By Usman Adam
In 2017, When Ismail Aliyu was offered admission to study Political Science at Usmanu Dandiyo University, Sokoto, the thought of graduating with first class honor never crossed him—perhaps after coming in contact with the story that no one has ever bagged first class honor from the department.
Two years after the establishment of the Danfodiyo varsity in 1975, the department of Political Science was introduced, no student has ever clinched the first class honor from the department.
However, Ismail Aliyu, a native of Etsuworu, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State and one of the graduating students in 2020/2021 academic session, has rewritten the history, breaking the 46-year old hoodoo with a Cumulative Grade Point Average(CGPA) of 4.53.
A glint of hope flashed Aliyu’s mind after realizing that his 100-level CGPA was pecked at 4.63. At this point, he began to smell the odor of breaking the record.
“I started developing the interest of graduating with first class honor when I saw my 100-level results,” he said.
Meanwhile, Aliyu CGPA suffered a slight frustration and dropped to 4.58 in his second year in the university. Also, in 300-level, he maintained the exact 4.58 and eventually ended up with a CGPA of 4.53.
“Despite the difficulties, challenges, and decrease in my CGPA from 100-level, I have never felt discouraged.”
I have Never Engage in Morocco Throughout my Stay on Campus
Aliyu, who spent nothing less than four hours reading in a day, told the News Digest Press that he had never engaged in any campus relationship— popularly known as ‘morroco’ by Danfodiyo campus.
“I have never been involved in any relationship while I was on campus. I was alone in that aspect.”
Meanwhile, Aliyu said he had never recorded a carryover throughout his 4-year degree in the university.
“I only had a missing grade in GST 106 and it was later rectified a week later and glory be to almighty Allah that I break a 46-year record,” he said.