February 17, 2025

Unilagsun

Serving the university community

Mass Communication Graduates 18 All-Female First-Class Students

Art by Jacinta

By Blessing Famose

For the first time in its 59-year history, the Department of Mass Communication celebrates an extraordinary academic achievement, with 18 female students graduating with first-class honours. These exceptional ladies have shared their experiences, achievements, challenges, and strategies to balance their academic pursuits with other commitments.

Igbinlade Temiloluwa ( Broadcaster, Writer, Social Media Content Strategist, Convener- The Christian Street Carnival, Host- The Safe Space Podcast)

Temiloluwa Igbinlade: I faced many challenges from the transition of exam typology in my secondary level to coming to terms with the fact that it took more than reading to pass, the various commitments and balance needed, or the gaps in the schooling year.

Nevertheless, I am most grateful to God for the wisdom it took to overcome them all. My major spotlight was in my third year when I struggled to comprehend and entered exam halls with a blank mind one too many times, but became aware of His Excellent Spirit and it was the beginning of my best exams testimonies.

An achievement I am most proud of was finding and walking with God. I came to school with the mindset to “fit in” but left with my feet somewhat steadied in God. I’m also grateful for the service that taught and grilled me. Other major achievements were writing a screenplay that was chosen for coursework production, and working with the BBC on Asuu strike reporting with a student eye, working with a production company during my internship that produced for channels TV, and many other industry expertise and experiences my course of study helped me have.

Striking a balance between academic and personal life proved somewhat difficult as someone who gets easily overwhelmed. Rather than fill up my space with hundreds of things, I try to tackle one thing at a time, based on a scale of preference or based on priority at that moment.

Faith Enang (Two-time Managing Editor and One-time Editor in Chief of UnilagSun, PR/FinTech enthusiast)

Faith Enang: Studying Mass Communication at the University of Lagos was a blessing. Not only because of the school or course but because of the people with whom my path crossed.

However, my six years were not without its challenges. One of which was deciding what sequence I wanted to major in. I tested the waters before settling for print where my strength lies.

My greatest achievement? That must be the opportunity to serve. I’m glad I was able to serve the university community through Unilag Sun and the body of Christ through RCF & PSF Unilag.

The hours spent at all these associations shaped my life view and holding leadership positions there helped me develop invaluable skills. For that, I am grateful.

To be honest with you, I never struck a balance throughout my years on this campus. I understood seasons so I prayed, planned, showed up, and worked hard as God gave me strength. Alas, it all ended in praise.

Chelsea Jegede (Founder Selfless Hearts Foundation, Chelempire, Media & Comms, Data Analyst)

Chelsea Jegede: The journey had its challenges, but I saw each one as an opportunity to shine even brighter. I’ve always believed that the path to greatness is never the smoothest or most convenient but with Christ in me, I approached every obstacle knowing I would win. There were moments when things felt overwhelming, But over time, I learned to handle challenges one at a time.

I’m incredibly proud of all I achieved during my time at Unilag. I successfully balanced my academics with running a thriving makeup business, building my career, running an NGO, serving as a student executive, and actively participating in ministry—all while maintaining a balanced social life. It was hard work, but I knew “I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

Balancing everything required me to prioritise effectively and lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance. I learned how to manage my time, set clear goals, and approach each responsibility intentionally. It was a lot of work, but I stayed committed to succeeding in everything I took on. Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for the journey, the lessons, and the strength that carried me through.

Daramola Eniola Esther (Brand & Marketing Strategist, Growth Manager)

Daramola Eniola: One major challenge was balancing my responsibilities as a student leader alongside other commitments. I served in various capacities throughout and eventually emerged as MCSA’s General Secretary in my final year. Balancing these roles with my academics was especially demanding, as I also held a full-time job and had church assignments to fulfil.

I have several achievements that I am particularly proud of. One was earning a perfect 5.0 GPA during the first semester of my 400 level. I was also honoured as the PRAD Student of the Year. Another achievement worth mentioning is that I mentored the team that won the maiden edition of “The Podium,” the first-ever faculty debate competition, and coached the team that won “The Greenovation Challenge” at the faculty level. And of course, I bagged a first class!

Striking a balance between academics and personal life was no small feat, and I attribute it all to God and my supportive parents. He carried me through those overwhelming moments. There were days of tears and emotional breakdowns but look at me now. Oluwa ese o.

Demiladeogo Bankole ( Broadcaster, Founder – Creamy Pearl Cakes, Voiceover artist, writer)

Demiladeogo Bankole: A major challenge I faced was juggling multiple tasks while striving to excel in all of them. Procrastination was another challenge I had to be particularly cautious about.  

My greatest achievement has been walking with Jesus on a more personal level. Honestly, that was the only way I survived.  

Balancing academics with other aspects of my life was much more difficult and overwhelming, especially since I had numerous responsibilities. Thankfully, I struck a balance to some extent by creating a schedule to structure my days. 

