By Abdulrasaq Kamaldeen
In 2016, Sambo Yahaya secured admission in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) to study Radiography (B.Rad).
From the onset, Yahaya wanted to study computer science. He had registered for the 2016 Unitary Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and did a one-year matriculation program before he secured admission.
Yahaya, a native of Tambuwal in Sokoto state, shines with frisson; he was given two admissions at the same time: Veterinary medicine through UTME and Radiography through Matric— a remedial course for admission seekers in UDUS.
“I wanted to study Computer Science. So I went for a 1 year Matriculation program and also sat for the 2016 JAMB. Luckily, l got Veterinary Medicine via JAMB and Radiography via Matric. I had to choose Radiography because it best fits my career goals and is more aligned with technology,” he said.
Fast forward, on Thursday, 14th September Yahaya was announced as the overall best Radiography graduating student for the 2021/2022 session. His name shone on the walls of the school’s auditorium as he went home with nine awards.
“I can’t describe how I feel yet, but I think ‘Euphoric’ is the best word I’d choose for the excitement I am in right now,” he expressed his joy for such accomplishment.
Yahaya’s performance took a dramatic turn, pegging his cumulative grade points at 4.51 in his first year. However, despite his day and night readings, his grade points experienced depression and struck down the bridge between first class and upper class as he ended up graduating with an average cumulative point of 4.42.
“I read throughout the day, but I didn’t use my night for reading. After five years, I graduated with 4.42/5.0.”
Academic Journey Was Twisted From the Beginning
In his first year, it was difficult for Yahaya in his academic journey. He didn’t see guidance on how the university is and what a strange environment looks like–he expressed a problem with how to balance his time management for reading and engaging with other extra-curricular activities.
“My academic journey was kind of twisted from the start, because I lacked a proper orientation at first about the university environment. Then, it was a strange environment but later became simpler and easier for me. I later felt at ease when I met some friends who helped me through the first few months,” he said.
The Radiography best graduating student noted that reading at his convenience makes the goal accomplished “It’s all about reading at my convenience, I prefer reading in the daytime. My nights are reserved for personal fun which is just movies and the web,” he added.