- Zainab Ogunnowo, who was head girl in both junior and senior secondary school, struggled for years to secure a university admission despite her academic record
- While she waited, classmates and even juniors gained admission and some graduated before she could begin her own studies at Lagos State University
- Neighbours questioned her future, with some suggesting she accept her fate and learn a trade instead of continuing to pursue a degree
Zainab Ogunnowo, a former head girl who was widely considered the brightest student in her secondary school set, has graduated from Lagos State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Second Class Upper Division and a CGPA of 4.32, years after an agonising wait for university admission nearly broke her spirit.
In a post shared on LinkedIn in August 2026, Ogunnowo opened up about the painful gap between her academic reputation and the reality she faced trying to get into university.
Source: UGC
She was not failing exams. She simply could not get admission to align, although she had served as head girl in both her junior and senior secondary school years, represented her school in numerous competitions, and consistently topped her class.
LASU student shares admission delays
What made the wait particularly difficult was the contrast between how she was perceived and what was happening around her. Peers and juniors she had outperformed academically were gaining admission one after another. Some of them completed their degrees before she even began hers.
The pressure at home compounded the frustration. People in her community were asking questions she had no good answers to. Some assumed she must have gotten pregnant. Others advised her to give up on higher education altogether and pick up a vocational skill instead.
She wrote in her LinkedIn post:
“I hope you never get to understand the shame attached to being recognised as a top student, but every other person who is claimed to not be as intelligent as you progresses.”.
Every attempt at admission came with hope that eventually dissolved into disappointment, until the day it finally did not.
LASU graduate inspires others still waiting
Ogunnowo concluded her post with a message directed at anyone currently stuck in a similar limbo, urging them not to read delay as denial.
Her story drew warm congratulations from people who knew her and those who simply found her journey worth celebrating.
Ekiomo Darlington said:
“Delay is not denial! Your resilience speaks for itself! Congratulations Zainab!”
Deborah Kolawole said:
“You did it Zeal! Congratulations!”
David Obadimeji said:
“Truly inspiring! Congratulations my friend.”
In a related story, UNILAG’s best graduating student shared how he was rejected by the University of Ibadan, while another graduate staged a one-man protest over unemployment.
LASU BGS shares admission experience
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Lagos State University’s (LASU) best graduating student opened up about her admission experience.
In an insightful interview with Legit.ng, the young lady shared her admission struggle, experience in school, and future goals.
Source: Legit.ng