So kids, never underestimate the power of planning, time management, and discipline.

Eunice Obidi – (Editor, Writer, Book Coach and Client Service Officer Intern at Stanbic Bank.)

Eunice Obidi: My undergraduate journey is a story of discipline. 

I initially struggled, but I learned that if you’re going to achieve anything worthwhile, it’s not enough to work hard on some days. Every day, you have to do what you need to do, when you need to do it, even if you don’t feel like doing it.

I’m proud I could divorce my distractions and shoot my best shot at every assignment, test, or exam. 

I don’t think I have mastered balancing my academic and personal life. I just prioritised. Every day I had a list of things (academic, personal, and social) that I needed to achieve regardless of what happened. During the day, I always worked through this list, and glory to God, no aspect of my life suffered.

Feranmi Abiola (Co Founder & Storyteller – Naijournal, Director/Filmmaker – Tfa Studios, Cinematographer & Editor – WeTalkSound)

Feranmi Abiola: There were times I told myself, ‘’If I survive this semester, I must be immortal.’’ By the end of my final year, I began to wonder if I truly had become something close to it. 

Balancing my filmmaking career with multiple jobs while attending felt like an uphill battle most days. But studying for exams? That was an entirely different kind of challenge.  

In my final semester, I was preparing for my exams in Nigeria while preparing to leave the country for further studies. The pressure was relentless, and many nights, I didn’t know how I’d make it through. But somehow, I did.  

My greatest achievement wasn’t just maintaining a first-class degree—it was excelling in every space I found myself. From academics to sports, student politics, and extracurriculars, I gave everything my best. And while it often felt impossible, I’m proud of the resilience it took to show up, to keep going, and to succeed.

ONABANJO Funmilola Dorcas(Social media marketing & content strategist)

Funmilola Onabanjo: I tried juggling classes and assignments with my freelance content writing job but it was a struggle. There was a point where I questioned if I could keep up. But then, I learned how to hack the system (my system, not the school’s). Instead of trying to do it all, I figured out what worked for me and knew when to take a break. But most importantly, God has been good to me.

While I’m grateful for graduating with a first class, I’m most proud of how much I achieved outside academics. I won medals in sports (yes, I’ve got gold and silver in football and athletics), interned at a top ad agency and networked like crazy. Oh, and I mastered SEO writing but transitioned into social media marketing. Through it all, it’s God!

Ifedayo Ayilaran(Analyst, Bank of America)

Ifedayo Ayilaran: I wasn’t sure I was graduating with a first-class until the final results were posted. The last three years were incredibly challenging—I juggled full-time jobs, frequent work travel, and school. Thankfully, the strong foundation I built in the first two levels kept me afloat. I’m deeply grateful for the friends who supported me and many of my lecturers. While the university system can be discouraging, having a solid support system makes all the difference. I didn’t have much social school life, but I’m excited to build one now. Through it all, God’s faithfulness carried me.

My proudest achievement is the first-class degree itself because it’s a testament to God’s grace and how much work I put in through the years. I’m glad everything paid off. Also, I’m lucky to have completed a summer internship abroad and gotten a full-time job offer.

Ifeoma Iwelunmor (Content Marketer and PR specialist)

Ifeoma Iwelunmor: My greatest challenge during my undergraduate days was undoubtedly anxiety coupled with insomnia. Having health issues and being in and out of the hospital in 2021/2022, all while trying to keep up with my studies and sit for exams was very challenging for me. Despite these obstacles, I was still able to succeed academically.

One of my greatest achievements was consistently giving my all in tests and exams and juggling multi ple jobs, despite the crippling anxiety that often accompanied lectures and school in general. I mean you can’t spell superwoman without me. 

Balancing academics and my personal life was crucial to my success. I learned to prioritise tasks, manage my time effectively and cater to my physical and mental wellbeing. Doing all these looks easy because I made it work. Even when I had to work during exams, I didn’t mind because I love money.

Olanrewaju Mofesola Prisca (Branding & PR strategist)

Mofesola Olanrewaju: First of all, I like school. My academic life is one of bliss. I won’t lie. There were ups and downs but I pulled through. I started university as a wide-eyed girl whose only goal was to graduate from the university with a first-class degree which I did.

I got into the university and faced so many new concepts, friendships, school work, and social life. The highlight of my studying in Unilag has to be when I found my church and got involved with the church activities, winning souls and fighting to remain in first class alongside working full time.

I enjoyed my time in Unilag honestly and I think everyone should just stay focused on what they came to do and still make room for surprises and new ideas.

Olaide Bankole ( Growth Marketing Strategist and Project Manager)

Olaide Bankole: For me, the school was such a blend of interesting highs and lows. Most of the challenges I faced were balancing academics with extracurricular activities, as I was very active in school fellowships and other external commitments. However,  God did help me as I was very intentional about prioritising doing well in school. I’m most proud that I found and served God in school, and that I was able to express the excellence taught by him in my academics. I don’t think there’s anything like the ‘perfect balance’, but being able to simply show up every day and take intentional steps to do well.

