A young Nigerian lady, Mabel Aruwajoye, has inspired many after sharing her remarkable academic journey. She recently graduated from the University of Ibadan as a licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist.
Mabel recounted how she overcame rejection during the admission process, health setbacks, and financial strain before earning her degree with outstanding results in her professional examinations.
Her story, originally posted on LinkedIn, quickly gained widespread attention. Social media users congratulated her for her resilience and determination.
Finished Secondary School at 12
According to Mabel, she completed her secondary education in 2018 at just 12 years old and emerged as the best graduating student in her class. Despite meeting the required cut‑off marks, she could not secure university admission immediately.
Reflecting on the experience, she shared:
“It all started with rejection. Fresh out of secondary school in 2018, I watched my classmates gain admission while I stayed behind—even though I had passed the cut‑off. My parents refused to let me remain idle, so I pursued Cambridge A Levels. After a rough start at Educonsult, a mentor redirected me to EAC, where I earned A*AB in 2020. In 2021, I gained direct entry into the University of Ibadan to study Biomedical Laboratory Science. The journey was anything but smooth: the second semester of my 200 level shook my confidence, my clinical year at UCH demanded everything from me, and a malaria scare nearly derailed my first professional exam. I passed with distinction anyway and kept going. My final semester research in toxicology tested my limits, but with family support I earned a distinction in the final professional exam as well. Two professional exams, two distinctions, a 2:1 degree, and a license. Eight years after secondary school, I am now a 21‑year‑old licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist.”
She concluded by thanking God, her parents, siblings, supervisor, friends, and classmates for their unwavering support.

