- Tobiloba Bilesanmi emerged as the best graduating student in both the Department of Economics and the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria
- She graduated with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.79 out of 5.00 and received multiple scholarships, including the Jim Ovia Scholarship twice
- Beyond academics, Bilesanmi held leadership positions in at least five student organisations and participated in national and continental competitions
A Nigerian Economics graduate has shared an impressive record of academic excellence, scholarships, leadership and professional development after emerging as the best graduating student in both her department and faculty at the University of Ilorin.
Source: UGC
Tobiloba Bilesanmi announced the achievement in a LinkedIn post in October 2026, detailing accomplishments from her four years at the university during the 2025/2026 academic session.
She graduated with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.79 out of 5.00, earning the university scholar award in each year of her programme.
UNILORIN graduate wins multiple scholarships
Bilesanmi's achievements extended beyond her academic performance. Throughout her university education, she received financial support from several scholarship programmes and educational initiatives.
Her awards included the Jim Ovia Scholarship, which she received twice, the BBB Foundation scholarship, and the ICAN empowerment initiative scholarship by MOORE Bishop and Rooks, which she also received twice.
She additionally secured a tuition waiver from Springboard Associates covering Accounting Technician Scheme (ATS) levels 1 through 3.
The scholarships and tuition support helped form part of her university journey, alongside her academic work and extracurricular commitments.
Holds leadership roles in five student organisations
Beyond the classroom, Bilesanmi held leadership and professional roles in at least five student organisations.
She served as Deputy Director for Research and Writing at the Economics Students Research Association and Vice President of the Faculty Fellowship for the Faculty of Social Sciences.
She also worked as Academic Excellence Chair at the Mind Thrive Club and as a Business Analyst at the university's Investment Society.
Her involvement in these organisations complemented her academic studies with opportunities to develop leadership, research, analytical and organisational skills.
Competes in national and continental competitions
Bilesanmi also participated in competitions that recognised research, financial analysis and academic ability.
She was a national finalist in the CFA Institute Equity Research Challenge and won the Africa's Future Economic Leaders AfCFTA Research and Advocacy Inter-University Challenge.
In September 2024, she placed third nationally in the ICAN ATS 2 examinations, positioning her among the country's top-performing accounting technician students in that examination.
Her achievements also included completing job simulation programmes with several international organisations, including KPMG, EY, Bank of America, Mastercard and Fidelity International.
By graduation, she had attained Associate Accounting Technician status and was reportedly one examination paper away from completing the requirements for full chartered accountant qualification.
Bilesanmi shares excitement about the future
In her LinkedIn post, Bilesanmi reflected on her achievements and expressed optimism about the opportunities that could follow her university success.
She wrote:
“I am excited for new opportunities and doors that this would open for meeee.”
Her post presented a record of academic performance alongside scholarships, student leadership, competitions and professional development over four years.
Social media users congratulate the UNILORIN graduate
Bilesanmi's achievement attracted congratulatory messages from members of her LinkedIn network, including a former best graduating student from the same department.
Kudirat Malik-Abdulmajeed, who said she received the same departmental award during the 2001/2002 academic session, wrote:
“Congratulations Tobiloba 🎊, this is impressive! As the best graduating student from the same department and same university for 2001/2002 session, I am super proud to be associated with you and your achievements ❤️. You have done so well for yourself and I look forward to seeing you make more exploits in the future.”
Agbetti Opeyemi also praised Bilesanmi's ability to combine academic excellence with activities outside the classroom.
“A 4.79 CGPA is an incredible achievement. What stands out to me, though, is how you used your 4years beyond the classroom... through research, leadership, volunteering, scholarships and professional development. You've built more than an academic record, you've given yourself a foundation to take into the next chapter.”
Rahmah Sanni added:
“Wow Wow Wow. I honestly do not know what to say..... 🤔🥹 You're clearly an academic excellence chair in practice and not just in title 👏🔥 Congratulations, Tobiloba!”
Bilesanmi's record highlights how her university experience combined strong academic results with scholarship support, leadership responsibilities, competitions and professional preparation as she moves towards the next stage of her career.
Source: Legit.ng