February 17, 2025

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Rafiu Badekale’s Inspiring Rise To Academic Excellence

By Confidence Emmanuel, Esther Nkama, Olufisayo Sorungbe, Feyisayo Arowolo

Many students always envisioned being doctors, lawyers, engineers, or other high-profile career fields. Still, only a handful get to study their desired childhood course, either because their choices changed or because they did not meet the cut-off mark. However, Rafiu Badekale stayed true to his childhood dreams.

Badekale’s passion for problem-solving was sparked early on by his parents’ kerosene business. That childhood interest grew into a life ambition as he sought the closest path.

“My passion for energy came from my parents. I wanted to understand how crude oil can be transformed into valuable products. Initially, I wanted to study Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, but when I discovered UNILAG didn’t offer it, I opted for Petroleum and Gas Engineering instead.”

Academic success has always been familiar to Badekale. Since his primary school days, the best-graduating student of the Faculty of Engineering has always topped his class and excelled in mathematics, so it was no surprise when he decided to enter the engineering world.

Mentorship played a massive role in Badekale’s academic excellence. He recalled how people’s guidance helped him.

“The main motivation was the people I met and the connections I made. One was Lambo Habeeb, who attended the same secondary school as me. Lambo was a legend academically. We weren’t as close until I came to UNILAG and met him. He was at the 300 level when I gained admission to UNILAG. He took time to advise me and show me the ropes. His Mentorship has pushed me to believe in myself and have confidence,” he explained.

Before the commencement of every semester, Badekale sourced relevant learning resources from a senior colleague, Wajud Kareem. He helped him with textbooks and consistently guided him in navigating his courses.

However, Badekale’s story isn’t just about academic excellence. A deep sense of service, leadership, and mentorship marked his journey. In his 400 level, he actively participated in various societies, including the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Oil and Gas Bar, etc. He also took on leadership roles and organised several projects.

Badekale credited discipline and time management when asked how he balanced it all. 

“I took on roles at a point where I had developed the skills to handle them. My records earned me many responsibilities, but I was enthusiastic about them, and they flowed naturally to me. My coursemates also motivated me to reach this height,” he pointed out.

Reflecting on his time at UNILAG, Badekale admits that he would have connected with his departmental coursemates earlier if he could return. He recalls how their energy and confidence inspired him to aim higher academically. 

“If I had an issue, about five of them would have solved it effortlessly.”

Badekale’s dreams remain deeply rooted in his homeland as he prepares for the future. 

“I’m not fascinated by the japa movement,” he said. “I want to stay in Nigeria, where I’m valued, and leverage the skills I’ve learned. One of my dreams is to win a Nobel Prize—not in literature like Wole Soyinka—but in my field.”

For students hoping to follow in his footsteps, Badekale’s advice is clear, 

“Get your energy right, set clear goals early on, don’t allow the hype to get to you, focus on what you attain, and be intentional in your actions.”