Fathia Raji graduated with a first-class degree in Mathematics from the University of Ibadan after overcoming financial hardship, earning top academic honours, and securing five undergraduate scholarships.
A Nigerian student, Fathia Raji, has graduated with a first-class honours degree in Mathematics from the University of Ibadan, after securing five undergraduate scholarships during her academic journey.
Fathia shared her inspiring story on LinkedIn, revealing that after finishing secondary school in 2020, she left home with little financial support to pursue admission into UI. She survived on tutoring jobs, lived in very modest accommodation, and remained focused on her goal of studying Mathematics until she finally gained admission.
She officially completed her degree on January 26, 2026, graduating with an outstanding academic record, including a CGPA of 3.90/4.00 by her third year, with mostly A grades in all Mathematics courses.
During her undergraduate years, Fathia earned several accolades, including the Dean’s Roll of Honour Award for three consecutive years and a Silver Honour Award from the International Youth Maths Competition. She also served as Vice President of the National Association of Mathematical Science Students of Nigeria (UI chapter), mentored over 30 students, and worked as an academic team member in her department for three years.
In addition to academics, she secured five scholarships—the MTN Scholarship, Jim Ovia Scholarship, Egbe Omo Yoruba of Greater Miami Valley Scholarship, Opekete Foundation Scholarship, and Afrotech Girls Scholarship. She also completed internships at the National Institute of Radiation Protection and Research (NIRPR) and the UI Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (UI-LISA).
Beyond the classroom, Fathia excelled in sports, winning three football medals with the Epsilon Ladies Club, while actively volunteering, speaking at events, and building strong academic networks.
Her achievement sparked widespread praise on social media, with many Nigerians describing her journey as inspiring and a powerful example of resilience, discipline, and excellence.
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