Surpassing UNILAG cut-off mark, Adewole bags first class, wins ICAN awards

After having a score higher that of the University of Lagos cut-off mark, Idris Adewole proceeded to emerge as a first class student and won several awards while taking examinations with the Institute of Chattered Accountants of Nigeria.

In this interview with THE CUSTODIAN’s correspondent, Rasheeda Opere, the award-winning student shares the sharp pains he experienced while trying to build himself.

Excerpt:

Can we meet you sir?

 I am Ayinde Idris Adewole. I am a Chartered Accountant. I am the First Child from a family of six. I like travelling, reading books and playing tennis (Lawn  & Table).

Ø  Where you were born?  

 I was delivered to in a private hospital in Ikeja, Lagos.

Ø  Which state do you hail from?

I hail from Akinyele Local Government, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Ø How did your birthplace influence your personality?

I grew up in Bariga, an average child that grows up in that environment is expected to have some bad behaviour except if God decides to single you out to be different. I am fortunate to have a disciplined Dad who tried as much as possible to ensure we do not mix too much with the kids who were perceived to have traits that can negatively influence us. He would give me Mathematics/other subjects questions that I later realised I can never finish till he comes back from work. This continued even till my secondary school which made my neighbours tagged me “Eleha”  . We also were not allowed to go out after 7pm except to pray Ishai, this I would say contributed to my lack of interest in watching football as most matches were fixed at night.

Ø  Can you take us through your educational background?

I started my education at Kids ‘r’ Tops Nursery and Primary School, Odunsi, Bariga Lagos. Thereafter, in 2001, I proceeded to Gbagada Comprehensive Junior High School for my junior secondary education and then Gbagada Senior Grammar school for my senior secondary education from 2004 to 2007. Both schools are along Lanre Awolokun Road, Gbagada, Lagos.
I gained admission into University of Lagos in 2008 after  scoring 293 in my Unified Matriculation Examination (UME) exams and surpassing the merit cut-off mark. I studied Accounting at the University of Lagos and graduated with a First Class.
I completed my Professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria(ICAN) in 2014. I emerged as Prize winner at both levels of the examinations. I won the prize for the 3rd best candidate (PE 1, November 2013), the overall best qualifying candidate in a diet (PE 2, May, 2014) and the best Qualifying Candidate for the year 2014.

Ø  Have you gotten to the peak of your academic career?

Definitely not yet! I am currently a Level 2 candidate of the CFA Institute, USA for the award of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. I am also a student of the Society of Actuaries,USA – taking actuarial exams. I will enroll for my Masters and then PhD, In sha Allah after my CFA examinations.

Ø  What do you do for a living?

I am currently a Consultant in the Actuarial & Quantitative Solutions Unit, a sub-unit of the Accounting and Business Process Solution Department of Akintola Williams Deloitte (Deloitte Nigeria)

Ø  What were some of the challenges you had achieving your dream?

While in the University I was into a number of extra-curricula activities. I was the Vice-President of my departmental association and later the President. At the same time of holding the political post, I was also the financial secretary of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, UNILAG chapter. The major challenge I would say was that at some point, 24 hours just seems not enough. I am from an average family, hence I did not have the weekly allowances from home as my other course mates do. I can remember some times when my Mum will cook soup and bring it to school for me. In all, I thank Allah for helping me surmount the challenges then.

Ø  How did you gain the consciousness of islam?

Well, I do pray regularly as a Muslim, I would say the advanced level of the consciousness started when I joined MSSN activities in my secondary school when I was in Senior Secondary two. I have been an active member since then. Alhamdulillah, we are still on the path.

Ø  How has the journey been?

Alhamdulillah, Allah has been good to us. I have an understanding family that accept my views on issues especially on religious matters. 

Ø  What were some of the challenges you had when you started practising the deen?

When you suddenly tell the female friends you relate with that you can no longer shake them; you tell them you can no longer come to their house on Christmas; you sure are in another battle. They understood me over time.

Ø  If you had the opportunity to change something you have done in the past, what would it be?

I always wished I had known earlier than I did the need to memorise the Quran. Although, I am making efforts to make up for it.

Ø  What is your involvement in Islamic organisation?

Currently, the Internal Auditor, MSSN Bariga Area Council and a member of Guild of Muslim Professionals. I had previously held the position of Financial Secretary of Shomolu Area Council for a year, Bariga Area Council for two years, MSSN UNILAG for two sessions and MCAN South-South Zone for two tenures.

Ø  What advice do you have for young people who are aspiring to be successful?

Set a realistic goal with a realistic time for achieving it; plan on the resources you need to achieve it and the means of getting the resources. Work towards achieving the goals by  getting someone to commit to (a mentor), change your schedule, your association and avoid distractions. “There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all” and don’t forget to always pray about it.