Morontowumi Enioluwa Akinbogun, a graduate of Babcock University, bagged a First Class in Software Engineering after initial struggles at the elementary stage of learning. Her story is a testament that resilience, determination and hard work are time-tested virtues to be imbibed on the rough road to success, JOY AIKOROGIE (BABCOCK) reports
Morontowumi Enioluwa Akinbogun, the youngest of four siblings in a close-knit family of six, faced challenges in academics even before getting to the university.
The 18-year-old, against all odds bagged a First Class in Software Engineering at Babcock University,Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
On her early challenges in learning, she said: “My story is one of transformation, from struggling to keep up in school to earning a first-class degree in software engineering. My early learning struggles were deep-seated. As a toddler, I was learning to write and would use whichever hand to pick up the pencil first. However, my parents and teachers encouraged me to favour my right hand. It wasn’t until later that it became apparent that my natural strength lay in using my left hand.
‘‘In elementary school, I was always the last to copy notes from the board. My mother, a banker, despite her busy daily schedule, would squeeze out time to collect notes from my classmates in the neighbourhood late in the evenings so that I could complete mine. Going to school became a nightmare, and I felt like I didn’t belong. My family had to change locations twice due to transfers, which led to a change of school. I experienced bullying, especially name-calling by some classmates.
“My parents counselled me a lot, assuring me of a brighter future. They also engaged with my class teachers daily to monitor my progress and well-being.”
According to her, the challenges made her hover around average in academics. But, her performance dramatically improved in senior secondary class 1. She joined the chemistry competition team and was qualified to represent her school in Olympiad. She repeated the feat in SS2 and became the library prefect in her final year.
Why I crossed over to Babcock
Choosing a career path was a major issue for me. I opted for Industrial Design with a leaning towards graphic design. However, due to the COVID-19 impact and ASUU strike, I changed to Babcock University and was admitted into software engineering.
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Before I resumed 100-Level I spent three months studying the basics of software engineering privately, which helped me earn first-class grades consistently. I also partnered with a few classmates of like mind; I found emotional support through this. Throughout my studies, I remained focused and deliberate in my plans, not leaving things to chance. I addressed my weaknesses, particularly my fear of public speaking. I read books on public speaking and joined the ushering department at my university church and local church during school periods and holidays respectively. In my final year, I ran for an elective position and was elected as a senator and later as senate scribe in the school of computing.
Self-development paid off
In pursuit of self-development, I decided to reskill in cybersecurity; I enrolled in a cybersecurity programme that offers training in world-class cyber warfare simulators such as Cyberium Arena and Specto when the opportunity arose during my 300-Level. ThinkCyber Nigeria had partnered with the School of Computing at Babcock University to train students in cybersecurity; I was among the 2024 cohort from Babcock that participated in the training. I completed the programme with impressive performance, which paid off a year later. A few days after my university graduation result was released, I was invited by ThinkCyber to participate as a Research Executive in an exclusive live research initiative aimed at advancing Africa’s capabilities in applied cybersecurity innovation. This is an opportunity for me to gain exposure and hands-on training that will enhance my competence. I’m also currently undergoing training in graphic design and film editing – areas I’ve always been passionate about – to develop them as hobbies.
I had to step up my game
Reflecting on my achievements and consistent development from my senior secondary level to my present state, it is clear that being pushed to do things better led to my transformation. Given that my elder siblings set good examples, I had no choice but to step up. From my vulnerable early years to the level where I built resilience, overcame my challenges, and was strengthened to achieve a first-class degree in software engineering, I believe that those with unpromising beginnings shouldn’t lose hope; if I could do it, they should be able to as well. Having my siblings as role models helped shape my destiny. No doubt, my destiny would have been entirely different if I were the only child or the firstborn. I might have become complacent, laid-back, or mediocre in my approach to life. My sister, who was consistently two years ahead of me since elementary school, remained my role model at the university.
She was also two years ahead of me at Babcock University, where she studied medicine. She was hardworking, studious, and diligent. I realised I needed to match her intensity to achieve my goal of earning a first-class degree. As her medical studies became demanding, she rarely had time for me; our paths diverged, and I focused on my own journey independently. Due to the longer duration of the MBBS programme, we graduated the same year – she with remarkable success and numerous distinctions in her courses, and I with a first-class degree.
Older siblings’ role pivotal
Our older siblings, who did well in their educational pursuits, inspired her success. Our firstborn, now in medicine, set the pace with a full tuition university scholarship in the US, he taught us resilience. The second, a lawyer pursuing a master’s degree in the UK, taught us courage and multitasking. She, in particular, was hard on me; she doesn’t spare me, always pushing me out of my comfort zone; her approach to me is that, in life, I need to struggle for my survival and fight for my rights.
Today, I partner with her on SASEMI (Sapphire Sisters Empowerment Initiative), a foundation that believes every girl deserves to feel seen and heard for who she is and supported in becoming everything she dreams to be. Having role models like our older siblings paved the way for our own destinies
The support I received from my parents and siblings, combined with the foundation laid by my secondary school, helped build my strength.My greatest strengths include self-discipline, commitment, resilience, and a strong ambition to excel in all I do. These values enable me to function effectively in both independent and team settings.
I reskilled during long vacations
In my undergraduate years, I used my long vacations to acquire new skills through hands-on training. During my 200-Level, I took a training session on front-end web design, and after my 300-Level, I pursued another training in cybersecurity.
Immediately after my Bachelor’s Degree exams, I started training sessions on back-end web design, and cybersecurity; the trainings ran concurrently.
These experiences have not only strengthened my skills but also equipped me with versatility, enabling me to approach projects with confidence.
Beyond my personal skill development, I’ve also learned the value of collaboration and adaptability in team settings. My commitment to teamwork is noticeable, and I’ve often found myself serving as the backbone of group projects due to my reliability and availability.
In the future, I envision myself as a leading figure in the tech industry, leveraging my skills in software engineering and cybersecurity to drive innovation and solve complex problems both at local and global levels. I had always been interested in research. This interest is possibly indirectly influenced by my dad, who is in academic profession. I’ve had opportunities to be exposed to research outcomes, and I get inspired by the rewards. I am driven by experience and hope; some years back, my sister and I had the opportunity to visit Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh with our parents. I was fascinated by the research exploits of these institutions.
With determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn, I am confident that I will achieve my goals and make a meaningful impact in the world.
I hope that my story will inspire others to transform their own lives and pursue their dreams with optimism, passion and determination in spite of unimpressive start.