Deborah Iwalola Johnson-Opeseitan made history at UNILAG by graduating with a perfect 5.0 CGPA in Zoology, a first in the department’s 61-year history.
She shared her inspiring journey and insights in an interview with The Sun Nigeria. Graduating with a perfect 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average, CGPA, in Zoology, she is the first student in the department’s six-decade history to attain such an exceptional result.
Johnson-Opeseitan, a Principal Research Officer at the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, NBRDA, was recently recognized for her achievement by the agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha. He praised her success and encouraged her to continue pursuing impactful research to contribute to national development.
“I would like to congratulate one of us, Deborah Johnson-Opeseitan, who completed her master’s program in Natural Resources Conservation at the University of Lagos with a CGPA of 5.0. This accomplishment is commendable,” Prof. Mustapha said, urging her to apply her knowledge to drive innovation at NBRDA.
A Journey rooted in determination
Deborah’s academic journey began at Love Foundation Nursery and Primary School in Ibadan, where she served as head girl. She later attended St. Louis Girls’ Grammar School, Mokola, before enrolling at the University of Ibadan in 2004 to study Botany.
Though her parents hoped she would pursue Medicine, a lower JAMB score led her to study Botany instead. There, she developed a passion for plant taxonomy and ethnobotany, a foundation that would shape her future academic endeavors.
In 2009, she completed her National Youth Service Corps and later enrolled in a master’s program in Public Health at the University of Ibadan, excelling with a PhD-grade performance. However, family commitments led her to put her academic pursuits on hold.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 provided Deborah the opportunity to focus on her education once more. In 2021, during an extended ASUU strike, she began her second master’s degree in Natural Resources Conservation at UNILAG, determined to excel. She shared her journey in a recent interview with The Sun Nigeria.
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Achieving excellence amidst challenges
For Deborah, the decision to aim for a perfect score came early. “My goal at UNILAG was simple—to finish with a PhD-grade CGPA so I could proceed straight to a PhD without needing an M.Phil.,” she shared in her interview with The Sun Nigeria. As the semester progressed, Deborah’s dedication bore fruit, and she soon realized that a perfect CGPA was within her reach.
Despite the challenges of balancing coursework, a full-time job, and family responsibilities, Deborah found support from her husband and work colleagues. “There were days when house chores had to wait, but my supportive husband and understanding boss made everything more manageable,” she said.
Contribution to conservation
Deborah’s MSc thesis on the distribution and ecology of Sclerophrys species examined threats to biodiversity and proposed strategies for their conservation. Her work is critical in highlighting the importance of sustainable practices to prevent the extinction of these species.
Reflecting on the difficulties of her academic journey, Deborah admitted that there were moments when she contemplated abandoning the program, particularly when grappling with the complexities of statistics and the demands of family life. However, her perseverance and the support of loved ones kept her on track.
A different campus experience
Deborah also noted the contrast between her undergraduate and postgraduate campus experiences. “At the University of Ibadan, I was single and had more time to socialize. At UNILAG, I was always focused on balancing my academic commitments with my responsibilities at home,” she explained.
Advice for future scholars
For those aspiring to pursue postgraduate studies, Deborah emphasized the importance of diligence and discipline. “The master’s program at UNILAG is challenging. You must attend seminars, submit assignments on time, and surround yourself with like-minded individuals,” she advised.
Grateful for the guidance she received from her lecturers, Deborah expressed her appreciation for their mentorship in shaping her into a responsible natural resource conservationist.
Lastly, Deborah Iwalola Johnson-Opeseitan is married to Oladipupo Johnson-Opeseitan and they have two children. She hails from Oka-Akoko, Ondo State.
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