A young Nigerian lady , Adeola Olubamiji , whose story is that of the proverbial grass -to - grace has not only done herself proud by earning a PhD in Biomedical Engineering , her story is an encouragement that where there is a will , there is a way .
Read her moving tribute on her graduation day :
“ As the fifth child of five , I always had to wait for my turn . I was the last , a girl child and raised by a mother who is a farmer and a father who has little .
“ I hawked pepper on the streets of Ibadan as early as age 10 to help my mum . Went to public primary and secondary schools in Ibadan . Attended OOU and studied Physics.
“ Because I had a 2 . 1 , it opened the door for me to proceed to Finland for a Master ’ s Degree in Biomedical Engineering . During this Master ’ s degree , I worked part -time as a cleaner and did this after my Master ’ s as well .
“ Out of determination, I applied to over 100 schools for my PhD and finally got a full three - year scholarship ( later extended to four years ) at the University of Saskatchewan , Canada , to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering .
“ While in that PhD programme , I worked part -time as a makeup artist , teaching assistant, braided hair and fixed weaves to make extra money .
“ Today , I walked the stage as the first black person to bag a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan , Canada !
“ I walked this stage for you Mama Africa and for my Motherland Nigeria ! I walked the stage for all of you Black women disrespected and looked down on !
“ I walked for all of you from my ghetto hood , Mokola , Ibadan . I walked for all OSU students and ex -students that got that look from people who think we are not brilliant!
“ I walked for all of you Africans in Finland wondering what is next for you !!
“ Specially, I walked for you my parents , siblings and extended family in fulfilment of your dreams!
“ Specially, I walked the stage for you my late sister Omoleye Olubamiji ; and my late mentor Ayodele Olatunbosun .
“ Today , I walked for my future husband and my unborn children who patiently waited for me to fulfil my dreams so that he can have a wife he will be proud of and they can have a role model to look up to .
“ I walked for all immigrants and all young adults who strived everyday chasing their dreams!
“ I walked in celebration of the unfailing love of my first and one truly true love , Jesus Christ , (in you I walk , in you I live , and in you I have had and will continue to have my being )!
“ Be bold, be innovative , be different , be you , be everything you want to be ; but remember to put God first !
“ Let no man , upbringing , money , circumstance , colourism , past mistakes , institution , company , partner , background , let nothing tell you ‘ you can ’t do it.’
“ Go smart ! Go hard!! Go for Gold !!! Go with God !!! Just Get Going!!!!! # Grad 2017 # PhDConvocation # UofS ”
Editor ’ s Note : This post has been edited to reflect the fact that Treena Livingston Arinzeh obtained a PhD in Biomedical Engineering before Adeola Olubamiji did .
Read her moving tribute on her graduation day :
“ As the fifth child of five , I always had to wait for my turn . I was the last , a girl child and raised by a mother who is a farmer and a father who has little .
“ I hawked pepper on the streets of Ibadan as early as age 10 to help my mum . Went to public primary and secondary schools in Ibadan . Attended OOU and studied Physics.
“ Because I had a 2 . 1 , it opened the door for me to proceed to Finland for a Master ’ s Degree in Biomedical Engineering . During this Master ’ s degree , I worked part -time as a cleaner and did this after my Master ’ s as well .
“ Out of determination, I applied to over 100 schools for my PhD and finally got a full three - year scholarship ( later extended to four years ) at the University of Saskatchewan , Canada , to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering .
“ While in that PhD programme , I worked part -time as a makeup artist , teaching assistant, braided hair and fixed weaves to make extra money .
“ Today , I walked the stage as the first black person to bag a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan , Canada !
“ I walked this stage for you Mama Africa and for my Motherland Nigeria ! I walked the stage for all of you Black women disrespected and looked down on !
“ I walked for all of you from my ghetto hood , Mokola , Ibadan . I walked for all OSU students and ex -students that got that look from people who think we are not brilliant!
“ I walked for all of you Africans in Finland wondering what is next for you !!
“ Specially, I walked for you my parents , siblings and extended family in fulfilment of your dreams!
“ Specially, I walked the stage for you my late sister Omoleye Olubamiji ; and my late mentor Ayodele Olatunbosun .
“ Today , I walked for my future husband and my unborn children who patiently waited for me to fulfil my dreams so that he can have a wife he will be proud of and they can have a role model to look up to .
“ I walked for all immigrants and all young adults who strived everyday chasing their dreams!
“ I walked in celebration of the unfailing love of my first and one truly true love , Jesus Christ , (in you I walk , in you I live , and in you I have had and will continue to have my being )!
“ Be bold, be innovative , be different , be you , be everything you want to be ; but remember to put God first !
“ Let no man , upbringing , money , circumstance , colourism , past mistakes , institution , company , partner , background , let nothing tell you ‘ you can ’t do it.’
“ Go smart ! Go hard!! Go for Gold !!! Go with God !!! Just Get Going!!!!! # Grad 2017 # PhDConvocation # UofS ”
Editor ’ s Note : This post has been edited to reflect the fact that Treena Livingston Arinzeh obtained a PhD in Biomedical Engineering before Adeola Olubamiji did .
