A 24-year-old man, Abdulbaki Yusuf has made history as he emerged the best-graduating student and the first-ever person to graduate with a first-class in Mechanical Engineering at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).
The brilliant student finished with a 4.79 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) to achieve the feat as the best-graduating student and the pioneer first-class graduate of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UDUS.
Abdulbaki who hails from Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State sharing details of his amazing success in an interview with Intel Region said he has always been an excellent student right from primary school, and in fact, he finished secondary school on scholarship.
He revealed that apart from being a brilliant student, the great stride was achieved through self-determination, commitment, dedication, and prayer.
“Well, my determination to make First Class honours started from the first day I was offered admission to study Mechanical Engineering. Thank God that I achieved it. I’m proud to tell you that I’m a pioneer class graduate with a CGPA of 4.79 and the best graduating student in my Department, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University Sokoto, UDUS. I achieved this great stride through self-determination, commitment, dedication, and prayer,” he said
Speaking on his study routine to achieve this success, he said; “During regular school days, after completing my daily lectures, I would return to school at night and dedicate 3 to 4 hours to studying. However, during assessment periods such as tests or exams, I would significantly increase my study time to 12 to 14 hours per day.”
He admitted that the success didn’t come easy as he encountered numerous challenges during the academic journey, which he categorize into three main areas: weather and atmospheric pressure, financial constraints, and academic challenges.
“Firstly, the extreme weather conditions in Sokoto, known for its scorching heat, particularly during the harmattan and dry seasons, made it difficult to adapt initially. Secondly, financial constraints were a constant struggle, often leaving me with little to no food beyond biscuits and water. However, I am grateful for the support of my family during these tough times. Lastly, academic challenges, compounded by the lack of past questions for guidance, were persistent. Despite these hurdles, I remained determined to excel academically,” he said.
Abdulbaki further said though his focus was more on his academics, he found time to partake in extracurricular activities. He was the Sports Director of the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students’ Association (NUESA), UDUS chapter, and a BoT member of the Ilorin Emirate Students Union UDUS.
On his plan for the future, he said; “Pursuing my master’s degree abroad, specifically at Texas University, has always been a dream of mine. Additionally, I aspire to enter academia as a university lecturer while simultaneously practicing engineering in both government agencies and private firms. Ultimately, I envision establishing my engineering firm, where I can mentor and recruit aspiring young engineers, contributing to the growth and development of the field.”
Meanwhile, the governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has celebrated Abdulbaki over his success as the pioneer first-class graduate from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UDUS.
The governor in a post on his X handle said; “Also extend hearty congratulations to Mr. Yusuf AbdulBaki on his pace-setting achievement as the pioneer first-class graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Usman Dan Fodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS).
“I commend the young scholar who is an indigene of Ilorin for making his family and the state proud through hard work, discipline, and commitment.
“I recall that AbdulBaki won a state award as the Best Student of Kwara State Origin in 2022 on account of his superlative academic performance. I urge him to remain in his best elements, and wish him all the best in his future endeavour.”
