A young Nigerian lady , Adeola Olubamiji , whose story is that of the proverbial grass – to – grace has not only done herself proud by earning a PhD in Biomedical Engineering , her story is an encouragement that where there is a will, there is a way .
Read her moving tribute on her graduation day :
“ As the fifth child of five, I always had to wait for my turn. I was the last , a girl child and raised by a mother who is a farmer and a father who has little .
“ I hawked pepper on the streets of Ibadan as early as age 10 to help my mum. Went to public primary and secondary schools in Ibadan . Attended OOU and studied Physics .
“ Because I had a 2 . 1 , it opened the door for me to proceed to Finland for a Master ’ s Degree in Biomedical Engineering . During this Master ’ s degree, I worked part- time as a cleaner and did this after my Master ’ s as well .
“ Out of determination , I applied to over 100 schools for my PhD and finally got a full three- year scholarship (later extended to four years ) at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada , to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering .
“ While in that PhD programme , I worked part- time as a makeup artist , teaching assistant , braided hair and fixed weaves to make extra money.
“ Today , I walked the stage as the first black person to bag a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada !
“ I walked this stage for you Mama Africa and for my Motherland Nigeria ! I walked the stage for all of you Black women disrespected and looked down on !
“ I walked for all of you from my ghetto hood , Mokola , Ibadan . I walked for all OSU students and ex – students that got that look from people who think we are not brilliant !
“ I walked for all of you Africans in Finland wondering what is next for you !!
“ Specially , I walked for you my parents , siblings and extended family in fulfilment of your dreams !
“ Specially , I walked the stage for you my late sister Omoleye Olubamiji ; and my late mentor Ayodele Olatunbosun.
“ Today , I walked for my future husband and my unborn children who patiently waited for me to fulfil my dreams so that he can have a wife he will be proud of and they can have a role model to look up to .
“ I walked for all immigrants and all young adults who strived everyday chasing their dreams !
“ I walked in celebration of the unfailing love of my first and one truly true love , Jesus Christ , ( in you I walk , in you I live , and in you I have had and will continue to have my being )!
“ Be bold, be innovative , be different, be you , be everything you want to be ; but remember to put God first !.
“ Let no man , upbringing , money , circumstance , colourism , past mistakes, institution , company , partner , background, let nothing tell you ‘ you can’ t do it. ’
“ Go smart ! Go hard !! Go for Gold !!! Go with God !!! Just Get Going!!!!! # Grad 2017 # PhDConvocation # UofS ”
