By Rasheedat Abidiesin and Habibullah Temako
In 2019, on the voyage of academic excellence, Hamad Yusuf Akinteye (Shaggy), a recent first class graduate from the department of Public Administration, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), has unwavering determination to graduate with a first class result since his secondary school days—rise and bright among his colleagues like a one shining stars with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) 4.67.
His academic achievement was evident from the outset, as he consistently maintained an impressive CGPA throughout his academic journey. He maintained CGPA 4.62 in his 100-Level, he progressively improved to 4.75 in 200-Level, 4.78 in 300-Level, and ultimately graduated with a remarkable 4.67 CGPA.
In an exclusive interview with NEWS DIGEST PRESS, an elated Akinteye revealed that his outstanding achievement marked a singular feat, as he was the only person that emerged a First-Class degree honor in the recent academic session.
“My dream for first class is not today, it started in secondary school when I was in SS2. As they said, it’s the hardest class of degree and I pray to achieve it.”
“We are three in my department that are aiming for this first class alongside Zakari Taofeek with CGPA 4.62, Blessings 4.60 but all of them drop in UG2 and I was the only person who achieved this feat from the start to the finish.”
Father’s Death Travails Financial Stability
Stemming from Saki town, Oyo state, precisely from Saki West Local Government Area. Akinteye’s road to success doesn’t occur without twist challenges—at his early age, he lost his father when he was in primary school, the untimely death of his father made him deck adulthood like borrowed garments. With the determination to achieve his academic excellence, he hustled to cater for his needs and support his mother.
“Growing up an orphan, I lost my dad long ago when I was in primary school. And that marked the genesis of my financial struggles in almost everything I need to have,” Akinteye said with a sad tone.”
“Since then, it was only me and my mom. In fact, I do a lot of hustle just to make sure that I sponsor myself and assist my mother.”
Akinteye also shared a poignant aspect of his journey, revealing that he faced significant challenges due to a lack of motivation, stemming from feeling abandoned by his relatives. With the exception of his mother, he felt isolated, with no one showing interest in his future or offering support throughout his academic pursuits, leaving him with a deep sense of betrayal.
Academic Sojourn
In 2017, his initial dream to study Law at the University of Abuja was shattered when he failed to secure admission. Swiftly, he explored an alternative option, obtained an admission form and successfully secured to study Public Administration at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida.
Undeterred, Akinteye opted to discontinue his polytechnic program and sat for JAMB again, aspiring to secure admission into a degree program. His determination paid off when he gained admission to Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDU) in 2019, coincidentally to study Public Administration, the same course he had initially pursued at the polytechnic.
“In 2017, I wrote JAMB and I applied to the University of Abuja to study Common Law, but I was not offered admission then. Lately, December 27th, 2017, I applied for public administration in Federal polytechnic Bida and I was offered admission.”
“Since then I’ve been working towards my dream of becoming a university student. When I reached ND 2 in 2019, I applied for another JAMB and I scored 239, a brother called me to apply for Usmanu Danfodiyo university sokoto, I applied for Public Administration and I was offered admission.”
Engagement in Extracurricular Activities
Akinteye was persistently engaged in some extracurricular activities ranging from student unionism and recognized for upholding students’ welfarism.
“I engaged myself in all social activities in the school ; I contested for SU 2022/2023 as welfare director. I’m also among the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) as Deputy Welfare chairman (2) 2022/2023. I love politics and also participate in the welfare of students organizing buses and I’m also a member of some clubs.”
Set A Goal, Prayerful, Dedicate—Akinteye advices
To him, to achieve this feat is not by power but it is all designed by Allah. As a first class aspirant, you need to plan a goal ahead, be a prayer warrior and be dedicated to achieve it.
“My word of encouragement to others willing to achieve this should be to set a goal,be prayerful, dedicated , respect everyone and never feel proud of yourself and put all hope in Allah, first class is destiny not by power.”
Akinteye proudly attributed his success to the Almighty Allah who has not only made it possible for him but also for crowning his struggles to rise into prominence by bagging First-class honor, a rare feat that is worth celebrating in every sense. He equally recognised his single mother’s struggles and support she has made throughout the journey, acknowledging her as the “best mom” life has blessed him with.