Discover the Man Behind the Achievements: Dr. Macaulay Reveals His Journey of Success and Passion

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - UCJ FUTA
By Temitayo Hassan Abidat and Okodugha Dorcas Osamudiamen

Dr. Macaulay is an academic, educational consultant, and entrepreneur. A Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society and a 2021 Carrington Youth Fellow, he earned a First-Class Biology degree from FUTA and has received three Commonwealth Scholarships for his Master's and PhD. He founded iLLUMANIA, helping 300+ students secure $12 million in scholarships, and launched Wadi, a startup supporting African researchers. He completed an Executive MBA in 2023 and is leading Rubbicon, a biogas company. Dr. Macaulay lectures at FUTA, specialising in environmental sustainability, and has earned numerous awards for his work.

In this engaging interview with UCJ FUTA, Dr. Macaulay offers a glimpse into his life beyond academics, revealing personal insights and lesser-known aspects of his journey.

UCJ FUTA: Many people see academic success as a trade-off with personal life. How do you balance your academic achievements with your personal life, and what role do your hobbies play in maintaining that balance?

Dr Macaulay: My personal and academic life are intertwined, and I chose academia because it suited my strengths. Many young people struggle when their career path doesn’t align with their natural abilities, but I avoided this by choosing what I had a flair for. Though I knew academia wouldn’t make me as wealthy as other professions, I valued its perks. Surprisingly, I became a lecturer after my HOD invited me to join the university post-NYSC. My parents were initially unsupportive, but they later conceded. Now, I have over 12 years of experience in the field.

UCJ FUTA: Winning prestigious scholarships multiple times is no small feat. What mindset or personal philosophy do you believe set you apart in this competitive process?

Dr Macaulay: My personal philosophy stems from my value-oriented Macaulay family, known for accomplishments like Herbert Macaulay’s. Motivated by these stories, I aimed to leave my own mark. Despite writing JAMB four times, my father’s lesson on earning success without shortcuts stayed with me. Values like integrity, perseverance, and bravery guide me—failure pushes me to find new approaches. After a scholarship rejection in 2021, I focused on self-improvement, eventually winning the Commonwealth Scholarship in 2024. I believe even small efforts create lasting change, as “The little you do is everything change requires.”

UCJ FUTA. If you weren’t a lecturer, where do you see yourself, and how different would your life be?

Dr Macaulay: I wouldn’t have succeeded in another career. After school, I declined a bank job from my aunt because I knew it wouldn’t fulfill me. That decision brought me happiness, and I enjoy my job because I love it. Many choose jobs for convenience, leading to dissatisfaction. My other income sources, like founding Illumania (a scholarship guidance platform) and co-founding WADI (a research tech company), are all rooted in academia.

UCJ FUTA: For every scholarship won, there’s often a journey filled with rejections and challenges. How have these experiences shaped your personality, and what advice would you give to students facing similar setbacks?

Dr Macaulay: I failed JAMB four times, so failure is not foreign to me. It’s a vital part of life that helps you learn and become better. My advice is simple: resist the urge to give up. Keep pushing to do better and continue developing yourself. Don’t stop trying.

UCJ FUTA: Winning the Commonwealth Scholarship multiple times means you’ve had significant exposure to different cultures and environments. How has this influenced your worldview and approach to teaching?

Dr Macaulay: My teaching style has improved by using audio-visual aids and YouTube links to enhance student comprehension. Despite electricity and internet issues, I adapt by sharing slides with the class representative to ensure seamless learning.

UCJ FUTA: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave at FUTA, and how do you want to be remembered by your students and colleagues?

Dr Macaulay: I live each day without consciously setting a legacy, but I aim to be remembered as a “modern African academician” who brings humanity to teaching. I model respect, apologize for lateness, and prioritize my students' growth and well-being.

UCJ FUTA: What aspects of your personality do you think would surprise your students?

Dr Macaulay: I watch Big Brother Naija and stay updated on trends, often using them in my lectures. I’m sociable, prefer thriller and horror movies over books, and might switch to Prime Video after Netflix.

UCJ FUTA: What new challenges or goals do you have for the future, both in your personal and career life?

Dr Macaulay: My biggest challenge now is building a biogas company, which has moved from the idea stage to an actual business. It’s the perfect time for such a venture, especially with the government’s recent push for compressed natural gas (CNG) in vehicles.

UCJ FUTA: As someone who values life’s milestones, how do you view marriage in the context of your life’s journey?

Dr Macaulay: I’m not married but have tried. Relationships didn’t work out, and as I’ve aged, it’s harder to find the right match. I’m more selective now, focused on balance, and no, I’m not gay.