By Segun Adeyanju 

Rokeebat Hammed an accomplished economist with degrees from both Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria and the University of York in the United Kingdom has affirmed that academic success is about personal responsibility not a perfect system.

Reflecting on her journey through two distinct educational environments she emphasized that no system is flawless whether in Nigeria or abroad.

Instead of fixating on institutional shortcomings, she urges students to take charge of their own learning

“My lecturer changes lecture times abruptly. It is my responsibility to adjust.

“The teaching style is unclear. It is on me to seek understanding. No career support. I must find mentorship elsewhere,” she stated, highlighting the mindset that fueled her success.

While acknowledging the need for systemic improvements in African universities, the Economist stressed that students must maximize every opportunity available. “Your name not your lecturers or your teammates will be on that degree certificate Own your education.”

Her message on LinkedIn on the International Day of Education serves as a wake up call to students across the continent authenticating that “Education can open doors but how far one walks through them is a personal choice.”