I am Rufai Azeezat Dolamu, a graduate of the Department of Biochemistry in the Faculty of Science, where I finished with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.72 and First Class Honours as best graduating student in my department. I came into LASU thinking I was simply getting a degree in Biochemistry, but I left with so much more, friendships, lessons, and memories that shaped who I am today.
What I'm proudest of isn't just the First Class, it's that I never let academics become the only story of my university experience. I served as the first female Speaker of the Department of Biochemistry, a three-time Honourable Member of the Faculty Representative Council, a two-time Parliamentarian in the LASUSU Students' Parliamentary Council, and a Faculty Coordinator with the Lagos State University Debate Society. A project I hold especially dear was helping establish the first relaxation centre for Biochemistry students in the Faculty of Science.
My biggest challenge was managing the pressure of wanting to excel in every aspect of university life while quietly battling imposter syndrome, questioning whether I was truly capable despite what I had already achieved. I got through it by taking things one step at a time, trusting the process, and leaning on close friends, and I learned that growth often happens before confidence catches up to it.
The people around me, family, mentors, friends, and peers whose belief in me often arrived before my own, have been my greatest source of inspiration, alongside a personal commitment to leaving every place better than I found it. Along the way I picked up the IDPIL Scholarship, the Lagos State Scholarship, the Female Parliamentarian of the Year award from NASS LASU, and recognition as Best Graduating Student from the Ikorodu Division.
My advice to current and incoming students is to strive for academic excellence without limiting yourself to it, say yes to opportunities that stretch you, build genuine friendships, and serve where you can. As I remind myself often: you never truly age out of the chance to make an impact, or age past the chance to start something new, sometimes you simply grow into the person the opportunity requires.