By Bolanle Adijat Ismail
A testimonial of a first-class alumna of the prestigious Crescent University, Abeokuta and a tribute to her Alma Matter at 20, Bolanle Adijat Ismail,a PhD student,chronicles her journey both as an undergraduate and lecturer in the citadel of excellence that moulded her career
I had just completed my secondary education in 2006, and like many young people filled with hope and anticipation, I eagerly looked forward to gaining admission into a university of my choice.
What should have been an exciting transition, however, took an unexpected turn.
For reasons I did not fully understand at the time, my father firmly said no. He was resolute – I would attend only one university: the one founded by Prince Abdul-Jabbar Bola Ajibola. You see, my Dad admired Judge Bola Ajibola greatly and had been following his story. He was a huge fan – still is — of all he represented. This partly explained his decision regarding my institution of higher learning.
Naturally, I resisted, threw tantrums, clung to my preferences, and held tightly to the dreams I had shared with dear friends to attend the same university and continue our journey together. Honestly, at that time, it felt like everything was being taken away from me.
Fast forward to 2007, leaving me no choice in the matter, my father, Alhaji Jamiu Kolawole, fondly known as Baba Bola, processed my admission into Crescent University, Abeokuta. What felt like a forced decision at the time would later become one of the greatest blessings of my life.
Over the next four years, Crescent University became more than a place of learning for me – it became a space of growth, discovery, and refinement. My academic journey flourished, culminating in graduating at the top of my class – First Class – in 2011. Beyond academics, my understanding and appreciation of Islam deepened in ways that continue to shape my life.
After completing my NYSC, I proceeded to earn a Master’s degree. Like many graduates, one might expect the uncertainty of the job market to follow. However, my story took a different turn, one that reflected the foresight and generosity of our founder. Unknown to me, the visionary and forward-thinking founder, Prince Bola Ajibola, had already created an opportunity that would change the trajectory of many alumni’s lives- including mine.
In 2015, shortly after completing my Master’s degree, I received a life-changing call from the brilliant Dr. Kola Adesina, Head of Department, Mass Communication, informing me of a remarkable opportunity: Crescent University had opened its doors to alumni, creating a pathway for graduates to return and contribute to the institution that shaped them. Even more memorable was the privilege of speaking with our revered founder himself. His words of congratulations and encouragement remain etched in my heart.
Following necessary processes, in 2016, I returned to Crescent University, Abeokuta – this time, not as a student, but as a member of staff in the prestigious Department of Mass Communication.
For a decade, through the benevolence and foresight of our founder, I have been privileged to build a career as a Lecturer. In addition, I have had the honour of shaping young minds, contributing to the development of students in both knowledge and character, nurturing meaningful relationships, and strengthening my faith.
The alumni employment initiative has since become a powerful launchpad for many graduates of the University, relieving them of the immediate pressures of the labour market, while providing a platform for growth, stability, and future security.
Though the passing of our Founder weighs heavily on our hearts, his legacy endures – not as a memory, but as a living, breathing vision. Under the exemplary, purposeful and value-driven leadership of our Proprietor, Prince Muhammed Ma’ruf Adesegun Ajibola (SAN) , this legacy is being sustained with excellence and integrity. This legacy of ours continues to thrive.
Today, I reflect with gratitude, for a journey I once resisted, but now recognize as divinely guided. Crescent University Abeokuta, did not just educate me; it shaped my life, my career, and my faith.
And for that, I remain forever grateful.
. Bolanle Ismail is an alumna, academic scholar and teacher of communications at Crescent University, Abeokuta
