Nigerian Graduate Shared Inspiring Journey from Farmer to Degree Holder.
I’m Imran Musa Bello, My story begins in Zaria, Kaduna State, where I grew up in a family that valued hard work and education. My father (Dr. Musa Bello ) was a huge influence in my life. He always told us to work hard and not to rely on white collar jobs or wait for someone to come and help us. That lesson stuck with me from an early age and shaped how I approached everything.
While I was growing up, I was lucky to have teachers and friends who inspired me too. At Barewa College, a historic and prestigious school in Zaria, I met people who challenged me to want more, to learn and compete academically. It was also during boarding school that I started helping with farming and poultry during holidays. These activities weren’t just tasks; they became a way to support my education and family.
After finishing my O’Level exams in 2018, I chose to study Computer Science at Kano University of Science and Technology (now Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil). I had always been interested in computers , at Barewa College, I was the computer captain (2017/2018), managing over 100 desktop computers and teaching junior students basic computer skills. This responsibility gave me confidence and a deeper love for technology.
My first year in university was financially tough. My father, my brother Zaharadeen (a physicist), and I worked hard on the farm to raise money for tuition. Balancing farm work and school wasn’t easy, but we managed because we believed in education as the key to a better future.
Academically, I met amazing friends and mentors who guided me. But the real test came in my second year. I won a federal government scholarship through the Nigerian Award, but COVID-19 delayed the verification process until 2022. When they finally screened me, my GPA had dropped, and I feared I would lose the scholarship. The screening officer told me I wouldn’t get the scholarship unless I improved my grades in my third year.
That moment changed everything. I promised myself to work harder. I started every study session with the words “NOW OR NEVER” written on my materials. That simple phrase pushed me through exhaustion and stress. I aimed for a 4.0 GPA, but I ended up with 4.60 in my first semester , beyond what I imagined. I wasn’t competing with anyone like the way my other classmates think of, but myself.
With the scholarship money, I was able to focus more on school and less on daily survival worries. I also worked as a blogger for ALLSCHOOLNG, which helped me financially and sharpened my communication skills.
When I went for the next scholarship screening, they were impressed by my progress. I renewed the scholarship for the third time by maintaining an even higher GPA of 4.62. After semesters, I would return to the farm to care for crops and run our poultry feed shop, selling feed and veterinary supplies. Life was always busy , school and farming – but I managed to excel.
During that time, I also grew as a leader. I was elected as a senator representing Kaduna State students in the 2023/2024 session. That role taught me responsibility, how to speak for others, and the importance of community – lessons I cherish deeply.
In my final year, I kept pushing with the motto “It’s not over until it’s over.” I achieved my best GPA yet – 4.71. I also completed my final project: a “Student Attendance System using Facial Recognition”, supervised by Malam Yazid Ado Ibrahim, who supported me throughout.
Even though I’m a computer scientist, my interests go beyond coding. I am a writer, poet, journalist, farmer, and cybersecurity specialist. I’m currently pursuing certificates in machine learning and deep learning, focusing on how to integrate AI into cybersecurity to make it simpler and more effective.
Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence. My goal is to use technology to create solutions that improve lives, especially here in Nigeria. I want my journey to show others that no matter where you start, with hard work, faith, and focus, you can achieve great things.
MY WORDS TO OTHERS.
“Your circumstances don’t define your future — your mindset does.”
No matter where you start, whether from a farm or any challenging situation, with determination and focus, you can rewrite your story.
Don’t be afraid to work hard, make sacrifices, and keep pushing forward even when the path seems tough or the results don’t come immediately.
Use every obstacle as a stepping stone, and remember, success isn’t about competing with others , it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.
Keep believing in your dreams, keep learning, and keep moving forward , your breakthrough is closer than you think.
Imran Musa Bello
Email: [email protected]
Kaduna State
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