From Cleaner to First-Class Graduate: Inspiring Story of Romoke Adunbarin Lasisi

 

A Nigerian lady, Romoke Adunbarin Lasisi, has shared her remarkable transformation from working as a cleaner to graduating with first-class honours in Mathematics from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

Her story first gained attention in April 2021 when she revealed how a colleague once questioned why she confidently posted photos of herself in a cleaner’s uniform. “Colleague asked me how I feel comfortable posting with a cleaner's uniform. Well, I told her it doesn't matter — that won’t make people who don’t like me start liking me. Besides, that’s who I am presently, but I won’t be forever,” she wrote at the time.

Just a few months later, in September 2021, Adunbarin gained admission into the University of Ilorin to study Mathematics. Determined to rise above her circumstances, she not only excelled academically but also pursued professional development by taking courses in data analysis and data science.

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, she celebrated her achievement in a post where she highlighted her journey:

“First-Class Mathematics Graduate. Passionate Data Scientist. Volunteered Tutor for Data Analysis with Python in my department. Co-Founder & Volunteer Data Tutor at The Emerging Minds Foundation. Data Science Tutor at the CSA Africa Workshop, University of Nairobi.”

Reflecting on her journey, she added: “All I had was hope and the belief that with God, everything gets better with time.”

Adunbarin’s story stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, faith, and the determination to rewrite one’s story despite humble beginnings.