Dr. Adewale Tiamiyu, a lecturer in the Department of European Languages and Integration Studies at the University of Lagos, shared insights into his past, revealing that during his secondary school days, he juggled academics with social life, boasting of having 18 girlfriends across various schools in Ibadan during the 80s.
Despite initially struggling academically, he went on to achieve a first-class degree at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged the impact of his social activities, including break dancing and philandering, on his academic performance.
Tiamiyu’s educational journey took an unexpected turn when he temporarily abandoned formal schooling to work as a meat seller in Cote d’Ivoire between 1990 and 1995. However, he later returned to Nigeria, passing his GCE in 1996 and gaining admission to Obafemi Awolowo University in 1997.
He emphasized the importance of perseverance, highlighting that despite setbacks, he never gave up on his academic aspirations. He recounted his own experiences of hardship, including trekking long distances from Ikotun to the university for his master’s programme, demonstrating his unwavering determination.
Tiamiyu also shared anecdotes about former classmates who faced similar challenges but were unable to overcome them, opting for alternative career paths such as bricklaying. Despite societal expectations, he remains supportive of his peers, believing in the power of dreams and perseverance to achieve success, regardless of past setbacks.
