First-class graduate: How LASU’s Vanessa Obiadika Beat the Pressure and Distractions
By: Abudu Olalekan
At just 21 years old, Vanessa Obiadika literally almost worked herself to the bone. Like, she actually lost weight. Why? The sheer pressure of trying to survive Lagos State University (LASU).
But it paid off. Today, she is a First-class graduate in Mass Communication. And she didn’t just bury her head in books. She did it all while juggling voiceover acting, broadcasting, and content creation.
Reportersroom recently sat down with her. Instead of the usual stiff interview, Vanessa poured her heart out about her crazy journey to a 4.52 CGPA. The struggles. The bad friends. And how her faith kept her sane.
The Accidental First Class
Funnily enough, graduating at the top of her class wasn’t even the plan. When she gained admission back in September 2022 (though LASU didn’t officially resume until April 2023), she just wanted to experience university life.
“I was more focused on building skills and exploring different opportunities,” she told Reportersroom. But then the results started coming in. She hit a 4.24 GPA in her 100 level first semester. Then a 4.17.
By the time she got to 300 level, she saw a 4.36 and something clicked. She realized she was actually getting closer to the finish line. Final semester? She absolutely smashed it. A massive 4.84 GPA. She got ‘A’s in every single course except for one annoying ‘B’.
Losing Weight and Fighting Math
But let’s be real. It was not always easy. 100 level was a nightmare for her.
She was a timid, introverted kid who grew up in Lagos, though her family hails from Ogidi in Anambra State. Trying to adjust to the wild environment of LASU drained her. She joined the Debate Society. She was on campus everyday. Sometimes even on Sundays.
“Nobody was putting that pressure on me. It came from the expectations I placed on myself,” she said. The stress got so bad she became visibly thin. Oh, and Mathematics was a huge headache for her too.
Voices, Accents and TV Dreams
Growing up, Vanessa had a highly imaginative childhood. Things at home weren’t always smooth. There were difficult, unstable periods. But her mom, Ebele Obiadika, was a total rock. She worked incredibly hard to provide. Her stepfather, Uncle John, was also a big support.
To cope, little Vanessa watched alot of films, cartoons, and musicals. She paid close attention to how characters spoke. Before she knew it, she was mimicking British and American accents perfectly.
At first, she wanted to study Theatre Arts. She wanted to act. But Mass Communication ended up being the perfect fit. LASU was where she finally discovered her voice could actually be a career.
Dodging Bad Friends
Around 200 level, the distractions came knocking. We’ve all been there.
Vanessa admit she had some friends who started influencing her in ways she didn’t liked. They were pulling her down a path she never wanted for herself.
That was when she found Enthronement House Christian Centre. Meeting her senior pastors, Rev Deji Olabode and Dr Seun Olabode, was a massive turning point. They taught her discipline. She eventually cut off those toxic friendships.
Faith became her biggest weapon. She prayed. She made positive confessions. She even sowed seeds in church because she believed in connecting to the academic grace she saw in her pastors.
The Big Win
When she finally saw her final result, it was pure chaos.
She was in her hostel. She screamed so loud her neighbors definitely heard her. “I couldn’t help but see God’s grace in it,” she said.
Her parents were beyond proud. They threw a mini celebration at home. Friends came over. Cash gifts were flowing. Her mom couldn’t stop bragging to everyone about her daughter graduating with a first class.
But Vanessa is super realistic. She knows a First-class graduate isn’t automatically ready for the labour market. The certificate opens doors, yes. But you need actual practical skills like video editing, negotiation, and understanding social media to survive out there.
Right now, she doesn’t have her entire life perfectly mapped out. And that is fine. She’s currently at the National Broadcasting Academy studying presentation. She’s preparing for NYSC. And she’s still killing it as a voiceover artist and Social Media Content Strategist at Brian’s Playland.
She’s just taking it one step at a time. And trusting God for the rest.
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
