When Abdulrahman Abdulganiyu Akanbi stepped into the the Islamic studies department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, he made up his mind to graduate with First class honor which no one had achieved in his department.
Akanbi had heard that First class was only desirable but not achievable in his department.
Four years later, Akanbi did not only graduate as the best graduating student in his department but as the overall best graduating student in the university with an outstanding CPGA of 4.96 which is the first since the inception of the University in 1975.
The Graduand who spoke with ASHENEWS said that he heard a lot of rumours that only students from the faculty of sciences, engineering and agriculture only attained reputable CPGAs for over four decades in the University.
“It wasn’t an easy journey for me but I am glad I did not only graduate with a first class but as a record breaker in the 49-year-old existence of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) with the highest CPGA of 4.96.
“Academic excellence has always been my passion before I joined the University and Islamic studies is the course I always desire to study because of my strong background”, he said.
Several of his mates in the department had chosen other courses like law, mass communications and others and their inability to get admission through those courses made them choose Islamic studies as a course but that wasn’t the case of Akanbi who had always desired to study Islamic studies.
Abdulganiyu had his primary and secondary school school in ilorin, Kwara State and had several challenges in entering the university before he got into UDUS in 2018. According to him, he first wanted to study law at the University of Ilorin in 2016 and Political Science in the same University in 2017.
In an interview with ASHENEWS, Akanbi highlights his academic CPGA of each session he was able to maintain this feat.
“The last best graduating student had around 4.7 CPGA while in my 100 level in which I was able to pull off 4.89 with a single B. I said if I can improve on this, definitely I can be the best student of the University or the best in my faculty.
“When I got to 200 level, I had 4.92, all As with a single C. My lecturers and mentors tasked me to improve on my CPGA yearly which I did. In my 300 level, I had As all through with 4.95 and sustained it in 400 level to graduate with 4.96.
“Many students did not see it coming but I had it all back of my mind that if this does not break the record of UDUS, it means Sciences, Agriculture and Engineering students are ahead and are more intelligent. But that is not true as I have just proved”, he added.
Abdulganiyu highlighted some of the challenges he faced both in the University and before his admission to UDUS. He recounted how environmental issues led to health challenges due to the unfriendly weather.
He also cited financial challenges due to the economic situation of the country adding that he was able to scale through with the help of his parents and siblings.
Abdulganiyu disclosed that writing reports as a journalist, analysing examination questions and assessing financial grants and workshops further helped him cope financially.
Speaking about his reading habit, he said, “My daily routine is to read in the morning till around 11 pm. I do not subscribe to 24 hours or entire night philosophy. I go to class as early as possible and if I am tired, I take a nap, stroll around or have some refreshment like biscuits or soft drinks before returning to my books.
“But when it is 11pm, I’m done for the day. I, however, ensure that I study for a minimum of four hours daily after lectures with my timetable different from that of the department. I try to read at least two courses even if it is five pages each, one that I consider difficult and an easy one.
“That was the routine throughout my university days, although I may read more than that if time is available. If I have a break, I do not play with friends in the classroom but head to the library or a vacant class to study. I also get involved in some extra curricular activities,” he explained
The 24 years Ilorin Indigene advised undergraduates to have courage, believe in themselves and try to acquire the relevant skills that are related to their academic field. Hadded that students should engage in some social skills that can add to their intellectual, professional or social life.
Abdulganiyu said that prayer, which is the most important component of success.
