UI Graduate Sodiq Musa Earns First-Class in Civil Engineering, Shares Inspiring Journey

Sodiq Musa, a dedicated Nigerian student, graduated with a first-class degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Ibadan after overcoming academic and personal challenges, balancing leadership roles, and drawing strength from faith and perseverance.

Sodiq Musa, a determined and brilliant Nigerian student, has graduated with a first-class degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria’s premier university.

Sodiq’s academic journey began at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where he studied Electrical Engineering and earned a Higher National Diploma (HND). Although he initially had a keen interest in electronics, his passion gradually shifted toward infrastructure and construction. This led him to pursue a second academic path—he sat for another JAMB examination and gained admission to study Civil Engineering at UI in 2019.

Over the course of five rigorous years, Sodiq maintained an outstanding academic record. His motivation was ignited during his first Jum’ah prayer at the university, where he saw the names of first-class graduates displayed on the Dean of Students’ board. Inspired, he made a personal vow to see his name added to that list.

Despite not taking his first semester too seriously—owing to his prior knowledge of much of the syllabus—he still managed a commendable GPA of 3.72 out of 4.00. A humbling experience in the second semester, marked by unexpectedly low test scores, pushed him to adopt a more disciplined approach to his studies. He began spending long hours in the reading room, breaking only for prayers and meals.

His hard work bore fruit. By the end of his first year, he had increased his GPA to 3.78. Even while pursuing studies at an Arabic and Islamic institution during his second year, he graduated with Distinction from that program while maintaining academic excellence at UI.

Sodiq’s journey was not without challenges. In his third year, growing responsibilities and financial strain slightly affected his performance. Things intensified in his fourth year, during which he served as the Director of Studies for the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (UI chapter). Balancing leadership and academics was difficult, but he persevered.

In his final year, Sodiq took on an even more demanding role as Ameer (President) of the society. Remarkably, he was able to balance his leadership responsibilities and academic demands, finishing strong as one of the university’s top graduates.

He attributes his success to consistent prayer, group study sessions, and peer teaching, which he said deepened his understanding of the course material. According to him, thriving at UI required more than just studying—it involved understanding the academic environment and seeking guidance from those who had walked the path before.

Looking ahead, Sodiq plans to practice Civil Engineering professionally and hopes to pursue postgraduate studies, expressing a strong interest in securing scholarships to support this next chapter.

Offering advice to undergraduates, he encouraged them to make wise use of their time, surround themselves with positive influences, strive to leave a lasting impact, and rely on prayer and divine guidance to navigate the challenges of university life.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Lady Achieves Family Milestone Despite Not Graduating with First Class or 2:1

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION