By Raheem Anifa
Growing up in a society where age-long social constructs often triumph ambitions, Ayyub Haleemat Abake, a resident of Badia-ijora Lagos State, stood her ground against the odds to preserve her future—therefore bagging First-class honour in Statistics at Kawara State University, Malete (KWASU)
Ayyub Haleemat’s inspiring academic journey to achieve this remarkable feat was evidence right from the outset when she first graduated with a distinction in Lagos State Polytechnic. However, in spite of the academic challenges encountered before realising this goal, she was able to graduate with an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.62. A rare feat worth celebrating.
Marking it with acknowledgement, this is yet a single most significant achievement that reflects a resounding testament of the power of her unwavering determination, hard work and perseverance. For a moment, this success has been her long-held pursuit of dream, which was fueled by the desire to make proud of herself, her parents, and her entire community.
In an interview with DIGEST PRESS, Ayyub Haleemat Abake reflected the struggles and challenges she faced, which range from late night reading, attending tutorial and the host. She stressed that it got to a point when some students would thought she was just being over serious while others encouraged her to keep it up with her full focus.
“Well, most of the challenges I faced are late night study session, making research and organizing tutorials to leverage my learning. This is what many students would see as academic pride but I was remained determined because I draw my inspiration to be celebrated academically just like how other ladies are being celebrated too,” she said.
Meanwhile, Haleemat had a tough moment that almost made her felt defeated when her CGPA greatly dropped from 4.50 to 4.46 during her 200-Level. According to her, she felt sad about it and nurse the thought that it might be quite impossible to regain her lost grade points. But with self encouragement, she said, everything worked out in her favour when she prepare well against the odds.
“I had issues in my 200-Level. When the result was out, I had 4.50 but later on it was reduced to 4.46 I was sad and made steps to be rectified but kept telling me nothing could be done. And I thought of working harder to graduate with first class,” she recalled.
Interestingly, Haleemat furter recounted that her academic feat later sprung up to first class in her 300 Level where she acquired a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.83 until finally graduating with 4.62 that earned her the First-class honour.
Excited, she extended her words of advice to everyone in her community to be focused, and stay determined towards pursuing their dreams. She said that they should kindly bear in mind to make a big difference with every opportunity that comes their way and embrace on their little efforts even if nobody does.