Joy Imanah (Growth Marketing strategist and PR specialist)

Joy Imanah: I don’t like seeing challenges. Regardless of whatever it is, I always see an opportunity to do better, it means there’s more work to be done. But, what I struggled with was procrastination, I did assignments late when the deadline was close. I sometimes wonder if I would have done better than I did in my assignments if I started early (I never failed so I never change to find out.)  

I am most proud of two things. One, is the fact that I took my academics seriously and I worked, learnt a skill, networked, volunteered and still came out amongst the tops. Secondly, finishing with a first class at the end of every semester was important to me, I’m glad I did this, there was only one semester when I made a 4.3 thereabout. I hit the 5.0 once and two times 4.89! That’s an achievement I’m also proud of. 

Balancing academic life and personal life was God. I prioritised my academics, took days off from work during exams and focused. I understand where my priority per time lay, and most times, it was in my studies. 

Opeyemi Hasiat Kareem (Content Writer & Storyteller)

Opeyemi Kareem: The learning environment posed a significant challenge for me. I wasn’t used to learning with such a large population as I was coming from a school where there were 10 in my class, the constant strikes, and the absence of novelty, to name a few.

I am most proud of having persevered and completed my studies. 

I didn’t necessarily create a balance between my academic and personal life. Rather, I drew a clear distinction. What’s personal is personal. What’s academic is academic, and I acted accordingly.

Akani Ahuruele Peace ( CEO Salvescents and Digital Marketer)

Peace Akani: University life at Unilag was a rollercoaster! Despite working hard, I faced everything from system errors that switched my department to fishery on exam day to battling missing results for months. It felt like I was always fighting the system, but it was all worth it. 

I’m a multi-tasker at heart. My biggest achievements are running a successful perfume business, juggling multiple digital marketing jobs, living my extroverted lifestyle and still thriving academically. No aspect of my life lacked and it just showed me a glimpse of what I am capable of. 

Organisation was key! I kept a daily to-do list and completed at least 80% of it every day. I used tools to automate what I could and stayed consistent to keep me on track. I couldn’t have done it all without God’s grace guiding me through and the love and support of my friends and family.

Peace Onuoha – ( Photographer, Product Manager, Studio manager, CEO- ShopCC, Digital Marketing specialist )

Peace Onuoha: I always wanted to study law, but when that didn’t happen, I quietly promised myself that I wouldn’t leave Mass Communication without a first-class degree. That was all the motivation I needed.

I never stayed in the hostel; I juggled two jobs, commuted daily, and kept up with a photography internship. My time at school was anything but easy. Balancing school with creative and entrepreneurial projects was intense, but in my final year, things got even more exciting when I landed an internship at a multinational company. I managed campaigns, covered events, and interview ed Ministers, Senators, and top executives, applying what I had learned in class and through my experiences.

Despite the pressure, I never missed classes or deadlines. I had to master time management and stay on top of everything, even if it meant working late into the night. When things got overwhelming, I leaned on God for strength and direction. His guidance was my anchor. My proudest achievement.

Odogu Tekevwe Frances (Creative Development Writer, Brand Storyteller)

Frances Tekevwe Odogu: Schooling in UNILAG presented me with many highs and lows! During my time at the university, one of the significant challenges I faced was managing my academics alongside extracurricular commitments. Balancing my studies with work and leadership roles in church wasn’t easy and took a lot of trial and error. Eventually, I figured out how to manage my time better by setting aside specific hours for studying; making sure I had time to relax and enjoy other activities. I drew strength from God, and support from friends and family, which helped me stay grounded and maintain a healthy perspective.  

The achievement I am most proud of is graduating with first-class honours while actively working and participating in various leadership roles within and outside school. It has been a worthwhile journey, God helped me, and I am grateful to Him that it ended in excellence!

Oyindamola Arikawe- (Founder-HoneyandSmiles Foundation, Ewakira studios, Social Media and Brand Strategist, Podcaster)

Oyindamola Arikawe: Wow! I am incredibly grateful for the journey. Although Mass Communication wasn’t my initial course of choice, I was determined to make the most of it and excel at it. My University years greatly helped me to realise my strengths and weaknesses. Perfect balance? lol, there was no such thing for me. Procrastination and working under pressure wanted to take my life but I later learnt to prioritise and be disciplined with my time especially because I had other commitments.  I had just one goal coming into school, TO EXCEL at my academics but I not only did that, I also grew in all areas of my life. 

One achievement I am most proud of but cannot take the glory for has to be having a 5.00 GPA in the seemingly most impossible semester (final semester) and graduating as the department’s second-best student. I just wanted a first class but God showed off and showed out. I’m humbled and honoured.