From an Unplanned Course to First Class Honors — How Maryam Abiola Emerged Best Graduating Student in Sociology

Success does not always begin with certainty. Sometimes, it begins with disappointment, redirection, and a reluctance towards a path you never planned to take. For Awwal Maryam Abiola, graduating with a First Class degree in Sociology from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, was not the fulfillment of her original dream. It was something far more powerful — the triumph of discipline over doubt and purpose over preference.

Maryam Abiola hails from Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State. Her dream of greatness seemed momentarily interrupted when she was unable to secure admission to study her desired course. However, she eventually emerged as the Best Graduating Student(BGS) in the Department of Sociology at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, with a CGPA of 4.52.

From Law Dream to Sociology Reality

Like many students, Maryam initially dreamed of studying Law at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The plan was clear and deeply envisioned. However, after several attempts and multiple sittings of the UTME examinations, she was unable to gain admission to study Law. Along the way, her desired course was changed from Law to Sociology.

“My original plan was to study Law at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. I sat for the UTME examinations on different occasions, but eventually my initial course (law) was changed to Sociology,” she recalls.

For many students, such a change would trigger resistance and skepticism, making them feel misplaced. But for Maryam Abiola, it became a call to greatness, hard work, and sleepless nights.

“I accepted the admission with the intention of rewriting the UTME later to pursue Law because Sociology, at that moment, felt temporary. It was a stepping stone, not a destination. However, something unexpected happened.” she said.

Discovering Passion in an Unexpected Field

As lectures progressed and her exposure deepened, Maryam began to see Sociology differently. She realized that the discipline was far more impactful than she had imagined.

Maryam did not merely view Sociology through the ideas of Auguste Comte, often regarded as the father of Sociology. She came to understand it as a discipline that explains society, improves lives, and addresses social problems in meaningful ways.

“Initially, it wasn’t my first choice. But after being offered Sociology, I accepted it, explored it, and later embraced it as my own choice when I realized how impactful and engaging the course was,” she says.

“Fortunately, I discovered Sociology was very interesting and meaningful. I grew to love how it explains society, human behavior, and social problems,” she added.

That moment of acceptance was transformative. She stopped studying Sociology as a placeholder and began studying it with purpose.

Choosing UDUS: Family Influence and a Disciplined Environment

Maryam’s journey to UDUS was shaped by both family encouragement and personal conviction. One of her sisters was already studying at the university and spoke highly of its academic culture.

“Actually, I chose UDUS because one of my sisters was studying there, and she encouraged me to choose the university, and my dad agreed,” she explained. 

“UDUS is known for its excellence, where certificates are awarded based on character and learning.”

Beyond family influence, what attracted her most was the institution’s disciplined academic environment. “I appreciated the school’s seriousness toward academics and how it pushes students to stay focused on their goals.”

She entered the university with clear ambition — even though the course attached to it was not her chosen choice.

Adjusting to Sokoto Heat, Pressure, and Persistence

Adapting to Sokoto was not easy. The harsh sun during the dry season and the intense heat, especially during Ramadan, posed significant challenges.

“Adapting to Sokoto wasn’t easy at first because of the harsh sun during the dry season, especially in the month of Ramadan. The heat felt unbearable, and students struggled to read. At times, mosquitoes filled the lecture rooms,” she recalled.

Yet, she refused to allow discomfort to distract her attention from her goals. She believed that greatness comes with sacrifice and demonstrated commitment and hard work.

“I stayed focused on my purpose, adjusted gradually, and maintained discipline in my studies, especially reading at night in the hostel or sometimes in the masjid (mosque),” she added.

Those quiet study sessions became her sanctuary. In the silence of the night and the calm of spiritual spaces, she built consistency.

Building Excellence Through Consistency

At the beginning of her journey in the Department of Sociology, Maryam did not assume she would graduate with a First Class, let alone as the Best Graduating Student.

“I didn’t assume I would graduate with a First Class in Sociology or as the best graduating student in the department. But through constant work and resilience from the very beginning, I am privileged to wear the crown as the best graduating student,” she explains.

“I attended lectures seriously, sat in the front or second row, took detailed notes, and studied regularly. My focus was on doing my best every semester,” she added.

Her consistency reflected in her results. She maintained a First Class standing from 100 to 400 level: 4.53, 4.63, 4.58, 4.52 respectively.

These were not mere numbers, nor were they accidental. They were the result of daily discipline — reading until daybreak and persevering through discomfort.

The 300-Level Struggle

Despite her steady performance in 100 and 200 levels, her 300 level proved to be the most challenging. Academic expectations increased, questions became more complex, and the workload intensified.

“My 300 level was the most challenging period. Stress almost affected my performance. What nearly discouraged me were some disappointing grades, but I told myself that this was just the beginning and that I would accept whatever came as a reflection of my effort,” she confessed.

Whenever she encountered a disappointing grade, she allowed herself to feel it briefly but refused to dwell on it.

“Instead, I reflected on what I could do better.” Reflection became her tool against discouragement.

Like many students in Nigerian universities, she also faced financial pressure, stress, and fatigue.

“I experienced normal student challenges like financial pressure, stress, and fatigue. Those moments were tough, but they taught me patience, discipline, and reliance on faith,” Maryam recalls.

With support from her family, friends, mentors, and scholarship bodies such as the Students' Empowerment and Education Development Scholarship and the First Class Muslim Foundation, she was strengthened during difficult seasons.

Inspiration from Senior Colleagues

One defining moment in her journey came during a lecture when Prof. Jimoh Amzat spoke about the first student in the department to graduate with a First Class, Miss Blessing Ejeh.

“Hearing the story of Miss Blessing Ejeh made it feel achievable to me. I told myself that if she could do it, I too could,” Maryam said.

Encouragement from Mallam Abdulazeez also played a significant role.“I would like to give special thanks to Mallam Abdulazeez, who became like a father to students in the department. He advised me to keep pushing, and his words of encouragement helped me greatly,” she added.

A Flexible but Firm Reading Culture

“My reading habit has no fixed time. I sleep early and wake up in the middle of the night to study. I read after Fajr. Sometimes I go to the library from morning till evening. In short, there is no particular time I cannot open my book,” she explained.

This adaptability ensured that studying became part of her lifestyle rather than a seasonal activity.

Advice to Aspiring Fellow Students

Maryam’s advice reflects the principles that carried her through four years.

“To all undergraduate students in UDUS, I don’t have much to say but be consistent, attend lectures, start reading early, be prayerful, and stay disc