyes on an M.Sc in Data Science and ML, but that greatly depends on funding.
I also want to go for service early, so I can start applying for some graduate training roles. In all, I want to become a voice in Data Science and AI in Nigeria. I’ll keep working to make that happen.
