Abayaomi Ajike is a second-class lower graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. Despite his initial challenge of graduating with a lower grade, Ajike won the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship for his master’s at Zhejiang University and later secured a PhD scholarship in Canada.
This article unpacks his inspiring journey and offers insights for aspiring scholars who may feel discouraged by their low academic records.
A Story of Resilience & Determination
Ajike’s academic journey began with what many would consider a setback—a 2:2 in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. Despite this, he refused to let his grade define his future. Ajike dreamed of furthering his education abroad like many aspiring scholars, but his poor grades presented a major obstacle. However, instead of giving up, he chose to rewrite his story through resilience, hard work, and strategic positioning.
His Turning Point
Realizing that his low grades would make securing employment and scholarships difficult, Ajike decided to add more value to his profile. He knew he needed something extra to stand out. His first step was to gain relevant professional experience, which led him to work for free as a plant maintenance intern in a chemical plant in Sango Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria. This unpaid role not only provided him with hands-on experience in his field but also helped build the credibility he needed for future applications.
His stint at the plant allowed him to develop practical skills, build his network, and create a compelling narrative that went beyond his academic grade.
 Applying for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Ajike knew that he needed to aim high to break free from the limitations imposed by his low grade. After extensive research, he set his sights on the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), a less competitive and prestigious opportunity that funds international students for their postgraduate studies in China.
Ajike understood that his academic record alone wouldn’t secure him the scholarship, so he tailored his application to highlight his professional experience, skills gained, and the impact he had during his internship. Additionally, he emphasized his passion for chemical engineering, his commitment to advancing the field, and his long-term vision for utilizing his knowledge to make a difference. This holistic approach to his application got him a place in the award, despite his lower academic score.
Life at Zhejiang University
Incredibly, Ajike was awarded the CSC and enrolled in a master’s program in Chemical Engineering at Zhejiang University, one of China’s top institutions. Initially, adjusting to the academic rigor and new environment was challenging, but Ajike was determined to make the most of this opportunity.
He adopted a focused and disciplined approach to his studies. Here are some of the key success strategies that helped Ajike graduate with distinction:
- Leveraging Resources: Ajike made full use of the resources provided by the university, from advanced laboratories to mentorship by world-class professors. He engaged in every opportunity to deepen his knowledge and skills.
- Building Networks: Recognizing the importance of relationships, he connected with fellow students and professors, building a support network that helped him navigate academic challenges and explore collaborative research projects.
- Time Management: Ajike balanced his coursework, research, and extracurricular activities by managing his time effectively. He prioritized tasks and maintained a study schedule that allowed him to stay ahead.
- Persistence and Problem-Solving: Even when faced with complex research problems, Ajike never backed down. He developed problem-solving skills that not only helped him excel academically but also prepared him for real-world engineering challenges.
Positioning for the Future Opportunities
Ajike’s outstanding performance at Zhejiang University did not go unnoticed. His academic achievements, combined with his proactive approach to networking and professional development, positioned him for even greater opportunities. Before he completed his MSc program, he has been cold emailing professors in USA and Canada requesting for research position in Green Chemical Production.
Fortunately for him, he was able to get a fully funded research position in Canada exactly one month he graduated from China.
This time, his academic excellence, extensive research experience, and glowing recommendations from his professors gave him a strong advantage. His application highlighted his research contributions at Zhejiang University and his vision for how his PhD would enable him to make a global impact in Green Chemical Production.
The Concluding Thoughts
Ajike’s story is a powerful reminder that academic setbacks do not have to define your future. By gaining relevant experience, tailoring applications to highlight strengths, and approaching challenges with persistence, it is possible to turn a 2:2 into a global success story. Aspiring scholars should learn from Ajike’s example:
Don’t Let Your Grade Limit You: Find ways to build practical experience and demonstrate your skills beyond academic scores.
Strategically Position Yourself: Research opportunities and tailor your applications to showcase your unique strengths and experiences.
Focus on Continuous Growth: Take advantage of every learning opportunity, network strategically, and stay committed to your long-term goals.
Ajike’s journey shows that with the right mindset and strategy, you can turn challenges into opportunities and achieve your dreams on the global stage.
