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The Trials and Triumphs of Dr. Ige, UNILAG’s best PhD thesis winner in Mathematics
In an exclusive interview with UnilagSun reporters, Dr. Aminat Olawunmi Ige, the recipient of the Overall Best PhD Thesis award at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), shares the untold story of her academic journey, triumphing over challenges and making an unexpected discovery in the realm of mathematics.
Dr. Aminat Olawunmi Ige, also known as Dr. Mrs. Aminat Ige Ariyibi, a Lagos State indigene, emerged victorious in the field of mathematics, securing her BSc. from Lagos State University (LASU) and pursuing her MSc. and PhD at UNILAG. In this feature, she provides a glimpse into her life, the challenges faced, and the unexpected discoveries made during her remarkable academic pursuit.
Dr. Ige recalls the moment she received the news of winning the prestigious Best PhD Thesis award. Her spectacular presentation before the Academic Planning Committee (APC) set the stage, but the official announcement came as a surprise when she saw her picture displayed prominently on campus. The excitement and validation of her hard work were palpable.
The decision to choose UNILAG for her second and third degrees was fueled by the absence of a postgraduate degree in Mathematics at LASU and the influence of her exceptional supervisor, Professor Olaleru. His guidance and expertise became pivotal factors in her decision to return for her third degree.
Dr. Ige candidly shares the challenges encountered during her Ph.D. journey, including the lack of study space for Ph.D. students in her department. The absence of conducive spaces led her to utilize her supervisors’ offices and an imperfect postgraduate lab. Criticism during seminar presentations, both constructive and negative, also posed hurdles that contributed to her growth as a researcher.
Amidst the pursuit of a known result, Dr. Ige stumbled upon an unexpected discovery – O-Metric spaces. Initially aiming to establish a result in multivalued mappings, her curiosity led her to explore uncharted territories, resulting in a groundbreaking discovery that added a new dimension to existing literature.
Armed with a Ph.D., Dr. Ige envisions making a significant impact on her students. With enhanced research skills and a wealth of knowledge gained during her academic journey, she believes her teaching and research delivery will reach new heights, benefitting her students immensely.
Dr. Ige imparts valuable advice to aspiring Ph.D. students, emphasizing the importance of listening to their supervisors, staying focused, minimizing distractions, and persevering through challenges. Believing in the eventual success of the journey, she encourages students to maintain faith and put in their best efforts.
Beyond academic triumphs, Dr. Ige unveils the personal struggles she faced during her Ph.D., including divorce, remarriage, two armed robbery attacks, surgeries, and bouts of malaria. Her resilience, overcoming health challenges, and determination to move forward showcase the extraordinary strength she exhibited.
In light of her experiences, Dr. Ige advocates for increased support from the federal and state governments for the education sector. She emphasizes the need for proper welfare and resources to ensure a conducive academic environment.
Dr. Aminat Olawunmi Ige’s journey epitomizes resilience, academic excellence, and the pursuit of knowledge amidst personal challenges. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring scholars, reminding them that success is achievable even in the face of adversity.
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