A University of Ibadan graduate has publicly thanked her school daddy for helping her complete her degree after years of academic struggles at the prestigious Oyo State institution.
The young woman, whose name was not disclosed in the account, said she faced significant delays in her studies but managed to push through to graduation. She attributed her eventual success to the support and guidance of her senior colleague, commonly known in Nigerian campus culture as a school daddy.
School daddies are typically senior students or recent graduates who take younger students under their wing, offering mentorship, financial assistance, and social integration into campus life. The practice remains widespread across Nigerian universities, though it has sometimes been controversial when it involves inappropriate relationships or exploitation.
In this case, the graduate's public acknowledgment suggests her school daddy provided legitimate academic and moral support that made a real difference to her university journey. She celebrated her achievement on social media, sharing her story with the university community and beyond.
The post resonated with many who read it, as academic delays remain a common challenge for students at the University of Ibadan and other Nigerian tertiary institutions. Funding constraints, course failures, and administrative delays often force students to extend their time on campus by several semesters or years.
The graduate did not specify the nature of her academic difficulties or the exact form of assistance her school daddy provided. However, her willingness to publicly credit him suggests the relationship was straightforward and beneficial.
University of Ibadan, founded in 1948, remains one of Africa's most respected universities. Thousands of students pass through the institution annually, many facing similar challenges to those experienced by this recent graduate.
Her story adds to growing conversations about the role mentorship plays in student success at Nigerian universities. As the graduate moves forward with her degree in hand, she has chosen to amplify the importance of community support in academic achievement.
