Student Graduates As Overall Best in a Courses He Didn’t Initially Choose, Shares His Story

Cursory: Usman, the first class Physics graduate, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University has shared his academic journey in an interview with YUSUF ABDULKADIR. He managed to scale through in the department he didn’t initially choose, emerging as the best graduating student. Read the full story…

It is said that every disappointment is a blessing, in the case of Usman Yunusa, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University’s first class Physics graduate it is absolutely true. When the young man was applying to study in the university, Physics did not initially cross his mind.

He had chosen to pursue Computer Science and sought guidance from Allah. However, he was surprised, along with his father, when he was admitted to study Physics. Although disappointed at first, he eventually accepted his fate and moved forward, recognizing that great achievements often come with challenges.

“Physics neither crossed my mind nor did I apply for it. I applied for Computer Science and sought Allah’s counsel for the best. However, it came to me as a shock, and even to my dad, when I was admitted to study Physics. I was disappointed. In the long run, I accepted my fate and moved on,” he said.

Fortunately, he had a mentor named Hussaini Yahaya who played a crucial role in his success. Under Yahaya’s guidance, he improved his skills in physics and mathematics and learned the importance of consistency and discipline.

In his second year, a lecturer advised him to work hard, hat he has a chance at achieveing first-class honors if he maintained a GPA of 4.6.

Despite starting with a CGPA of 3.82, he became very determined to excel and achieve a GPA of 4.88, which became a constant source of motivation throughout his academic journey.

“Nothing great comes with ease. Despite my poor background in physics, I was fortunate to have a mentor, Hussaini Yahaya, who led me on the path to success. He helped me improve my skills in physics and mathematics and taught me the importance of consistency and discipline.

“In addition, in my 200L, our lecturer advised me that I could attain first class honours if I maintained a GPA of 4.6, despite starting with a CGPA of 3.82, which I had achieved in my 100L.

“However, my passion for Physics and my desire to achieve excellent grades, especially a GPA of 4.88, have been a constant source of motivation for me throughout my academic journey.”

When asked how bagging First Class made him feel, Usman said it brought immense joy to his heart. On the day of his final exams, he felt ecstatic, knowing that he had completed all his exams and would graduate with top honors.

The release of the final results was accompanied by a flurry of calls and messages, with people congratulating him on his remarkable achievement. His pictures spread across the internet and social media platforms, surprising him with the amount of attention he received.

Usman said:

“On the day of our final exams, I was ecstatic, knowing I had completed all my exams and that I would graduate with first class honours. I cannot recall a moment that made me happier than that day. When the final results were released, I began receiving calls and messages from people congratulating me on my achievement. My pictures were all over the internet and social media platforms.

“I was surprised at how much attention I received. I believe consistency is the key. I do not only focus but also believed that I could achieve my goal through prayers and worship.

“While I did not read overnight, I received tutoring from some of the top-performing students, and I learned a lot from them. Additionally, YouTube was one of my most valuable resources.”

Regarding his educational and family background, he initially attended Abubakar Standard Nursery and Primary School in Lapai, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 2011. However, due to health challenges, he had to repeat two grades, despite passing his exams.

He recalled:

“I was first enrolled on Abubakar Standard Nursery and Primary School Lapai where I obtained my First School Leaving Certificate in 2011. However, I repeated twice due to health challenges − despite passing my exams, my mom always denied my promotion. I proceeded to my JSS class at Muhammadu Kobo Secondary School, Lapai.

“Initially, I wanted my dad to enrol me into a boarding school at Karshi at Abuja, for my senior school, but he instead took me to Baptist Model Schools. I was not happy with that because he denies my desire, so I just told him to take me back to my old school despite knowing the standard is not the same.

“At Muhammadu Kobo Secondary School (MKSS), there was no permanent physics teacher except one corps member that took us for two terms. The other teacher employed by the school was wicked and did not understand physics. I had a very poor background in physics.”

In his first year, he followed his mentor to night classes and studied at a local primary school. However, when his mentor graduated, he developed his own study pattern, creating a personal timetable and revising the material each day. He also adjusted his study time to include evenings and mornings, and on weekends, and read meticulously, ensuring he understood each step before moving on.

Usman used past questions as a guide to familiarize himself with how lecturers set their exams. Over time, he overcame his shyness and fear, becoming more sociable and engaging with his classmates.He formed study groups, tutored others, and participated in extracurricular activities.

His passion for excellence and the guidance from his mentors fueled his drive for success. Despite setbacks and personal challenges, such as the loss of his grandparents, he remained dedicated to his studies.

The young scholar had remarkable experiences during his university journey, he did not shy away from social activities some of which include, participating in a Train the Trainer program in Lagos, where he learned about off-grid solar installation.

He also completed his Industrial Training at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, gaining exposure to navigational aid equipment and witnessing the landing of the Super Tucano Fighting Jet.During his final year, he entered into a relationship with his future wife, bringing joy and anticipation for the future.

However, he faced financial struggles and the emotional void left by the loss of his grandparents.Looking ahead, he plans to make an impact in the field of solar energy through innovative research. He believes that solving energy crises, particularly in Nigeria, can be achieved through advancements in solar energy.

He advises students to be strategic in pursuing their goals, to prioritize worship and prayer, and to choose friends who positively influence their academic and personal lives.

Despite the challenges in the country, he remains optimistic and believes that with the right support, the younger generation can find opportunities amidst difficulties. He has undisclosed plans and ideas for the future, and his ambition is to make a significant impact on the world.

“My advice for students is for them to be strategic in achieving their goals. Also, forgetting God means forgetting oneself. Students should never underestimate the importance of worship and make prayer a constant part of their life.

‘Students should carefully choose their friends as they can greatly influence not only their academic performance but also their overall life. I surrounded myself with studious individuals and it positively impacted my dedication to learning.”

Source: Tribune

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