How NDA setback pushed me to become LASU faculty’s best graduating student —Eletu

Mohammed Eniola Eletu, a graduate of the Department of Mass Communication at Lagos State University (LASU), emerged as the overall best graduating student of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies for the 2025/2026 academic session, with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.85 out of 5.00. Eletu’s achievement also broke the faculty’s long-standing CGPA record of 4.73. In this interview with ADAM MOSADIOLUWA, Eletu speaks about the setback that changed his path, the discipline behind his academic achievement and his plans to combine the ‘pen and the sword’ in military service.

CONGRATULATIONS on emerging as the Best Graduating Student in Mass Communication and the overall Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies for the 2025/2026 academic session at LASU. How did you receive the news, and what did the achievement mean to you personally?

Thank you for the kind words, Sir. I remember it vividly, on the 6th of August, I was at my faculty busy with some paperwork when I received a phone call from my friend, Oluwatobi Precious, informing me to report to the dean of the faculty, Prof. Jide Jimoh. I was taken aback by the sudden request. Apparently, there had already been an announcement on our class platform, but since I had been offline for a while, I missed it. I’m really grateful to him for bringing it to my notice. It was an honour to receive the congratulatory message in person from the dean, who informed me of my status as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, and as the Best Indigent and Academically Gifted Graduating Student of Lagos origin. He asked for my passport photograph for submission, but I had none at the time, so he scheduled one for me as a matter of urgency, which I’m truly grateful for. The achievement meant a great deal to me. I had doubted whether I could emerge as the best, so it was deeply satisfying to see all the effort pay off. I informed my sister first, because it felt more like a shared win than a personal one; she is someone I always look up to.

Your CGPA of 4.85 broke the faculty’s long-standing record of 4.73. At what point during your undergraduate journey did you realise you could finish at the top, and did that possibility put you under any additional pressure?

Yes, I broke the long-standing record, but I never expected to. From my first year, my main focus as an undergraduate was to try my best, not necessarily to be the best. The journey was demanding enough as it was. At the end of my first year, many of my coursemates were eager to compare CGPAs, but that didn’t bother me. I ended the 100 level with a CGPA of 4.95 and thought I’d be able to sustain it, but I didn’t do as well in my second year. That was the year I got my first and only C, ending the session with a CGPA of 4.85. It wasn’t the possibility of finishing at the top that worried me, but the possibility of falling further below what I had already accepted as my best, and that was the pressure that pushed me. The journey had its ups and downs; I ended third year with a CGPA of 4.87. So my final year was all about holding the fort till the end — and I thank God I didn’t fall below it.

You grew up in Isale Eko, Lagos Island, and were later recognised as the Best Indigent and Academically Gifted Graduating Student of Mass Communication of Lagos origin. What was your childhood like, and what experience shaped your determination to excel academically?

I’m an indigene of Lagos State, from the Eletu-Ijebu compound, but I grew up at Igando LCDA, Lagos. My childhood wasn’t very different from that of the average Nigerian child. Coming from a middle-class family, I was given just enough to teach me contentment, and I was kept indoors enough to respect the privacy of others. My elder sister was my playmate and also my tutor. She usually came first in her class, and my parents often urged me to be like her. My mum also boasted about how sharp she was in school and how she usually emerged best, and that made me feel I needed to work on myself academically. She and my parents tutored me through junior and senior school, but once I got to the university, I was on my own. The ball was in my court, and I had to take full control and responsibility for whatever followed concerning my grades. I just wanted to make them proud, especially my sister.

You initially wanted to pursue a career in the Nigerian military and applied for the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 74 Regular Course. What was it like not being shortlisted for the Armed Forces Selection Board screening?

My plan to pursue a career in the Nigerian military took shape during my SS3 days. Our class teacher, Mr Dan, was a very disciplined man, and it was from him that I first learned about the NDA and their demand for young, bright minds. Although I had earlier chosen a career in journalism in SS1, I came to believe the Nigerian Army was indeed my calling. Prior to my WASSCE, my family went through a financial crisis that made it difficult for me to apply to the NDA at a younger age, so I made my attempt in 2022. I worked hard, both physically and mentally, in preparation. I scored 285 in my UTME, which was required, and also sat the NDA exam at my designated centre. Sadly, I didn’t make the AFSB shortlist, which I wasn’t happy about. I then had to change my course and institution to Mass Communication at Lagos State University, since I wouldn’t have met the age requirement for the next regular course.

Looking back, do you consider that disappointment with your NDA application a turning point in your life? Would you say the setback influenced your decision to study Mass Communication at LASU and to push yourself academically?

Yes, I would say it was a turning point in my life. The discipline and hard work I built while preparing for the NDA followed me into the university. I decided that if I could excel academically, it would also improve my chances of getting into the Nigerian Army through the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) after school. With that in mind, I embraced Mass Communication, my earliest alternative choice, and dedicated myself to doing well, with the goal of graduating with a strong grade and applying again.

READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu gifts LASU’s two best graduating students N20m each

Having excelled academically at LASU, do you still plan to pursue a military career? What continues to draw you towards the military despite having already established yourself academically in communication?

Yes, I still plan to pursue a career in the Nigerian Army. I believe studying Mass Communication was a good choice, as my strong grounding in the discipline can help combat the information war against terrorism and drive campaigns that make an impact. I was really happy when I learned of the Federal Government’s plans to let journalists join troops during military operations — that was announced on the 19th of June this year. To be honest, I strongly believe joining the Nigerian Army will be doing what I was born to do. My academic achievement is an indicator of my commitment and dedication to giving my best at whatever I do. Where others have seen a clear distinction between the military and the media, I see a synergy that can come from the two working together, the sword and the pen operating side by side. I was glad the Federal Government also saw the need for that collaboration.

During your undergraduate years, you completed 86 courses, earning 75 As, 10 Bs, and just one C. What study habits, discipline, or principles helped you maintain such a remarkable academic record?

Because of the financial crisis I found myself in after my WASSCE, I took up a role as a junior teacher in a school in my area. There, I taught and was able to save enough to clear outstanding debts, support my family, and fund my admission to the university after I failed to make the AFSB shortlist. I believe the discipline I developed as a teacher was very impactful, since you’re a role model to the younger ones you teach. Combined with the physical and mental endurance I built while preparing to join the army, those habits proved very beneficial to me at the university. I was punctual to classes; I didn’t miss deadlines. I prepared in advance, and I stayed attentive. My study habits involved planning the courses I intended to take early in the semester, much like a teacher plans a lesson note. I researched early into what each course entailed, its relevant materials, and past questions. I then studied them and tried to go through the resource materials shared by our lecturers quickly, which made revision easier once exams were near. That said, there were times I wasn’t able to plan properly for some courses, because the workload for that semester was particularly demanding.

Academic excellence like this often comes with challenges. Was there a particular course or semester that challenged you the most, and how did you overcome it?

Practical courses are usually the most challenging, because you’re mostly working with others, and the inactivity or ineffectiveness of a few group members can affect everyone’s grades. I have led some groups that required the practical execution of what we learned, and I usually start out on liberal terms, to gauge my group members’ willingness to commit to the task at hand. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always go according to plan, which forces me to switch to a more authoritative stance in order to get the task done and meet deadlines. 400 level is usually the most challenging, because you’re working on your final-year research project. I’d say 100 level was challenging because you’re new to the game, and 400 level because you’re concluding it and must do so painstakingly, since some mistakes carry the risk of an extra year.

Among your 75 A grades, eight were in courses related to Public Relations, Strategic Communication, and Crisis Management. What particularly attracted you to these areas of Mass Communication?

My drive for problem-solving attracted me to these areas. These fields feel like the scientific aspects of Mass Communication because of their systematic nature. Taking those courses put my problem-solving skills to the test, and I’m glad I did, because I’m now confident in my ability to design campaigns that make an impact. From what I observed while taking those courses, each one has problems it aims to solve, and clearly identifying those problems gets any task halfway done.

Alongside your academic work, you served as Feature Editor and Book Reviewer for the LASU GONG Newspaper and contributed to the LASU Living and Legacy magazine. How did these practical experiences complement what you were learning in the classroom?

Surprisingly, I encountered everything I had learned in the classroom out in the field. It surprised me, because I had often heard that industry practice differs from what is taught in the classroom. I think what really distinguishes that notion is how bold and daring you’re willing to be — sometimes, all it takes is one bold step. Especially in journalism, keeping the right contacts, clearly stating your intentions, and doing proper research are all required and are all things taught in the classroom. The five Ws and H shouldn’t only answer readers’ questions; they should also serve as a guide for how a journalist operates in the field. I was glad nothing came as a shock as I sourced my stories, my practical experience affirmed everything I had learned in class.

Outside the classroom, how do you unwind, and what helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance while managing such demanding academic responsibilities?

Outside the classroom, I’m the last-born child, and I help my parents at home with various errands, as I’m the only one still living with them. I commuted to classes from home because I couldn’t afford a hostel near school. I also gave up my job as a junior teacher. I couldn’t join extracurricular activities in school, so I could focus properly on my academics. I understood I was there to learn; so I endured some hardship in how I dressed and fed myself. I couldn’t compare my lifestyle to others.’ Everyone knows what works best for them.

At 24, with a record-breaking academic achievement behind you, what message would you like to share with young Nigerians who may be facing setbacks in pursuing their own ambitions?

My advice to young Nigerians facing setbacks in pursuing their ambitions is to always re-strategize after every setback. Yes, we all know giving up isn’t an option, but you can’t keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results. If your first course of action doesn’t work, try another one. We can never truly run out of options, even if we sometimes have to invent one.