From Father’s Choice to Personal Ambition: The Journey of a First-Class Graduate Abdulazeez Rofiat at UDUS

For many students, the path to university is a straight line, but for Abdulazeez Rofiat, it was a journey across states and expectations—transforming from a father’s recommendation into a personal mission to achieve academic excellence.

The story began in 2025 following Rofiat's SSCE and JAMB examinations. While she initially set her sights on Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), a conversation with her father shifted her trajectory toward Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). Describing it as the most peaceful institution in the country, her father encouraged her to make the switch.

By November 2025, the dream became reality as she secured admission into the highly competitive Mass Communication programme.

Relocating from Kwara State to Sokoto involved more than just a long journey; it was a cultural and physical immersion. Rofiat recounts the evolution of her experience:

The Climate: Transitioning from the mild weather of late November to the harsh Sokoto harmattan in December required significant adjustment.

Cultural Diversity: Immersed in a melting pot of Hausa, Yoruba, and Nupe cultures, she embraced the "Danfodite" identity, even developing a fondness for local delicacies like denkeli and awara.

Hostel Realities: Like many freshmen, Rofiat faced the challenges of shared living, including the "mysterious" disappearance of foodstuff and clothes, which eventually led to her relocation to a private hostel.

The cornerstone of Rofiat’s journey remains her academic ambition. Inspired by her first orientation where lecturers emphasized the school's motto, "Iqra" (Read), she has set a rigorous goal: a First-Class degree.

"I reminded myself of the reason I came to school," Rofiat stated. "Not just to get a certificate, but to acquire knowledge. My goal is to ensure my CGPA is excellent from 100 level."

Now a dedicated regular at night classes and collaborative study groups, Rofiat embodies the transition from a candidate following a parent's lead to a self-motivated scholar. Her story serves as a testament to the resilience of Nigeria's "100-level" students as they navigate the complexities of higher education.