Dr. Ezekiel Olagunju, a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), recently gained widespread recognition when his students celebrated him in a viral video, showering him with gifts and praises.
In an interview with Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, he reflected on the heartwarming experience and his remarkable academic journey, which began with a major setback—failing nearly all his subjects in his first attempt at the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Dr. Olagunju revealed that his first WASSCE result was nothing short of disastrous, as he failed all subjects except Yoruba. "It’s even a very funny story that when I first wrote WAEC, I had passed just in Yoruba language, every other thing was F9," he recalled.
The devastating result left him heartbroken, but his sister encouraged him to remain hopeful. "She said, ‘You better thank God; at least there are people that didn’t pass anything at all.’" Determined not to let failure define him, he rewrote the exam, passed, and embarked on a journey of self-improvement.
His love for education eventually led him to master multiple languages and rise to the position of a university lecturer. Looking back, he believes his story is proof that anyone, no matter their academic background, can succeed with determination.
"Coming from zero level—one pass in all the subjects I did in secondary school—and today, I can speak several languages and I’m a lecturer. I have a strong belief that anybody can make it."
Beyond his personal success, Dr. Olagunju is deeply passionate about his students' growth. He sees potential in every student, no matter their struggles. "Because of my past, I don’t see anybody that can’t make it among all my students, even the worst. I lift them up, I support them," he said. His commitment to their success has been a driving force behind his exceptional teaching approach, which has endeared him to many.
Having taught for over 22 years, Dr. Olagunju takes pride in seeing his former students thrive globally. "The young children I taught 20 to 22 years ago, I now see them in America, in Germany, in embassies, in different big places, many of them earning more than me. So, the vision is coming to realization." His sense of fulfillment comes from knowing that his guidance has played a role in shaping their futures.
Dr. Olagunju attributes his dedication not only to his past struggles but also to his faith. He believes that his spiritual journey has influenced his approach to teaching. "Once I became a child of God during the born-again experience, I had the love of God in me. Even when students do the wrong thing, I still look at them as my own, from the perspective of love." This philosophy has made him a mentor rather than just an academic instructor.
Addressing why some lecturers struggle to connect with students, he pointed out that passion plays a crucial role in effective teaching.
"The work of lecturing is like preaching. If someone is preaching just to earn money and not because they are called to it, they won’t do it well," he explained. While acknowledging the financial struggles lecturers face, he emphasized that genuine passion for education makes all the difference.
Dr. Olagunju also called on the government to invest more in university lecturers, stressing that they play a critical role in shaping future leaders. "If a lecturer is not well remunerated, there is great danger," he warned.
"The government must do more to appreciate those mentoring young lives." Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his calling, proving that with the right mindset and dedication, both teachers and students can achieve greatness.
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