Kith and Kin Teachers Made Difficult Subjects Easier, Inspired My First-Class Honours at Covenant University — Oluwabukunmi Adegbehingbe
11-11-2026
A first-class degree is often seen as the ultimate reward for years of academic commitment, but behind every outstanding achievement is a journey of discipline, determination, sacrifice and the right learning environment. For Adegbehingbe Oluwabukunmi Samuel, graduating with first class honours in mechanical engineering from Covenant University is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of the educational foundation he received at Kith and Kin International College (KKIC).
From mastering challenging subjects to developing effective study habits and benefiting from the guidance of dedicated teachers, Oluwabukunmi credits several aspects of his secondary school experience for shaping his academic journey. In this interview, he shares his inspiring transition from KKIC to Covenant University, acknowledges the teachers who made lasting impressions on him, and explains how the school’s culture of academic excellence, discipline and interactive learning prepared him for success at the university level.
Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Adegbehingbe Oluwabukunmi Samuel, and I’m an alumnus of Kith and Kin International College. I’m a graduate of Covenant University, where I studied Mechanical Engineering and graduated with First Class Honours.
My interest in engineering developed from an initial fascination with technology in general, which gradually grew into an interest in automobiles. As I learned more about cars, I began discovering the science and engineering behind them. This eventually introduced me to the broader field of Mechanical Engineering and the many areas it encompasses, which further developed my interest in the discipline.
Congratulations on your First Class achievement. How do you feel about this accomplishment?
I feel very happy and fulfilled about graduating with First Class Honours. Beyond the academic recognition, this achievement means a lot to me because it reinforces my belief that hard work and consistency, even in the face of uncertainty and challenges, can produce favourable results. Looking back, I’m grateful that the effort invested throughout my university journey has culminated in this accomplishment.
Oluwabukunmi Adegbehingbe
Above all, I’m grateful to God, who remained my source of strength and whom I turned to in moments when I felt I had no one else to turn to. I’m equally grateful to my parents for their emotional, spiritual and financial support, which played a significant role in making this achievement possible. I also owe a great deal to my friends, whose encouragement and support made the journey more fulfilling. From the sleepless nights spent reading and revising to organising tutorials for particularly challenging courses, we constantly supported one another and worked towards seeing each other succeed. It’s an achievement I’m proud of, but one I also recognise as having been made possible by the support of the people around me.
How would you describe your academic journey from KKIC to Covenant University?
My time at Kith and Kin International College was an insightful and formative experience. It allowed me to discover academic strengths I hadn’t fully recognised while also identifying areas where I needed to improve. The experiences and lessons I gained during that period contributed to my academic development and played a part in my achievement of First Class Honours at Covenant University.
My transition to Covenant University was not particularly easy, as I have always found adapting to new environments somewhat challenging. The early stages of university were especially demanding academically, but I gradually found my footing. Connecting with the right people and surrounding myself with an environment that encouraged academic growth made a significant difference. Although there were still difficult periods throughout my university journey, having a good support system made navigating those challenges considerably easier.
I also had to evolve my approach to learning because secondary school and university are two very different academic environments. The transition required me to develop new ways of studying, understanding concepts and preparing for examinations. It took some time to adjust, but I eventually found an approach that worked for me and was able to adapt successfully to the demands of university education.
What role did KKIC play in preparing you for the academic demands of university?
KKIC played an important role in preparing me for the academic demands of university, particularly for a rigorous course like Mechanical Engineering. One of the things I appreciated was the school’s encouragement of both individual and group studying. These approaches to learning proved useful in university, where there were times I needed to study independently and other occasions when collaborating with colleagues helped improve my understanding of difficult concepts.
The school also maintained high academic expectations, particularly when it came to examinations and overall academic performance. This was reflected in the additional measures put in place to ensure students were adequately prepared. For instance, we had early-morning lessons before the regular school day began, as well as remedial classes after school hours to reinforce what we had learnt and prepare us for examinations. These practices instilled a level of academic discipline and familiarity with rigorous preparation that I found valuable when I transitioned to university.
How would you describe the quality of teaching you received at KKIC?
I would describe the quality of teaching at KKIC as informative and interactive. The teachers demonstrated a good understanding of their respective subjects and were able to break down complex concepts, particularly in subjects like Physics and Further Mathematics, in ways that made them easier for students to understand. Beyond classroom teaching, they were always willing to offer additional assistance to students who needed clarification, encouraging us to approach them privately whenever we struggled with something taught in class.
Another thing I appreciated was how seriously the teachers took the academic progress of their students. They made deliberate efforts to involve the entire class in the learning process and maintained lively, interactive classrooms that helped keep students engaged and attentive. Although teaching was predominantly theoretical, there were also opportunities for practical learning through the school’s various science laboratories.
The teachers also encouraged us to ask questions and actively participate during lessons. Their willingness to entertain questions even after classes, whether in their offices or staff rooms, demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that students genuinely understood what they were being taught.
Were there particular teachers whose teaching methods significantly influenced your academic development?
Yes, there were a few teachers whose teaching methods had a significant influence on my academic development.
The first is Mrs Olatunde, who taught ICT, particularly the use of Microsoft software. She made learning and navigating these applications relatively easy, and the foundation she provided has remained useful to me even beyond my secondary school education. I still find myself drawing on the computer skills I acquired through her teaching.
Another teacher who significantly influenced me was Mr Ajayi, who taught Mathematics and Further Mathematics. His teaching approach was particularly effective because he had a way of breaking down complex mathematical problems into simpler, more understandable steps. He also went beyond teaching a single method of solving a problem by introducing us to different approaches to arriving at the same solution. His depth of knowledge and ability to communicate complex ideas so clearly made his classes particularly interesting. He was one of the reasons Mathematics became one of my favourite subjects.
