Ayodeji Akinsanya, a 24-year-old Mathematics graduate from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, recently emerged as the overall best student with an impressive CGPA of 4.97. In this engaging conversation with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, he shares the inspiration behind his mathematical journey, recounting the challenges he faced and how his father’s dedication to education ignited his passion for mathematics, ultimately paving the way for his academic triumph

Congratulations on your success! How did you feel when you were announced as the best-graduating student?

I was extremely happy. It was a great experience, especially receiving a standing ovation from the vice-chancellor. It was overwhelming.

What year did you gain admission?

I was admitted to the University of Ilorin in 2019 and graduated in 2024.

What inspired you to study mathematics?

When I was five years old, my dad lost his job. At some point, he couldn’t afford to pay our school fees, so we stopped going to school. He had studied statistics and understood the importance of a solid Mathematics background. Since he couldn’t afford formal schooling, he taught us at home, focusing primarily on mathematics, which was his strength. While teaching us, I quickly grasped the concepts. He introduced us to factorials, permutations, and combinations, demonstrating how to use them for complex calculations in a simple way.

It fascinated me that these intricate problems could be simplified and solved. From that point on, I fell in love with Mathematics. In primary and secondary school, I consistently excelled in Mathematics, scoring above 90. This strong performance drove me to pursue a degree in Mathematics.

Could you explain that process?

We were taught how to arrange things and solve complex problems, and I realised that these difficult concepts could actually be calculated and simplified. From that moment, I fell in love with Mathematics. In both primary and secondary school, I consistently excelled in Mathematics, scoring above 90 per cent. This passion drove me to pursue a degree in Mathematics.

How would you describe the influence of your father’s tutoring during the time you couldn’t attend school?

He had a great influence on my life, and I’m really grateful for that because he simplified complex topics, making them accessible.

How did your parents react to your achievement of graduating with a first-class degree?

They were excited! My dad graduated from the University of Ilorin with a CGPA of over four points. He always reminded us of that, urging us to do better than him. So, coming home with a first-class degree and an award felt really good. I was very happy, and my brother also nearly graduated with a first-class. He had a CGPA of 4.44 from the same university. So they all felt proud of me. I am the second child, and I have three siblings.

He had a great influence on my life, and I’m really grateful for that because he simplified complex topics, making them accessible.

How did your parents react to your achievement of graduating with a first-class degree?

They were excited! My dad graduated from the University of Ilorin with a CGPA of over four points. He always reminded us of that, urging us to do better than him. So, coming home with a first-class degree and an award felt really good. I was very happy, and my brother also nearly graduated with a first-class. He had a CGPA of 4.44 from the same university. So they all felt proud of me. I am the second child, and I have three siblings.