Daphne Adeola Ayo is a First Class graduate of the Department of Classics, University of Ibadan, for the 2021/2022 session, with a CGPA of 3.88 on a scale of 4.00. She was also the co-valedictorian of the university. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, she speaks about her academic life and the Nigerian society.
Your profile says you were the best-graduating student in language, arts and humanities in your secondary school days. Tell us about it.
I attended Federal Government Girls’ College, Kabba, Kogi State, and excelled in languages, arts and humanities because of the interest I have always had for them, especially Literature in English and the French Language. Also, I could boast of intellectually sound teachers and the quality of education unity colleges across the country offered and probably still offer. My secondary school encouraged active participation in not just academics but healthy competition, instilling dedication and a drive for success. I think being able to imbibe those qualities in addition to discipline helped shape my overall approach to academics.
Why did you decide to study Classics?
I came across Classics by chance in my confusion and quest to chart a path in higher studies and general career trajectory. I did a little research on the course and knew it was going to be the perfect fit for me. I chose Classics because it had all my interests and brought a bit of clarity to my dilemma. Classics is an umbrella for the faculty of letters and the best bedrock of scholarship in the arts. Studying Classics for my first degree means I could go on to find and pursue my niche. My background in Classics would have me covered and even give me an edge.
The University of Ibadan was an obvious choice. It is the only university in Nigeria that offers Classics.
How did you react when you were announced as a First Class graduate?
I already knew I was going to graduate with a First Class. But, I think what shocked me was the news of me being a co-valedictorian. When my head of department (HOD) broke the news to me, I was both surprised and elated. My gratitude knew no bounds. It is an honour to graduate as co-valedictorian of the best university in Nigeria. My joy knew no bounds as well as the joy and pride of my family, lecturers, and friends.
Making a First Class is not easy, but you did. What did you do differently to achieve this feat?
It was simple. I set a goal and followed through. I entered into the university intending to graduate with the best results possible and I tried my best to make this come to fruition through hard work, self-discipline, and a mostly balanced life between academics and other endeavours. I keep saying this, but I truly believe I lucked out with my amazing lecturers. They also had a great impact on my success. There was no secret, and, even if there was, that would be putting God first in the equation and putting my best foot forward always even on days when it was challenging. Whatever is worth doing/starting is worth doing/finishing well.
Classics, to many, is not a popular, lucrative course. What job prospects could the course offer you in Nigeria? Or do you have plans to pursue other professions or career paths?
I agree with the former about Classics not being popular in Nigeria, but not the latter about it not being lucrative. As I mentioned earlier, Classics is the perfect foundation for any other endeavour in the field of the arts. Classicists go on to become lawyers, creative writers, journalists, politicians, and academics. As a result of the multidisciplinary nature of the course, Classics affords the opportunity to diversify into various other professions and fit in like a glove. It only appears limiting if one is not able to paint a bigger picture or equip oneself with the needed skill sets to survive in the ever-evolving economy of the world.
As a Classics student, I was involved in the press, the theatre, amongst other things. Options and opportunities abound and that leads me to your other question — so, yes, thanks to Classics, I can and intend to pursue other professions in addition to a career in academia.
Classics is basically the study of ancient societies and histories. Do you think the fundamental characters of man change, other than the things he creates that shape his society?
Taking a leaf from Protagoras’ book, “Man is the measure of all things.” I believe that man is constantly evolving and this evolution transcends into his tangible and intangible creation, thus shaping his society. The ancient Greeks and Romans built their civilizations through fundamental character growth, some of which necessitated the creation of a polis — a socio-political evolution which shaped and continues to shape past societies and cultures as well as contemporary societies and cultures.
Man himself evolves with his own creation, and studying these ancient societies and histories not only furthers a better understanding of man but also of the things he creates — tangible and intangible. This understanding and its application is the oil on the wheel that makes the world go round, in my opinion.
Plato, in his book ‘The Republic’, postulated that “man and city are alike.” How can you relate this maxim to contemporary Nigerians and their country Nigeria?
