SUNDAY, 17th October, 2021: The president of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s niece, Joy Oyinlola Adesina has explained how she was able to finish top of her class with 10 distinctions as well as other prizes.
According to her, hard work, perseverance and support from family and friends as well as the Grace of God helped her achieve her goal, despite the challenges she faced.
According to her, “Medical school on its own is a challenge, I was faced with several sleepless nights I spent studying, mental stress, and a lot of pressure from colleagues and family.” “The journey has not been easy. There were lots of ups and down. I didn’t expect to be the best, but God made it possible.”
She stated this on Friday, 15th of October, 2021, at her induction and oath-taking ceremony at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun State.
Dr. Adesina who finished top of her class with honours was inducted into the medical profession alongside 84 other students.
In her interview with CEOAFRICA at the reception of the event held at Awo Varsity Basement to celebrate her induction, she expressed her elation at being inducted. In her words, “Today is the happiest day of my life. I am excited, I am happy because I made my family and myself proud.”
She expressed her gratitude at being able to achieve her dream despite the challenges she faced during her academic journey.
Speaking about her Alma Mata, she said, “OAU is a great institution. I am proud to have come to OAU. OAU has impacted me in terms of strength and culture. I am grateful to the institution.” “I am also grateful to the past Vice Chancellor, Prof. Omole for granting me admission. I am grateful to my uncle, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina who is an alumnus of this institution. I am grateful for his support.” 
She went further to advise students in tertiary institution, saying, “Never give up, set your eyes on the goal. There will be challenges, but never give up.” “Also show gratitude. It is until you show gratitude that you will then receive more.”
Speaking about the next step for her in the medical field, she said, “Expect something huge. I want to have a great impact in the healthcare system of Nigeria. The Nigeria Healthcare is faulted. I want to be a policy maker who will be able to make some reforms in that sector, and I know with the help of those who have gone ahead of me, I’ll be able to do this.”
Speaking in an interview with CEOAFRICA, the mother of the celebrant, Mrs. Kikelomo Adesina expressed her immense happiness with her daughter’s induction. She attributed her daughter’s success to the Grace of God.
In her words, “I thank God, because He has been our enabler. It has not been easy, but he proved himself to be mighty and faithful in all areas.”
She went further to thank her brother-in-law, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and his wife, Dr. Akinwunmi and Yemisi Adesina for their constant support. She said, “I want to thank them for being there 100%. They were not tired and were truly a shoulder to lean on.”
She used the opportunity to advise parents with children in tertiary institution to encourage their children in their God-given talents. She implores parents to encourage children even when they “fall off the right path”. She advised both parent and students to choose the right path, as it is always rewarding.
In the same vein, the father of the celebrant, Venerable Dr. Olukayode Ademola Adesina in his interview with CEOAFRICA also expressed joy at his daughter’s success. He attributed her success to God. He said “God enabled her to finish well. It was not by her strength, but by the glory of the Lord.”
He also appreciated his brother, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and his wife for their contribution in Dr. Joy success. He said, “God raised some people to train her, that’s my older brother and his wife, Dr. and Mrs. Akinwunmi Adesina. They were of great help to her.”
Speaking on the duty of a parent in the success of a child, he advised parents to encourage and support their children, saying “parents should endeavour to encourage their children in the universities by giving them all the support they need so they can excel.” “Without parents’ support, it will be difficult for the children to excel.” 
He called on students in tertiary institutions to focus and study hard saying, “the future is bright for those who are hardworking.”
Dr Joy Adesina, who is the niece of the 8th president of the AFDB beat 95 other students, to graduate as the overall best student of the College of Medicine Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, with distinctions and prizes in almost all units.