Finally, Mr Bello, who taught Chemistry, had a significant impact on my perception of the subject. Chemistry wasn’t initially one of my strongest subjects, but his interactive teaching methods made even complex topics, particularly Organic Chemistry, much easier to understand. Through his approach, I gradually developed a genuine interest in the subject and improved my understanding of its concepts.
These teachers influenced me in different ways, but they all demonstrated how effective teaching can make a significant difference in a student’s understanding, confidence and interest in a subject.
Which teaching and learning practices at KKIC do you believe contributed most to your success?
I believe several teaching and learning practices at KKIC contributed to my academic development and eventual success. These included the encouragement of both individual and group studying, which helped me develop the ability to learn independently while also benefiting from collaborative learning. The school’s emphasis on continuous assessment and examination preparation through regular tests, assignments, early-morning lessons and after-school remedial classes also instilled a sense of academic discipline and consistency in my approach to learning.
I also appreciated the interactive nature of classroom teaching, where students were encouraged to ask questions, participate in discussions and engage with their teachers. This, alongside the opportunity to complement theoretical lessons with practical sessions in the school’s science laboratories, made learning more engaging and helped reinforce concepts taught in class.
Collectively, these practices provided a strong foundation that I continued to build upon throughout my university education.
How did KKIC’s academic standards and discipline help you cope with the competitive environment at Covenant University?
KKIC provided a foundation that helped me cope with the academic demands and competitive environment at Covenant University. The workload and academic expectations I experienced in secondary school helped prepare me for the pressure that came with university education. Although my transition was initially a bit challenging, I eventually found my footing and was able to adapt to the demands.
One practice that particularly contributed to this was the emphasis on nightly preparation sessions in the hostels, which the housemasters strongly encouraged. This helped instil a sense of discipline and consistency in studying rather than leaving preparation until examinations were approaching. I also benefited from the experience of tackling difficult subjects at KKIC through group studying and seeking assistance from teachers whenever necessary. These experiences gave me the confidence to approach challenging university courses, seek help when needed and take greater responsibility for my academic progress.
Overall, KKIC gave me a solid academic foundation and instilled habits that helped me navigate the demands of Covenant University.
Can you share a particular lesson, project or experience at KKIC that helped shape your interest in engineering?
My interest in engineering was largely influenced by my fascination with automobiles. I was particularly interested in understanding how engines and other mechanical components worked together, as well as the design of vehicles, both internally and externally. This curiosity gradually developed into an interest in the engineering principles behind the things I found fascinating.
At KKIC, subjects like Further Mathematics and Technical Drawing further contributed to this interest. I particularly enjoyed Technical Drawing, especially the aspect involving building drawings, as it introduced me to another dimension of engineering and design. Interestingly, this also helped develop an interest in the building industry, which eventually influenced my decision to undertake an internship in that sector. Looking back, these interests and experiences played a role in shaping my decision to pursue Mechanical Engineering and my broader appreciation of the engineering profession.
Beyond academics, how did KKIC help develop your confidence, discipline, critical thinking and problem-solving skills?
Beyond academics, KKIC contributed to my personal development in several ways, particularly in discipline, critical thinking, independence and problem-solving.
The school’s boarding environment played an important role in developing my sense of discipline and responsibility. Having to follow established routines, participate in hostel activities and attend nightly preparation sessions helped instil a level of discipline that extended beyond academics. It also encouraged me to become more independent and take greater responsibility for myself.
In terms of confidence, I participated in activities such as debates, which provided opportunities to express my thoughts and engage with others, although developing my confidence wasn’t something I consciously prioritised at the time.
KKIC also encouraged independent thinking and critical reasoning. Through classroom discussions, challenging academic exercises and practical activities, we were encouraged to think beyond simply accepting information and consider different ways of approaching problems. Group assignments and practical sessions also helped develop my ability to collaborate with others, approach challenges collectively and work towards finding solutions.
Overall, my experience at KKIC contributed to my development beyond the classroom, equipping me with habits and skills that have remained useful throughout my university journey.
As a First Class graduate, what would you say to parents and students about the quality of education and teachers at Kith and Kin International College?
As someone who has experienced the education system at KKIC and gone on to graduate with First Class Honours from Covenant University, I would say that Kith and Kin International College provides a strong academic foundation and has teachers who are genuinely committed to the development and success of their students.
To parents considering the school for their children, I would say that beyond the quality of teaching, one of the things that stood out to me was the commitment of the teachers to ensuring that students understood what they were being taught. Their willingness to provide additional assistance outside regular classroom hours, the emphasis on academic preparation and the school’s high academic expectations all demonstrate the effort invested in the students’ academic development. I also believe that the school provides an environment that encourages discipline, independence and personal growth, which are important qualities that extend beyond academic achievement.
To the students, I would encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities and resources available to you. Make use of your teachers’ willingness to help, ask questions whenever you don’t understand something, participate actively in class and develop the habit of consistent studying. Don’t underestimate the value of the lessons and discipline you acquire during your time there, as they may prove even more valuable when you progress to higher institutions.
Ultimately, I believe KKIC provides students with a solid foundation upon which they can build their academic and personal achievements. My own journey is one example of how the knowledge, discipline and experiences gained there can contribute to success beyond secondary school.
Interview conducted by Akeem Alao with Adegbehingbe Oluwabukunmi Samuel, alumnus of Kith and Kin International College.