Aijinnahen Setonji Ludovic, a proud indigene of Badagry, is set to make history as he graduates from the University of Lagos on January 20, 2026, with a First Class honour in History Education—a rare feat in a department where such excellence has remained elusive for decades.
Born in Apa, Atan Okansoso Community, Aijinnahen is the first of five children. He spent his formative years moving between Apa and Ajara Dokoh, growing up in an environment that valued discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic. His father runs a traditional medical clinic, while his mother, a well-known fashion designer in Badagry until early this year, instilled in him the importance of hard work. From these modest beginnings, Aijinnahen nurtured a quiet but determined ambition to rise through education.
In an interview with Mr. Peter Dansu, Publisher of Badagry Today, Aijinnahen described his academic journey as demanding, uncertain, but ultimately rewarding. His entry into UNILAG coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in Nigeria’s education sector, including the COVID-19 lockdown and an eight-month academic strike. “It was mentally draining,” he said, “but I chose to turn adversity into opportunity by sharpening my writing and research skills.”
Adjusting to university life was another hurdle. New lecturers, unfamiliar academic expectations, and fierce competition tested his resolve. His biggest setback came in his first year, second semester, when mistakes in two courses earned him an E and a C, leaving his CGPA at 3.88—short of the First Class bracket.
Rather than give up, Aijinnahen saw the experience as a turning point. He studied harder, sought guidance, and rebuilt his focus. Semester after semester, he climbed steadily. Beyond academics, he volunteered at the Lagos Studies Association—the second-largest academic conference in Africa—and won a gold medal in his department’s football competition.
His ultimate triumph, however, came against even greater odds. History Education at UNILAG is known for its rigour. Since the department’s establishment in 1965, only one First Class graduate had emerged, and none of his lecturers had achieved the distinction themselves. At one point, even his course adviser warned that final year courses were demanding and his CGPA was on a narrow margin. Yet, Aijinnahen pressed on.
Against all expectations, he crossed the finish line with a First Class honour, breaking a record that had stood for decades. Asked about graduation awards, he laughed: “My only anticipation was a cash prize and a handshake with the Vice Chancellor. The First Class itself was already a dream fulfilled.”
Beyond personal celebration, Aijinnahen shared a message for young people in Badagry and those aspiring for tertiary education: never let anyone limit your mind. Mentorship, diligence, and self-belief are crucial. He recalled being told that gaining admission into UNILAG was impossible due to competition—but he focused instead on doing the right things.
Looking ahead, Aijinnahen is already preparing for the next chapter. He is taking classes in Data Analytics to strengthen his research capacity and expand beyond traditional academia. His long-term ambition is to become a socio-economic and environmental historian, a professor, and a global consultant with organizations such as the World Bank, EY, and KPMG. He also plans to pursue a Master’s degree in African History abroad.
As Badagry celebrates one of its own, Aijinnahen Setonji Ludovic stands as proof that discipline, mentorship, and unwavering belief can break even the longest-standing academic barriers.
Culled from Badagary Today.
Leave a comment