How My Sisters’ Successes Inspired Me to Excel: ATBU’s Top Engineering Graduate Shares His Journey

Driven by family support and resilience, ATBU’s top engineering graduate, Suleiman Sani Sulen-Jebu, shares his journey of overcoming personal loss and academic challenges to become a standout innovator and mentor in his field.

Suleiman Sani Sulen-Jebu, a 24-year-old graduate of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), has emerged as the best graduating student from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, with a remarkable CGPA of 4.79. In an interview with Daily Trust, Sulen-Jebu shared how he overcame personal hardship, including the loss of his father, and drew inspiration from his family’s academic successes, especially those of his two elder sisters, to achieve his own.

Sulen-Jebu’s interest in electrical engineering began in secondary school, where he spent time building simple electronic devices like torchlights. His enthusiasm for engineering was encouraged by both his teachers and his father, who supported his projects and aspirations. This early interest, combined with his father’s confidence in his potential, laid the groundwork for his decision to pursue a career in engineering.

To succeed academically, Sulen-Jebu followed a rigorous study routine. He consistently reviewed lessons each day, staying ahead of the coursework rather than waiting until exams to study. This discipline, along with guidance from professors and motivation from classmates, played a significant role in his ability to achieve first-class honors. Sulen-Jebu was also dedicated to helping fellow students with their studies, often organizing study groups and tutorials.

One of the most challenging periods for Sulen-Jebu was during his second year, when he lost his father. The emotional toll affected his academic performance, lowering his GPA to 4.58, his lowest yet. However, he found strength in his family’s unwavering support, both emotional and financial. As the only son, he felt a strong responsibility to succeed, especially since his two older sisters had graduated with high honors, motivating him to excel and fulfill his family’s hopes.

Sulen-Jebu’s dedication extended beyond academics. He initially studied alone, but as his classmates recognized his ability to explain complex concepts, he became a mentor to them, organizing discussions and study sessions. Balancing these commitments with his role as Academic Director of the Muslim Students Society and his efforts in Quranic memorization was challenging, but Sulen-Jebu maintained his focus.

Throughout his academic career, he received numerous awards for excellence within his department. His passion for innovation led him to work on projects such as a voice-commanded smart window with rain sensor capabilities. This project earned him and his team first place in an Innovation Challenge, promoting local technological solutions to reduce reliance on imported goods.

Reflecting on the difficulties many engineering graduates face in applying their knowledge, Sulen-Jebu noted that some students view education merely as a path to a degree rather than as a means to develop skills. He also cited a lack of government support and resources, which makes it difficult for graduates to bring their ideas to fruition, a major barrier for those wanting to innovate.

Sulen-Jebu aspires to lead in developing sustainable and eco-friendly technologies and plans to research fields such as artificial intelligence, IoT, and renewable energy. He aims to mentor future engineers and collaborate on projects that address global issues, hoping to be recognized as a leader in the field who drives meaningful change.

Before attending ATBU, Sulen-Jebu’s approach to engineering was largely experimental. His time at the university, however, provided him with a strong foundation in engineering principles, design, and component selection. His involvement with Nascomsoft Embedded in Bauchi, an innovation hub, allowed him to apply this knowledge practically, further developing his skills and preparing him for complex engineering challenges.

Sulen-Jebu encourages future engineers to persevere through challenges, noting that consistent effort is key. He advises students not to be discouraged by setbacks but to keep striving for success, emphasizing that hard work and dedication can help them overcome obstacles and reach their goals.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, DAILY TRUST