By: Ojo Mobolaji Peace
In this Alumni Spotlight, we feature Ademide Ibrahim Onakoya, an Agricultural Economist and the 2023 Director of Fifteen Outstanding Persons Award (FOPA). Known for his commitment to service and intentional leadership, Ademide has continued to grow beyond campus. After graduation, he began exploring opportunities in tech and entrepreneurship, driven by curiosity and a desire to adapt. His experiences in JCIN UI shaped core values like integrity, responsibility, and impact. In this interview, he reflects on life after school and the lessons that continue to guide his journey.
OM: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
OA: Sure. My name is Ademide Ibrahim Onakoya. I am an Agricultural Economist by degree, and I am currently exploring opportunities in Tech and entrepreneurship.
OM: That is interesting. So after graduating from UI, what were the next steps you took, especially in terms of the opportunities you have pursued in tech and entrepreneurship?
OA: Well, I love to do things one step at a time. I signed up for necessary courses that concern my focus online, and meeting up with the requirements has been the aim since then.
OM: How would you describe the transition from student life to your current professional or personal journey?
OA: It has been a rollercoaster of emotions. From different highs to lows to staying in-between. But the transition has been something interesting too, unsure of what is coming your way but learning to still continue, forging ahead regardless.
OM: What initially sparked your interest in Tech, and how did your campus experiences contribute to that passion?
OA: Curiosity and the way the system evolves were the initial spark in me. Realising how much we rely on technology to solve our daily problems created a curiosity gap in me. From my campus experiences, I came to realise that even as an Agricultural Economist, you will not function well if you do not evolve too. There are so many things that are being done better than before using technology.
OM: What drew you toward taking up leadership responsibilities as a student? Was there a particular experience on campus that strengthened your interest or confidence in leading others?
OA: My interest in leadership started from the desire to help people get things done. I realised early on that I could be of help to organise, communicate, and bring people together, so taking up leadership roles as a student felt like the right step to take. One particular experience that strengthened my confidence was helping out in an event back then in my department; seeing the outcome boosted my belief in my ability. Also, the type of friends that you keep really matters. I can boldly say that I had a good clique then that helped with taking up those opportunities.
OM: Which values from your time in JCIN UI continue to shape your decisions and actions today?
OA: My journey in JCIN UI instilled in me the values of responsibility, dedication to service, integrity, and swiftness. Those principles still guide my decisions today. I have learned to make an impact before recognition, to act ethically even under pressure, and to always look for ways to create value wherever I find myself moving on.
OM: Many students hesitate to join organizations because they fear it may affect their academics. What would you tell them based on your own experience?
OA: The fear is understandable. From my experience, being in an organization does not automatically affect your academics, poor planning does. Involvement taught me how to structure my time and stay organised, though it was not easy. Instead of becoming distracted, it helped me build discipline. Also, having a clear reason for joining an organization is really important, not joining because of a friend or for selfish reasons, though your friend(s) can be a push.
OM: Balancing academics with an active student life can be challenging. What habits or systems helped you stay organized and consistent? And were there any support structures like friends, mentors, groups that helped you stay balanced?
OA: It was not always easy. Prayer is really important , a lot of “God abeg.” I was able to rely on planning my week ahead (it was not easyyyyy). I was always on a weekly schedule to map out classes, meetings, and deadlines , not so rigid schedules though. My support system were my friends, God, some seniors, and my team members. They were always there to share tasks and encourage me when things became stressful. That network played a major role in helping me stay balanced and focused.
OM: Looking back on your growth since graduation, which accomplishments stand out as particularly meaningful to you?
OA: All my accomplishments have been ones I put my mind to, so everything stands meaningful to me.
OM: How do you see JCIN UI evolving in the next decade, and what would you love to see the organization achieve?
OA: I see JCIN UI continuing to grow as a hub for leadership, service to humanity, and personal development. Over the next decade, I hope to see it expand its impact not just on campus, but in the wider community.
I would love to see the organization produce more leaders who can stand on their own while making critical decisions. Leaders who are not only capable within JCIN but who also carry its values into their careers, communities, and society at large. I would also love to see the organization maintain its value and remember its creed as it stands in the university area.
OM: Thank you so much for your time, Mr. Ademide. We appreciate you sharing your journey and experiences with us.
OA: Thank you for having me.