Nigerian Woman Earns Civil Engineering Degree with Honors After Twice Being Denied Medicine Admission

After being denied admission to study Medicine twice, Abdulsalam Islamiyah Wunmi persevered through years of setbacks to earn a Civil Engineering degree with honors from the University of Ibadan, emerging as a symbol of resilience and purpose.

A resilient Nigerian woman, Abdulsalam Islamiyah Wunmi, has defied years of rejection and uncertainty to earn a Civil Engineering degree with second-class honours from the prestigious University of Ibadan.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Islamiyah reflected on her long and winding academic path, describing it as “a journey marked by pressure, setbacks, and unwavering resolve.” Her final CGPA of 3.38, she wrote, isn’t just a number—it’s a testament to endurance, strength, and grace.

Her aspirations began with a dream to become a medical doctor. After sitting for the JAMB examination twice and pouring herself into the pursuit of an MBBS degree, she faced disappointment—denied admission both times.

Emotionally drained and unsure of the future, Islamiyah faced pressure to consider an alternative path. Eventually, she took a leap of faith and enrolled at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, for a National Diploma in Civil Engineering—a course she never imagined choosing.

Though initially uncertain, Islamiyah threw herself into the program, navigating tough academic terrain and moments of deep doubt. Her perseverance paid off, and she graduated with a strong CGPA. Her final year project, focused on building a living room settee, challenged her creativity and sparked a deeper curiosity about the field of engineering.

Determined to push further, she applied for Direct Entry into the Federal University of Technology, seeking a fresh start—but was rejected once again. Undeterred, she moved forward to pursue a Higher National Diploma (HND). It was during this time that engineering began to take on new meaning for her—not just as a course of study, but as a platform for real-world impact.

Her HND project explored how shredded plastic bottles could reinforce clay and sandy soil, introducing her to the power of sustainable engineering solutions. She completed the program with distinction and was named the Best Graduating Female Student in her class.

Still fueled by the desire for a university degree, Islamiyah applied once more—this time to the University of Ibadan. While serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), she received her long-awaited admission letter. Though she tried to process a relocation to balance both commitments, it didn’t work out. Thankfully, a university strike bought her the time she needed to complete her service before resuming at UI.

Walking into UI felt like stepping back into a dream, only this time, she brought with her years of experience, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. In her final year, she worked on a project that merged engineering with environmental consciousness: using plastic waste in bubble deck construction.

Islamiyah’s story is a powerful reminder that “delay is not denial” and that a detour doesn’t mean defeat. For her, engineering isn’t just a career—it’s a calling to solve problems, build sustainably, and change lives.

She expressed profound gratitude to God and her family, especially her parents, who stood by her when she could hardly stand on her own. “They believed in me when I barely believed in myself,” she wrote. “They are the true heroes of my story.”

Today, Islamiyah Wunmi isn’t just a Civil Engineer—she’s a symbol of grit, grace, and the power of holding on when the odds seem stacked against you.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION