By Ibrahim Ridwanllahi
Aderoju Islamiyah Adenike has set a new record at Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUS) by graduating with an impressive CGPA of 4.89, emerging as the best student in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry for the 2023/2024 academic session.
earning her a place of pride for her alma mater and hometown, Iseyin Local Government Area in Oyo State.
Born and raised in Kaduna, Islamiyah’s academic journey began in her early years of schooling, where she attended primary school before progressing to Federal Government College, Malali, Kaduna.
At Malali, she not only excelled academically but also honed her leadership skills, serving as the Senior Girl Prefect and the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Coordinator.
These roles shaped her resilience and commitment to making an impact, values that would later define her time at UDUS.
However, the road to this milestone was far from smooth. Like many ambitious students, Islamiyah initially dreamed of studying Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ibadan (UI).
In 2018, she was offered admission to study Aquaculture and Fisheries Management but declined, holding out for a better opportunity.
A year later, she was admitted to UDUS to study Chemistry, a course she embraced wholeheartedly, guided by her father’s wisdom: “Success is defined by excellence, not by the field of study.”
Her journey at UDUS came with its own set of challenges. Health issues, particularly in her final year, tested her resolve. Skipped classes, emotional struggles, and the weight of academic pressure loomed large. But through the support of family, friends, and lecturers, she overcame these hurdles.
Reflecting on her experience, Islamiyah remarked, “The journey was filled with lessons on resilience, self-reliance, and the importance of owning my choices. It wasn’t easy, but every struggle shaped me.”
In an exclusive interview, she shared insights into her success. “I learned that success requires sacrifices—consistent studying, reduced social time, and enduring difficult phases like the Great Depression.
A strong support system, determination, and a positive mindset are essential to overcoming challenges,” she said. “Beyond academics, my university experience built my character, beliefs, and social skills, giving me a broader perspective on life and success.”
Looking ahead, Islamiyah plans to explore opportunities in petroleum chemistry and electrochemistry after completing her NYSC program.
She also intends to pursue international studies and expand her entrepreneurial ventures. She views this achievement not as a culmination but as a foundation for future endeavors.
To students aspiring to academic excellence, she advised cultivating good company, maintaining faith in God, and staying resolute in the face of adversity. “Success has no one-size-fits-all formula. Discover your own path, embrace failures, and persevere, they are part of the process,” she said.
Islamiyah encouraged graduates to see their degree classifications as stepping stones rather than limitations. “Your qualifications should never define your potential. With dedication, persistence, and faith in Allah, you can overcome any obstacle,” she affirmed.
