From Isale Eko to academic excellence, Taiwo and Kehinde Ajitokewu have shown that background is no barrier to greatness.
Two twin brothers from Isale Eko, Lagos Island, have made their community proud after recording outstanding academic feats at Lagos State University (LASU).
While Taiwo Ajitokewu graduated with First-Class honours in Biology Education, his twin brother, Kehinde Ajitokewu, emerged as the Best Graduating Student in Computer Science Education.
The brothers were among the graduates honoured during LASU’s 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremonies.
Their achievement came as the university graduated 20,604 students across the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic sessions, with 494 students earning First-Class honours.
LASU recorded 262 First-Class graduates in the 2024/2025 session and another 232 in the 2025/2026 session.
From Isale Eko to First Class
Reflecting on their journey, Taiwo said their success was built on determination, consistency and the refusal to allow doubts about their chosen courses to define their future.
“Excellence is the reward of steadfastness and consistency,” he said.
His twin brother, Kehinde, also said their upbringing in Isale Eko did not determine their destiny.
According to him, although the Lagos Island community is sometimes associated with congestion and social challenges, the twins allowed their values, discipline, faith and vision to shape their lives.
He said their story was proof that “your background may shape your story, but it does not have the authority to write your future.”
Scholarships, awards, leadership
Beyond their academic performances, the brothers recorded several achievements during their undergraduate years.
They secured two national scholarships, more than four local scholarships, three international award recognitions and two professional mentorships.
Both brothers were also selected as Millennium Fellows for the Class of 2025 at LASU, under a global leadership programme organised by the United Nations Academic Impact and the Millennium Campus Network.
Taiwo, who studied Biology Education, worked on a sustainability project focused on waste management, recycling, reuse, composting and reducing waste generation.
He also served as a LASU SDGs Youth Ambassador and Cowrywise Campus Ambassador and previously held leadership positions at Dolphin High School, Lagos Island.
Kehinde, a Computer Science Education graduate, worked on digital infrastructure for sustainable development, with emphasis on digital literacy, community digital hubs and capacity building for educators.
He also held several leadership positions, including Assistant Senior Prefect and Science Lab Prefect at Dolphin High School, LASU SDG Youth Ambassador, Cowrywise Campus Ambassador and Assistant General Secretary of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, LASU.
‘Never allow your environment to limit you’
Kehinde urged young Nigerians to dream big and refuse to allow their circumstances to determine their future.
He encouraged young people to work diligently, remain humble and trust God, stressing that difficult circumstances should not become a barrier to achieving their dreams.
The twins attributed their success to dedication, resilience, faith and the support of their parents, siblings, teachers, lecturers, mentors and friends.
For Taiwo and Kehinde, their graduation represents more than a personal victory. It is also a message to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds that excellence can emerge from anywhere when determination meets opportunity.
The brothers are now seeking local and international opportunities to further their careers and contribute meaningfully to society.
