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Wisdom Odusanya, the Trailblazer

Mr Wisdom Gabriel Odusanya’s passion for numbers and calculations led him to choose Accounting from the very beginning. His journey took a significant turn when he participated in a competition in Lagos. There, he emerged victorious in the National Tax Competition, representing Unilorin. This triumph not only showcased his capabilities but also paved the way for further successes for other Unilorin students, as they secured victory in two subsequent editions of the competition.

As his Department’s scholar, Wisdom had the honour of representing the University of Ilorin in various competitions. His perspective on investment banking began to shift when he observed Grace, a student of the Department of Agriculture, who was pursuing an internship in London. This sight ignited Wisdom’s determination to go beyond his limits. He decided to enhance his skill by pursuing certifications that would equip him for the challenges of the field.

Securing an internship offer was a monumental achievement for Wisdom. He stood out as the sole African, and even the best amongst his intern peers. He was the first Nigerian to join the reputable international financial institution, HSBC UK.

Looking ahead, Wisdom envisions a future where exceptional students abound, pushing boundaries and raising standards. Wisdom attributes his ability to secure a full-time offer to his participation in the CFA challenge.

Wasiu Ibrahim, the don who nurtures greatness

Mr Wasiu Oluwatoyin Ibrahim is the Faculty Adviser of The Investment Society (TIS), an organisation dedicated to grooming talented financial analysts for prestigious international financial institutions. Mr. Ibrahim, a trailblazer in the realm of finance, lectures in the Department of Finance, University of Ilorin. His heart swells with elation as he witnesses his plans to cultivate future leaders coming to fruition.

Graduating from Unilorin in 2000 with a background in Accounting and Finance, Ibrahim’s journey has always been guided by the aspiration to bridge the academia and industry. Drawing from his own experience, including his time at City Bank, an American institution in Nigeria, the don recognized the potential for collaboration through competitions.

The journey began in 2018 when he and one of his colleagues participated in the CFA competition. This initial step led to the establishment of the Investment Society at Unilorin (TIS). Through TIS, students gained access to a platform that fostered their growth and development as investment analysts and financial experts. It was within TIS that teams were assembled to represent the University at the CFA tournament, showcasing their analytical prowess.

While guiding the Team Unilorin to emerge as the champions of the 2022/2023 CFA Institute Research Challenge, Mr. Ibrahim received the award for the Best Faculty Adviser. Additionally, two of his students, Mr. Wisdom Gabriel Odusanya and Mr. Rasheed Lawal, were recognized as the two best presenters. This marks the first time that Unilorin has received such prestigious recognition.

Mr Rasheed Lawal, a serial winner

Mr Rasheed Lawal is a 300-level Accounting student and the current President of The Investment Society (TIS), Unilorin chapter. He completed his internship at the Bank of America few weeks ago and his exceptional performance led to a full-time job offer, a testament to his dedication and proficiency.

Rasheed’s transformative journey took a significant turn when he set his sights on the global opportunities within the investment banking sector. He attributes his interest in this field to an influential alumna, Grace Abikoye, a graduate of Agriculture from the University of Ilorin, who, he said, generously guided him through the process. 

This illustrious Unilorite joined TIS in 2021 and joined the team representing Unilorin at the CFA society same year. This exposed him to the world of investment banking and financial modeling. His efforts paid off during the Investment Banking and CFA competition held earlier this year.

Rasheed’s team achieved a historic feat by winning the Ethics Research Challenge, a first in the University’s history. His personal achievements were equally impressive, as he was recognized as the overall best presenter alongside Wisdom Odusanya, a fellow Unilorite. This remarkable achievement paved way for Rasheed’s application to the Bank of America, where he achieved a distinction as the sole Unilorin student out of a pool of 240 global applicants to secure internship offers at the Bank.

This journey of excellence isn’t Rasheed’s first encounter with success. He clinched the national tax quiz competition during his first year as a student of Unilorin. He participated in the Financial Modeling World Cup in 2022 which earned him a spot among the top 20 globally, setting the stage for an internship offer from the Bank of Industry.

Navigating the Finance World: Azeenat’s Path to Excellence

Miss Azeenat Oladoja Afolabi, a chartered accountant and FMA certified, is a 300 level student of the Department of Economics, University of Ilorin. She possesses a unique perspective on Economics, viewing the world through the lens of macroeconomics.

The Investment Society (TIS) became a pivotal platform that shifted Azeenat’s focus towards finance during her first year in the University of Ilorin. Initially joining as a member, she rose to become the Financial Secretary, a position that honed her financial acumen. It was during this time that the encouragement of the then President, Grace Abikoye, pushed Azeenat to embrace international opportunities she hadn’t considered before.

Addressing the gender dimension in her journey, Azeenat underscored the importance of equality and opportunity. Grace Abikoye, a former president of TIS now working with Bank of America, played a pivotal role in guiding both Wisdom and herself. Azeenat highlights that gender plays no role in the availability of opportunities. Her appeal to her fellow women is to seize these international prospects with confidence, as countless institutions seek talent irrespective of gender.

Remarkably, Azeenat embarked on her ICAN examination journey during her first year, showcasing her determination and ambition. As her academic journey progressed, so did her leadership roles. From being the Class Representative to currently holding the positions of Vice President of TIS and Head of the Investment Banking Division, Azeenat’s path has been one of continuous growth and impact.

This year, Azeenat applied to KPMG International Limited, a global accounting powerhouse with a Lagos branch. Despite their general policy of not accepting interns, Azeenat’s qualifications, including her FMA certification and her enthusiasm for investment banking, convinced the bank officials to give her a special consideration.

Her internship at KPMG has broadened her horizons in the world of Finance, and she’s eager to share her newfound knowledge to benefit others’ learning journeys. (Unilorin Bulletin)