I am Akintola, Ameer Olanshile, a graduate of the Department of Religions and Peace Studies in the Faculty of Arts, where I finished with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.6 and First Class Honours. My time at LASU was tumultuous and exhilarating in equal measure, but ultimately supremely satisfying, and I'm proudest of graduating as Best Graduating Student in my department while juggling religious, scholarly, social, and political responsibilities all at once.
Leadership and service sat at the center of my university experience. I served as an Honourable Member of the Association of Religions and Peace Studies Students' Legislative Council from 200 Level through to graduation, later becoming Sergeant-at-Arms, and spent two years as General Secretary of the Faculty of Arts Muslim Students' Association. As General Secretary of the Hallowed Thinkers' Crew, a humanitarian organisation, I coordinated debates, quiz competitions, symposia, peace workshops, and outreaches to orphanages, correctional facilities, and underserved communities, and I also chaired the first Interdepartmental Parliamentary Debate Competition in the Faculty of Arts.
My greatest test came in my second year, when personal challenges and a difficult GNS course pushed my CGPA below First Class for the first time. I treated it as a turning point rather than a setback, reassessed my study habits, and became far more intentional with my time, eventually regaining and surpassing my previous CGPA on the way to graduating as best in my department. That experience taught me that excellence isn't a destination but a continuous process built on consistency, resilience, and humility.
My faith in Allah, my parents' sacrifices and belief in education, and the dedication of my lecturers and mentors have been my greatest sources of inspiration throughout this journey. Along the way, I picked up honours including the Award of Excellence and Service from the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, an Outstanding Performance Award from the Hallowed Thinkers' Crew, and multiple Meritorious Service Awards from my departmental association, among several others.
To current and incoming students, I'll say this: never let your circumstances define your future. Success belongs to those disciplined and consistent enough to keep improving, and setbacks, if you let them, can become the very foundation of your greatest achievements. As I've told myself through every difficult season: when the going gets tough, the Idan gets going.