Two children from the Makoko community in Lagos, Mustapha Oseni and Sisianu Melawakou, have graduated with First-Class Honours from Benson Idahosa University, Edo State, after receiving scholarships.

The duo, who gained access to formal education through the Slum2School organisation, emerged among the top-performing students in their respective departments during the university’s 2025/2026 academic session.

Oseni graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, recording a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.89 and emerging as the second-best graduating student in his department.

Melawakou earned a degree in Mass Communication with a CGPA of 4.57, also finishing as the second-best graduating student in her department.

Beyond their academic achievements, the graduates have begun pursuing careers in their respective fields.

Melawakou has expressed a passion for journalism and reporting, while Oseni has gained professional experience in technology and product management.

Reflecting on her achievement in a LinkedIn post after her convocation, Melawakou said she entered Benson Idahosa University four years ago as a scholarship student and graduated with First-Class Honours.

She said her university experience involved leadership, volunteering and personal development alongside her academic work.

“So… God actually did it. Four years ago, I walked into Benson idahosa University as a scholarship student. Today, I’m walking out as a First-Class graduate of Mass Communication.

“But honestly, the First Class is only one part of the story. I served. I led. I built. I volunteered. I made mistakes. I met incredible people. I took on responsibilities I sometimes wondered if I was ready for, all while trying to keep my academics together.

“But looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t have to choose between being an excellent student and becoming the person I wanted to be outside the classroom.

“Today, I’m closing this chapter with a very full heart. BSc. Mass Communication. First Class. Benson idahosa University. What a Journey. And this is only the beginning,” she wrote after her convocation.

Her journey into formal education began in 2012, when Slum2School enrolled her in school for the first time at the age of eight.

In an instagram post on Monday, the organisation’s founder, Otto Orondaam, said Melawakou was among the children whose circumstances inspired him to leave his job in 2011 to establish the initiative.

Now 23, he stated that she faced several setbacks during her education, including the threat of early marriage, which nearly forced her to drop out of school.

However, she continued her studies and eventually secured a university scholarship through Slum2School’s partnership with Benson Idahosa University.

Orondaam described her graduation as particularly fulfilling, considering the challenges she had overcome.

He said, “She was one of the kids who challenged me in 2011 to quit my job to launch @SlumSchool. We eventually enrolled her in school in 2012 for the very first time. She was 8 years old then. Today, she is 23 and has graduated with First-Class Honours.”

Oseni’s interest in technology also shaped his educational journey and influenced his choice of degree.

According to Orondaam, he joined Slum2School’s digital learning programme in 2018 and became one of its top learners. His passion for technology also inspired the organisation to launch a virtual learning classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organisation encouraged him to study Computer Science, but his final year was marked by a personal tragedy when he lost his mother and nearly abandoned his studies.

Recalling the experience, Orondaam said, “During his final year, he lost his mom and almost gave up. So imagine the joy when I learned that he graduated with First-Class Honours as 2nd Best Graduating Student with a 4.89 CGPA.”

Oseni has also gained experience in the technology sector.

His LinkedIn profile lists him as a Product Management Intern at BeTechified between August 2025 and July 2026, as well as an ICT and Public Relations Intern at Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, from March to September 2025.

He also worked as a Field and Programmes Intern at Slum2School Africa between 2022 and 2023, where he said he coordinated activities for more than 10 projects. His profile also lists him as a Cowrywise Ambassador from February 2026.

Both graduates completed their secondary education at Word of Faith Secondary School in 2022 before receiving scholarships through Slum2School’s partnership with Benson Idahosa University.

Orondaam recalled visiting them on the final day of their West African Senior School Certificate Examination and later attending their university convocation in September.

He thanked the university’s management, including its Vice-Chancellor, Bishop Feb Idahosa, and other partners for supporting the scholars throughout their academic journey.

He said their achievements demonstrated the impact of providing children from underserved communities with access to education and opportunities to pursue their ambitions.

“When we believe in a child, invest in their dreams and give them the opportunity to thrive, we don’t just transform one life; we change the future of entire families, communities and generations,” he said.