UDUS: How 22-year-old Ilorin-lady emerged best-graduating student in Biochemistry with 4.87 CGPA

Initially, Haleemah Hamzah, a 22-year-old indigene of Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara state wanted to study Medicine and Surgery at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS).

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Despite scoring 284 in Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in 2018, her course of choice was changed to Biochemistry. 

Due to Haleemah’s passion for medicine, she worked hard in her 100-level so as to be among the top five students of her department with the hope of crossing to medicine. But, her hope was dashed when she found out that crossing into medicine is not realistic in the university.

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Fortunately for Haleemah, her dedication to learning earned her 4.82 Grade Point (GP) out of 5.0 grading system in 100-level. Going forward, she had 4.85 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in 200-level, 4.90 in 300-level and finally graduated with 4.87 CGPA. 

“We were much in the 100-level that had first-class, but as time went on we dropped drastically in the 300-level. The level was regarded as the hardest but that was when I had the perfect 5.0GP,” Haleemah narrated. Her wish since 2018 was to be among those that will give testimony to academic excellence.

While talking about her motivation to chase academic excellence, she said, “In 2019, I saw a lady who graduated as the best-graduating student of her school. Since then, I aim at being the best graduating student of my set. This was my motivation right from time. My parents are intellectuals, especially my mom. She graduated with distinction and made it to the top five in her class even at the postgraduate level while engaging in other tasks. I am always motivated by her level of intelligence.”

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Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) is one of the public universities established by the military regime of General Muritala Muhammad in September 1975. This second generation university is situated in the seat of caliphate, Sokoto state and also known as one of the hardest universities to study in Nigeria.

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At its just concluded 2022/2023 academic session, Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman Akanbi, a graduate of Islamic Studies emerged as overall best-graduating student of the university with 4.96 CGPA in the male category while Haleemah Hamzah, a graduate of Biochemistry emerged as the overall best-graduating student of the university in the female category.

Moreso, out of the seven first-class recent graduates of Biochemistry, of whom six of them are females with one male, Haleemah stood out as the best and also triumphed as the best-graduating student of the entire faculty of chemical and life sciences. 

Haleemah appreciates her creator for the academic achievement. In her words, “I give thanks to Allah and praise him for His favor upon me, because some people are better and more brilliant than me but were unable to achieve this feat.  I felt fulfilled and empowered as I was able to achieve my aims and objectives on campus. I sincerely feel it is a manifestation of hard work and prayer.”

She said that prayer works for her and encourages other undergraduates to be prayerful. “Prayer is the bedrock for everything. Pray fervently and possess a strong belief in your prayers. Pray before, during and after every endeavor.”

Gender doesn't determine academic achievement — Haleemah

Haleemah believes that gender doesn't determine academic achievement because no one cannot emerge as the best. “In academics, everyone has the chance to be the best. I am of the opinion that female students can do better than males if only females are able to manage the stress and navigate the challenges while on campus, for every success comes with dedication and high level of commitment.”

She added, “Growth mindset, prayer and hard work are my compasses throughout the journey. Always believe in yourself that you can achieve it. Since I can do it, you can also do it.  It's always good when we plan but it's best when we swing your plan into action and hope for the best.”

Hard work does not kill — Haleemah tells undergraduates

Haleemah advised undergraduates to work hard and never give up on their ambitions because, “hard work does not kill, rather it makes one stronger and develops chances in life and world global market at large. Effort is always required as success is cumulative. It was said that for every hardship requires effort to triumph.”

She told students to focus on their strengths, work on their weaknesses in order to attain success. “We should always focus on our goals and try to manage the challenges that come our way.” “Male counterparts are a big threat to us females, we need them in our life but at the right time. We need to do away with frivolous relationships that have no gain rather it jeopardizes our time. Define who you need in your life and the right time and always ensure to inculcate the practice of self assessment appropriately.”

Extracurricular activities have huge benefits — Haleemah

Haleemah said that extracurricular activities have huge benefits as they help in networking, and learning more about practical skills among others. “Students should engage in extracurricular activities while on campus. It is imperative to find your niche and go for where you can develop yourself as an individual,” she encouraged.

As a student, she served as the vice president of departmental association; Ameerah of the Muslim Biochemistry Student Unit; volunteered for an association that works for the betterment of the community; and also an international fellow, Awareness 360 Global Organization.