By Aisha Sulaiman
In2018, when Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman was accepted into Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, he embarked on his remarkable academic journey with a firm mind of clinging to the title of best graduate devoid of any grudge.
Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman is an indigene of Ilorin precisely from the Ilorin-West local government of Kwara State. His pursuit of excellent performance was sparked by a strong desire to achieve greatness and excel.
Despite his active engagement in campus extracurricular activities and beyond, his focus remained steadfast regardless of the discouragement surrounding the attainment of the first class in the department.
Speaking, Abdulrahman stressed about his challenges and how he navigated the odds he encountered while in school.
In his words: “Though challenging, I stood to not be discouraged that first class is unattainable. Now, my steadfastness was worthwhile, and I’m thankful for it.
“I contended some challenges while in school which I could say were the moments of my unwell, my worst experience in school was when I was sick while writing exams due to the weather of the environment, my body reacted negatively to the weather a lot and I managed to write some exams while I was not feeling fine.”
Moreover, his initial discipline was not influenced by default, Islamic Studies had always been his dream course and the motion to excel in the field had been his priority.
He began his distinguished journey of leadership in his first year, attaining a CGPA of 4.89. In his second year, he achieved a CGPA of 4.92, and in his third year, he reached a CGPA of 4.95. His final year was remarkable, with an impressive CGPA of 4.96.
“Alhamdulillah, though it has been a share of both pain and joy,” he beamed with joy.
Akanbi’s Journey Towards Being the Best
Abdulrahman noted how he defied all odds to achieve good grades. His journey to academic excellence was marked by his dedication, prayer, and disciplined approach to studying.
He emphasized the factors that contributed to his academic excellence, “my excellent performance was based on my dedication and prayers because it is not by mouth but action and prayers. Also, I didn’t partake in anything that could disturb me and I believe in the school of thought that action and prayers are what contribute to success.”
However, no success without a grudge, Abdulrahman’s achievement was without grudges and storms but he sailed through the difficulty.
“There are many exciting moments I experienced while in school coupled with the phobia of checking any released results but the most out of them was the time they released our results and the greatest of all was when I was pronounced as the best graduating student of the year and the student with highest CGPA so far,” he said excitedly.
Engagement in Campus Journalism, Leadership
Abdulrahman was actively engaged in many curriculum activities trailing from campus journalism and holding accolades in leadership positions.
He also served as a pioneer manager and immediate past convener at the Scholar Forum, all of which contributed immensely to his academic career and studentship.
He exhibited his role diligently in the different offices he assumed. He was an energetic member of Vanguard Press, one of the domine press outlets in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto.
“I was a one-time Publication manager of the board in 2021, the Deputy Editor-In-Chief in chief (DEIC) in 2022, and the Editor in Chief (EIC) in my final year 2023. Also, I was Auditor of the National Association of Campus Journalists (NACJ) in 2021 and General Secretary in 2023 my final year.”