She originally wanted to study Medicine at the Ahmadu Bello Universty, Zaria. Twice she applied; twice she was rejected, before settling down to study at IBBUL. At the convocation ceremony of the university held recently, she not only emerged the best; she also made history as the first student from the department to bag a First Class degree since the inception of the university in 2005. She spoke with ADELOWO OLADIPO on her experiences.
What influenced your decision to study Agricultural Science?
Actually, I never applied to IBBUL to study Agriculture; rather, I applied for Biochemistry because I started from the Preliminary Studies at the Agaie Study Centre of the university after the completion of my secondary school education at the Hill Top Model Day Secondary School, Minna. When the university authorities gave me Agriculture instead of Biochemistry that I had earlier applied to study, I was not interested initially. I tried changing the course to Biochemistry but I was unable to do so. I then had to accept studying Agriculture as my fate. After my 100 Level in the university, I started enjoying the course. As I was progressing in my studies in the university, I realized that the country was moving towards improving the agricultural sector, so I embraced the course.
Did you ever have flair for Agricultural Science as a subject during your secondary school days?
Not really, although I never failed Agriculture in secondary school; and in my O’ Level results, I had A in Agriculture. So, when they gave me Agriculture in the university, I was looking at it as a very cheap course, not knowing it was entirely different from what we did in secondary school. The course work was so voluminous and advanced, compared to the little Agric we did in secondary school.
You got married in the course of your studies at IBBUL. How did this new responsibility affect your studies?
Yes, I got married when I was in 400 Level at the university; but interestingly, it seemed like my performance became better after marriage than when I was unmarried. I got so much encouragement from my husband who is a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology {FUT} Minna. He would always encourage me and tell me I could make it. He assisted me with my assignments and some other things that could have made me suffer setbacks in my studies. He studied Biological Science. I give glory to God for directing me to this point of happiness because who knows maybe if I had studied Biochemistry, I might not have graduated with First Class. Prior to my graduation and since the inception of IBBU, they have never recorded a First Class degree in Agriculture. I am the first person to be so blessed by God in the institution’s Faculty of Agriculture.
Throughout your university days at IBBU, Lapai, what difficulties or challenges did you experience?
I stayed in the hostel throughout my studies in IBBU Lapai ; so I did not really experience many challenges. The only challenge I can say was picking up my books to read. In the area of feeding and other things, I give glory to Almighty Allah for giving me a caring mother that contributed immensely to my academic progress and pursuits.
You’ve emerged the best and have set a record in your department. What secrets do you have to share with your peers out there still hoping they could achieve excellence in their various academic pursuits?
My advice to them is that they should face their studies squarely and know their primary aim of being in school. Although too much work without play makes Jack a dull boy, the primary aim of being in school is the most important. You should know there is time for everything in life. You are there to study; study well. You should study when you should study and play when you should play. Just do the right things at the right time.
My role model is a professor, the current provost of the Niger State College of Education, Professor Mohammed Yakubu Auna . I loved the way he lectured when I was in school. He was very young when he was the deputy vice chancellor (Academics) of the university. He was young but he was holding a position that even old men could not hold. I used to say to myself that one day, I would like to be like this man. I said in future I would become a lecturer, then a deputy vice chancellor and finally I would become the vice chancellor of a university.
What is your next plan now after your graduation?
I want to go for my mandatory one year national youth service. Thereafter, I will pursue my postgraduate studies by starting with my MSc in Agriculture and crops-related courses. That would be my area of specialization immediately after my national service. I am already a farmer, being an agriculturist. I want to be a very big farmer. I will cultivate land to feed the masses not only in Nigeria but outside Nigeria.
How was the experience like combining the role of a housewife with that of a student at the tail end of your university days?
Before I got married at 400 Level in the university, I was scared because I was concerned about my CGPA. I did not want it to drop. My lecturers also nursed the same fears. I was even advised to wait till after my studies before getting married. I was scared at that time; but with prayers and hard work, God made it a reality for me.
How long were you in courtship with your husband before eventually getting married to him?
We were in courtship for about three years before we got married. He promised not to disturb my studies. We had no intention of having babies; we were going to wait till after my graduation. We had our own plans but God had His way and we had a baby boy. As people say, man proposes and God disposes.
How did your husband and your parents react to the news of your outstanding result?
Everyone was happy about it. At the same time, they were shocked because they didn’t expect that I could make such outstanding performance that even normal students without pregnancy or a child could achieve. As I said earlier, it was God that made it possible for me to finish excellently. I believe we can’t excel if we do anything without God. I therefore give all glory to God because it is not my doing.
What can you tell us about your husband and your mother?
My husband is a Yoruba man, and we are from the same town in Kwara State. I met him three years ago. He is a caring, loving, religious and hardworking man {laughs}. My mother is the world’s best mum. She is very hardworking, caring, and loving . She is prayerful. In fact, I don’t even know the adjective to use to qualify her. My father is also good, for giving birth to me alone. I thank him too.
and then