Date: 2016-08-07

The 2016 overall best student of Landmark University (LMU), Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Oyetunji Olumuyiwa Oyeleke, says placing premium on his studies right from the blast of the whistle, and adopting a "smart work" approach to all he did, were some of the factors that facilitated his success.

The 21-year-old, who topped the chart with a breathtaking Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.90, in his valedictorian speech at the convocation, said, "Instead of hard work, which is your will power, students should also adopt smart work... the thinking power approach, which enables one to record great achievements with ease." He also pointed out the need to draw a line between learning, leisure, self-development and other such activities, so as to achieve a balance in the overall scheme of things.

He said, "Smart work, instead of the usual hard work is what one needs to get to the top. Most students think it's only when examination approaches that reading should commence. For me, everything I read, I make efforts to understand immediately, so that whenever the lecturer asks any question, I will respond smartly. So, overall, I don't read to pass examination; I read to understand, and my preparation starts from the very first day the semester kicks off. I do not wait until a test or examination is approaching." He also stressed the need for undergraduates to have role models as this has a way of inspiring one, saying, "My Dad remains one of my inspirations because despite his enormous responsibility, he still combines pastoral and professional works in a stress-free manner. The great author, John Maxwell is another because of the manner in which he explores human mind in his books.

"The third is Bishop David Oyedepo, who has a vision and runs with it in a country where almost everything is synonymous with corruption and failure. I always choose excellence in everything I do ... I never in my mind prayed, 'God I want to be the best graduating student,' but my performance hurled me to the top." Although the institution has held two previous convocations, this is the first time the Department of Mechanical Engineering is producing the valedictorian, a development the head of department, Prof. Christen Okechukwu Osueke, said it is hard to come by.

"I'm happy because this is coming from us. Oyeleke has a vision. He is very inquisitive and unassuming. He knows why he's here. You can either find him in the library or laboratory. It's pretty difficult emerging top in mechanical engineering. Here, we deal with practicals, and our job borders on calculation and simulation. You don't read books in mechanical engineering why lying in your bed. Besides, the workload is enormous." Vice-chancellor of the school, Professor Aize Obayan, urged the new graduates to break new grounds in the world through the various skills imparted in them as students.