Usman Yunusa is a First Class graduate of the Department of Physics of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State for the 2020/2021 academic session. In this interview by YUSUF ABDULKADIR, he shares his success story.
Why did you choose to study Physics?
Physics neither crossed my mind nor did I apply for it. I applied for Computer Science and sought Allah’s counsel for the best. However, it came to me as a shock, and even to my dad, when I was admitted to study Physics. I was disappointed. In the long run, I accepted my fate and moved on.
How were you able to graduate with a 4.54 CGPA?
Nothing great comes with ease. Despite my poor background in physics, I was fortunate to have a mentor, Hussaini Yahaya, who led me on the path to success. He helped me improve my skills in physics and mathematics and taught me the importance of consistency and discipline. In addition, in my 200L, our lecturer advised me that I could attain first class honours if I maintained a GPA of 4.6, despite starting with a CGPA of 3.82, which I had achieved in my 100L. However, my passion for Physics and my desire to achieve excellent grades, especially a GPA of 4.88, have been a constant source of motivation for me throughout my academic journey.
How do you feel being a first class graduate?
On the day of our final exams, I was ecstatic, knowing I had completed all my exams and that I would graduate with first class honours. I cannot recall a moment that made me happier than that day. When the final results were released, I began receiving calls and messages from people congratulating me on my achievement. My pictures were all over the internet and social media platforms. I was surprised at how much attention I received. I believe consistency is the key. I do not only focus but also believed that I could achieve my goal through prayers and worship. While I did not read overnight, I received tutoring from some of the top-performing students, and I learned a lot from them. Additionally, YouTube was one of my most valuable resources.
Can you give an insight into your educational and family background?
I was first enrolled on Abubakar Standard Nursery and Primary School Lapai where I obtained my First School Leaving Certificate in 2011. However, I repeated twice due to health challenges − despite passing my exams, my mom always denied my promotion. I proceeded to my JSS class at Muhammadu Kobo Secondary School, Lapai. Initially, I wanted my dad to enrol me into a boarding school at Karshi at Abuja, for my senior school, but he instead took me to Baptist Model Schools. I was not happy with that because he denies my desire, so I just told him to take me back to my old school despite knowing the standard is not the same. At Muhammadu Kobo Secondary School (MKSS), there was no permanent physics teacher except one corps member that took us for two terms. The other teacher employed by the school was wicked and did not understand physics. I had a very poor background in physics.
What were your study patterns like? Did you spend all day reading or had time to socialise?
In 100L, my mentor was the one I followed to night classes. Before sunset, we used to study at one primary school in our area. After my mentor graduated, I developed a new pattern of reading, which was writing down a personal timetable and revising all I was taught for the day. As time went by, I could not hold on to that. So, I had to find a new way of studying by writing down the timetable, strategies and staying disciplined. Also, my reading time was in the evening and morning included. For the weekends, I read line-to-line and ensure I understood one step before moving to another. I used pass questions as a guide to know how lecturers set their questions and to also have an insight into the exams. I was afraid and shy when I was in 100L and it limited my interactions with others. But, with time, I was free with everyone, except bad people. Indeed, I had time to socialize.
What was your relationship with your peers like?
I did not have a problem with anyone. I vibed with whoever was ready. To work with me, irrespective of race, I welcome everyone with both hands, except if that person was bad. In fact, in our group, we read together, and tutored one another − I even attended tutorials sometimes to encourage others. Our class was filled with comrades. I was one of them. My closest colleague even contested for the position of SUG president and I was one of the frontiers of his campaign team. I have friends in other departments too and I’ve introduced my business to all of them in our class. I love for brothers what I love for myself.
What motivates you to strive for academic excellence?
Excellence has always been my natural inclination, and I give my utmost effort and maintain an optimistic mindset in every endeavour I undertake. The guidance and advice from my mentors and the orientation programmes I attended during my first year served as powerful motivators that fueled my drive for success. Also, a lecturer played a significant role in instilling in me the mindset of achieving first-class academic performance.
Did you ever consider giving up on graduating with a first-class?
Certainly, there was a moment during the start of our 300L, in January 2020, when I received my second-semester results for 200L. I obtained a GPA of 4.67 and a CGPA of 4.36. In that instance, I thought to myself, despite all the prayers and efforts, this was the best I could achieve. I felt a sense of despair, realising that even my beloved grandfather, who cherished me deeply, was no longer alive. Although I was grappling with emotional trauma following my grandfather’s passing, it was during that time that I became even more dedicated to my studies. The unforeseen circumstances of the industrial strike and the lockdown due to the coronavirus served as wake-up calls, reminding me that I needed to stand tall as a man and give my absolute best in all my endeavours.
How would you describe the role your university played in your life?
My experience at IBBU played a vital role in shaping my journey. In 2019, I was selected as one of the 27 students to participate in a Train the Trainer programme at ASREA in Lagos. The week-long course focused on off-grid solar installation. Following the training, we had the opportunity to explore Lagos. During the same year, our excursion took us to Shiroro Dam. It was incredible to witness how the hydroelectric dam not only generated electricity but also served as a tourist attraction. We visited the North South Power Company, bridging the gap between theory and practical knowledge.
Another remarkable opportunity arose when I undertook my Industrial Training (SIWES) at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, located at the Abuja International Airport. I was assigned to the NAVAIDs department, responsible for ensuring the safe takeoff and landing of aeroplanes. This experience exposed me to the usage and maintenance of advanced navigational aid equipment. I even had the privilege of witnessing the landing of the Super Tucano Fighting Jet for the first time, although my programme concluded a few days before its inauguration. The feeling I had was simply indescribable.
What was your best and lowest moment while in school?
The highlight of my time at school was during my final year when I entered into a relationship with my future wife, Insha Allah. It was a moment of joy and anticipation for the future. On the other hand, my lowest moment was when I lost both of my grandparents. It was a challenging time when basic necessities like breakfast and bathing with warm water during harmattan became scarce. Although the financial struggles were absent, the void left in my heart by their absence remains irreplaceable.
If you had not studied Physics, what would you have studied?
I would have loved to study Software Engineering or Computer Science
What other activities were you involved in apart from your academics?
I engaged in various activities such as playing football. I attended Islamic school, taught at home, worked on the farm, managed office tasks, and ran my online business. Also, I actively participated in school politics, starting in my second year. I represented the Physics department as a member of the National Association of Science Students at the IBBUL Chapter for one term. In my third year, I ran for the position of S.R.A to represent the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the Legislative Chamber of the Students Union Government. Despite my engagement in activism, it never hindered my academic progress.
Do you think the situation of things in Nigeria is hindering young people from optimally exploring their potential?
The current situation in our country poses significant challenges for the younger generation. However, despite these obstacles, optimistic individuals, including myself and many other young people, find opportunities amidst difficulties. To accelerate the realisation of our potential, it is crucial to receive the necessary support from relevant institutions.
What are your career plans? And, as a physicist, what would you do differently to impact the world?
As a certified physicist, one way to make a significant impact in the world is through innovative research in the field of solar energy, which is in high demand and could be a game changer in solving energy crises, particularly in Nigeria. Of course, there may be other plans and ideas that are being kept under wraps for now.
What advice do you have for students, including those about to begin their university journey?
My advice for students is for them to be strategic in achieving their goals. Also, forgetting God means forgetting oneself. Students should never underestimate the importance of worship and make prayer a constant part of their life. Students should carefully choose their friends as they can greatly influence not only their academic performance but also their overall life. I surrounded myself with studious individuals and it positively impacted my dedication to learning.
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