This is precisely one of the reasons we study Classics. The past is a guide or, better still, a map for the future. It is up to us to either choose to disregard it or employ history profitably to benefit and shape the future. I agree with Plato. The state is a reflection of her people and vice versa. It is common knowledge that Nigeria today leaves much to be desired and that goes for Nigerians as well. Core values such as truth and honesty are lacking in the socio-political scene of our country. We complain that the government is corrupt but this rot is evident even among the people. From the fraudulent public servant to the trader bent on profiteering, making his/her neighbour miserable. Corruption is a canker worm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of the Nigerian society and its people and consequently eroding her values. The state posits a stance of corruption and her people mirror this.
For example, because of the disregard for the rule of law, people break the law without fear of consequence because the state has failed in its responsibility to protect and uphold the sovereignty of the law.
As a Classics graduate, if you were saddled with the responsibility of correcting the ills of Nigerian society, how would you go about it?
First, I would like to mention that that is a heavy responsibility. If I were in a position to correct the ills of Nigerian society, the first thing would be to address the Nigerian question. What do I mean by the Nigerian question? Who we are as Nigerians, what we want collectively as a people, how we wish to exist. The main aim of this is to tackle the disunity and general discontent many of us, as Nigerians, have towards the state and one another. If this is not first and foremost addressed, it would make whatever effort at redress and progress an effort in futility, as that is the foundation.
Our value system needs an overhaul — unfortunately, we have come to a stage where corruption and greed are regarded as the norm. Also, aside from economic reforms, a country is as good as its leaders. If the leaders do not tread exemplary paths, it would be difficult to truly right wrongs and bring about prosperity.
Another way would be to explore diverse ways to truly regenerate and sustain the country’s economy, and I propose self-reliance.
What were the major challenges you faced while in school, and how did you manage them?
I would say juggling academics with being an entrepreneur was the most challenging. I wanted to be a well-rounded student who experienced university beyond just the walls of the classroom. My penultimate year was the most stressful academically, as I was involved in a lot of things while at the same time trying to get back into the rhythm of school life after the ‘breaks in transmission’ caused by ASUU strike and COVID-19.
Another major challenge I faced was trying to stay positive and focused because there were lots of negativity around me as regards my course of study and its relevance. It takes a resolute will to stand strong and not fall into despair when faced with such. Like I mentioned in my valedictory speech, God and community saw me through those challenges. I’m eternally grateful.
In what ways do you want the management of the University of Ibadan to improve the quality of education than you met and graduated from it?
To become not just the leading university in Nigeria and one of the best in Africa. I believe the University of Ibadan can make some improvements in the aspects of keeping up with the ever-evolving dynamics of the technological world in advancing education with regards to technological learning aids. With the general studies courses, especially the Introduction to Entrepreneurship, I believe hands on practical should be implemented better. Craftsmanship and entrepreneurship is one of the industries which drive the world’s economy. As a educational institution, it is also the duty of the university to equip her students with these skills and not only in theory. Another aspect is encouraging wide participation of students in writing and publishing of peer-reviewed academic papers. To truly distinguish herself as a world-class higher institution of learning, the above mentioned and more could be adopted.
What is next for you after graduation? And where do you see yourself in five years?
I am currently carrying out my one-year mandatory service to the country with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and I hope to utilise the experience I have gained as a volunteer for the Roseline Initiative to make a lasting positive impact through the Community Development Service (CDS) arm of the NYSC scheme.
I hope to further my studies after this and by God’s grace be a PhD candidate in five years while pursuing and excelling in my other passions as a creative writer, a cultural exchange enthusiast and an ambassador, an agent for social change, and an actor.
You volunteer for the Roseline Initiative. What kind of work do you do for the NGO?
I volunteer as a speaker/educator for the Roseline Initiative. I have been privileged to mentor and talk to young children, tweens, teens as well as their teachers and guardians on breaking harmful gender stereotypes through the ENGENDERS programme engineered by Miss Roseline Adebimpe Adewuyi. I also participate in the annual commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child as a rapporteur, assisting in organisation and execution.
Miss Roseline Adebimpe is someone who inspires me and whom I look up to a lot. Through a chance introduction by my friend, Irawooluwa Dare, who noted that we have a lot in common, I met her and we happen to share some of the same values and passion for the girl child. She has been instrumental in my growth as an agent of social change and I’m super grateful for her.
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