Mrs. Deborah Iwalola Johnson-Opeseitan, a mother of two, has made history at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) by graduating with a perfect 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) from the Department of Zoology — the highest result in the department’s 61-year history.
Deborah Johnson-Opeseitan, a staff member of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), was recognized in the agency’s bulletin by its Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, for her academic achievement.
“I would like to congratulate one of us, Deborah Johnson-Opeseitan, who completed her master’s programme in Natural Resources Conservation at the University of Lagos with a CGPA of 5.0. This accomplishment is commendable,” he said.
He further encouraged her to apply her knowledge toward innovation and impactful research that will drive national development and strengthen NBRDA’s position as a hub for technological advancement.
She spoke with The Sun Nigeria. Excerpts:
Tell us about your academic journey from primary to university?
I’m deeply grateful to my parents, who have always believed in the power of education and see it as the key to success. My academic journey began at Love Foundation Nursery and Primary School, Iwo Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, where I served as head girl. I then proceeded to St. Louis Girls’ Grammar School, Mokola, Ibadan, for my secondary education.
My parents had always hoped I would study Medicine and Surgery. However, fate had other plans. When my JAMB score fell short of the MBBS cutoff, I was offered admission to study Botany at the University of Ibadan (2004–2008). While there, I developed a deep interest in plant taxonomy and ethnobotany—my favorite courses. I figured that if I couldn’t study Medicine, I could at least identify medicinal plants and understand their uses.
I went for my NYSC in 2009. Shortly after returning, I enrolled for a master’s degree in Public Health (Epidemiology) at the University of Ibadan. I performed exceptionally well—earning a PhD grade—and was encouraged to proceed to a doctoral program. However, marriage and the arrival of my children meant I had to put those academic plans on hold.
Then came 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, which required everyone to stay and work from home. In 2021, the prolonged ASUU strike kept us home even longer. During that period, the idea of pursuing another master’s degree—this time in Natural Resources Conservation—began to take shape. I embraced it wholeheartedly and gave it my all.
At what point did you realise, you would graduate with a perfect score?
My goal at UNILAG was simple—to finish with a PhD-grade CGPA so I could proceed straight to a PhD without needing an M.Phil. When my first semester results started rolling in and I saw A’s across the board, I was hopeful but still cautious. There was one particularly tough Physiology course that had everyone on edge. We all dreaded it. But when the result finally came out, I had scored 71—just enough to secure that perfect A I needed. That was the moment it all started to feel real.
Are you the first MSc graduate in your department to obtain a CGPA of 5.00?
Yes, I even had to confirm it with my department’s Postgraduate Coordinator. He told me I’m the first person to ever achieve that kind of grade at the master’s level in the department. Hearing that made the entire journey even more fulfilling.
How did you cope with the MSc programme and managing the home front or work?
Combining my Master’s programme with marriage, raising children, and a full-time job was no easy feat. There were days I had to leave home early for classes—sometimes even on Saturdays—and return late, which meant some house chores had to wait. But I’m truly grateful for a supportive husband and an understanding boss. They stood by me through it all and made the journey a lot more manageable.
What is the contribution of your MSc Thesis to knowledge?
My MSc thesis focuses on the distributional ecology and abundance of Sclerophrys species, with an emphasis on identifying the threats facing these bioresources and exploring strategies for their conservation. The study highlights the key drivers of biodiversity loss and proposes practical solutions to mitigate these threats. By promoting the safe and sustainable use of these species, the research underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts. Without such measures, the continued unsustainable exploitation of Sclerophrys spp. may ultimately lead to their extinction.
Was there a time you felt like abandoning the programme?
Yes, when I started the program, the statistics part really challenged me since it had been a while since I left school. The program also consumed a lot of my time, which affected my ability to assist the children with their assignments. As a result, their lesson teacher took on more responsibility.
Did you encounter any strike during the programme?
Yes, the prolonged ASUU strike affected us at the start of the program.
Was there any difference in your campus life during first degree and MSc?
Yes, during my undergraduate days at the University of Ibadan, I was single and had plenty of friends. I could even stay over at school to study. But for my master’s at UNILAG, I’m always focused on getting back home to my children and husband after lectures. I no longer have all my time to myself.
Can you share your MSc experience with others preparing for such a programme?
The master’s program at UNILAG is very challenging. To excel, you must be diligent and put in the hard work. Attending seminars, being punctual for classes, submitting assignments on time, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, and staying true to yourself will lead you to success.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all my lecturers in the Zoology department, especially those in the Natural Resources Conservation unit, for their guidance, mentorship, and for teaching me to be a responsible steward of the environment and a dedicated natural resource conservationist.
Who’s Deborah Iwalola Johnson-Opeseitan?
My name is Deborah Iwalola Johnson-Opeseitan. I am married to Oladipupo Johnson-Opeseitan, and we are blessed with two beautiful girls. I am originally from Oka-Akoko in Ondo State. My parents are Mr. Ambrose Shittu and Mrs. Olusola Shittu. I currently work as a Principal Research Officer at the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), a research agency under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.
