By Abdurrahim Ibrahim
Since being admitted to study biology sciences at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) in 2019, Abdulsalam Aminat Omowumi has set a goal for herself to graduate with first class. The lady in her mid-twenties could not hide her joy when she graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.64 and was the overall best graduating student.
Hailing from Kwara State, Aminat’s academic achievement has been evident since her 100-level days, as she has consistently maintained being the first-class student at the end of every academic session, where she earned a CGPA of 4.69 in 100-level and progressed to 4.70 in 200-level and 4.64 in 300-level and maintained 4.64 to the graduation.
In an interview with THE NEWS DIGEST, Aminat narrated how she overcame some challenges she faced and the vision for bagging first class.
“The scorching sun of Sokoto is what I battled to befriend; moving to the early morning lectures, impromptu classes, and late-night classes has not been easy, but all gratitude to Almighty God, who makes the constraints passable.
“The curiosity to score higher grades, not less than C precisely, was my motivation of becoming not just a first-class student, but also an overall best student,” she said.
Set a plan, stick to it, avoid procrastination
Aminat is a person who believes in the value of the little she earns through self-struggle. Juggling entrepreneurial activities and extracurricular activities with a primary assignment is not an easy feat for everybody, but by setting a plan, sticking to it, and avoiding procrastination, Aminat has been able to manage her time.
“The best thing I did was set a plan, stick to the plan, and try to avoid procrastination. Actually, it wasn’t easy, but with dedication, perseverance, and consistency, the dream was achieved.”
She fluttered in several social activities as she’s a member of the University Scholars Forum (USF) and also volunteered in a project organized by Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability, and Professionalism in Africa (LEAP AFRICA), advocating for a clean environment and distilled water usage.
“I undoubtedly enjoyed volunteering in those programs, as they shaped my experience with many crucial entities and also served me the link to socialization as a powerful skill to navigate life after campus.”
Enthusiastic Power of Women
Aminat advised some people who undermine the power of women’s ability and energized her fellow female students to wake up and stare the critics dead in their eyes.
“To those who doubt women’s abilities, I say: we’re not just capable, we’re unstoppable,” she said. As a female student who achieved the overall best student in my department, I’m living proof that women can excel in any field.
“Don’t believe the stereotypes or limitations. We’re equally intelligent, talented, and driven. Our gender doesn’t define our potential. So, to all the women out there, don’t let anyone dull your sparkle.”
She encouraged students to be prayerful and be ever-ready to face their challenges, as they’re the propellants to the world of dream achievement.
“Believe in yourself, stay focused, and keep pushing forward. Don’t be discouraged by challenges or doubts—every great achievement requires perseverance and resilience,” she concluded.