By Habibullah Temako
In the face of daunting academic pressure, particularly at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, one of the Nigeria’s most challenging institutions, there exists an inspiring academic journey of Abdulkareem Abdulrasheed (Akare), a distinguished graduate of Education and Biology from the department of Science and Vocation, faculty of Education and Extension Services.
Abdulrasheed Akere, being honoured as the Best Male graduating student of his faculty and whose remarkable academic feat to a 4.54 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in the 2023/2024 academic session, reflects a resounding testament to the power of his unswerving determination and hard work.
Hailing from Ilorin, Kwara State, Abdulrasheed Akere began his academic journey at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto sometime around 2020. Interestingly, his pursuit of academic greatness was fueled by the desire to make his parents proud and to crown their efforts with a favourable result.
“First, I have parents I can’t disappoint. That was always on my mind. Whenever I felt distracted, I reminded myself that my parents were out there, and I needed to make them proud,” he said with a tinge of gratitude
Additionally, Abdulrasheed Akere goal of making a first-class degree started right from his 100-Level, where he has started attending tutorial sessions and night classes, which have paved way to his groundbreaking success.
According to him, the core motivation in achieving this goal was driven by the inner self believe that nothing is impossible as long there’s strong determination, adding that “each day is an opportunity to chase one’s dream.”
Abdulrasheed Akere academic achievement was evident from the outset, as he consistently maintained an impressive CGPA throughout his academic pursuits. For instance, he acquired a CGPA of 4.64 in 100-Level, 4.65 in 200-level, 4.61 in 300-Level, and finally graduated with 4.54 CGPA.
Although Abdulrasheed Akere couldn’t get the opportunity to study a medical course as his uncle would’ve had him, instead, he chose Education and Biology with the hope to make the most of the course with flying colours.
Financial Struggles
Brought up from a humble family with modest means, Abdulrasheed Akere faced financial difficulties throughout his academic journey. His parents from middle-class backgrounds relatively struggled to meet ends, which left Akere with limited resources to purchase essential study materials such as handouts and recommended textbooks. Managing this situation, he frequently relied on digital soft-copies in order to succeed despite the financial constraints.
His words, “I faced a lot of challenges throughout the course of my stay on campus, especially the financial aspect of being unable to buy handouts and materials that can help me learn better. So, almost certainly, I have to rely on reading soft-copies.”
Merging Academic With Other Social Activities
As a student whose prime hopes goes beyond having just a degree certificate, Abdulrasheed Akere juggles academic activities alongside other extracurricular activities. He ventured into so many social activities on campus such as being a member of UDUS debate club, a member of University Scholar’s Forum, a member of UDUS Pen Press among others.
Exploring campus journalism with full passion, Abdulrasheed Akere focused on the idea that journalism is an opportunity for professional growth and learning. His commitment to this practice earned him several awards including Pen Press Journalists of the Year, and equally featured him as the Editor-in-chief of the Pen Press.
According to him, journalism has shaped his career path with a lot of opportunities, thereby expanding his knowledge and understanding and giving him what he has never imagined possible.
“If you can dream, you can achieve,” Abdulrasheed Akere extended words of wisdom to fellow students.
He encouraged students to strive for academic excellence adding that they should believe in themselves and whatever they dream it’s always possible. He particularly made emphasis on the significance of prayers and hard work stressing that prayer is the most important thing ever failed to unlock one’s potential.
“I would encourage my fellow students to remain focused, committed, and dedicated to achieving their set academic goals. Additionally, I strongly encourage them to combine hard work with fervent prayers, as these are the pillar support towards realising one’s dream.”