4th September, 2023
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Some first-class graduates from some Nigerian universities have narrated how they were able to achieve the feat at a three-day leadership training programme organised by M-First Series, held from Sept . 1 to Sept. 3 in Ikeja, Lagos.
The graduates spoke at a training programme organised to foster leadership skills and facilitate career growth among Muslim first-class students by the organisation.
It was also aimed at empowering youths to attain academic and professional excellence.
The graduates shared their experiences on how they emerged with the highest class of degrees in their various fields at the grand finale of the leadership training programmes on Sunday.
One of the participants, Abdulahi Alaka, a graduate of Economics from University of Lagos (UNILAG), said that he had challenges of paying fees, which almost forced him to drop along the line.
According to him, he had to approach some individual and corporate organisations who supported him in various ways, and he promised himself that he would make a difference, which became a dream come true.
“That I’m a graduate today and a first-class candidate product is still a shock to me. I almost wanted to pull out of school, but, I thank God that I was able to make it, ” he said.
Mariam Jinad, a graduate of the Department of Marine Sciences from the University of Lagos, who applauded the organisers, described the programme as a ‘game changer’.
Jinad said her first-class degree was not actually planned but was inspired by her performances after the 200 level, on which she decided to keep improving.
“I was an average student way back in secondary school, but I have always had a mindset that I would excel in my field of learning, and I also put in my best.
“That I’m a product of first-class today is a thing of joy, although not planned, but the determination to keep on improving on my performance and persistence made it possible.
“I give thanks to M-First Series for creating this platform; it was a free-paid programme, which afforded me the opportunity to meet other first-class graduates from Bauchi, Zamfara and Sokoto.
“Coming for M-First leadership training has really impacted and added value to my field. I now have the capacity to thrive in the workforce and I thank M-First for creating this opportunity.”
Ahmad Bello, a Pharmacology graduate from Bauchi State University said his tertiary education was self-sponsored, having come from a background faced with economic challenges.
Bello said he was determined to not only acquire a first degree but to graduate with an excellent performance.
“My journey to obtaining first class was not exactly easy; I came from a family with economic challenges, but I ensured I succeeded.
“I worked hard to sponsor myself through thick and thin and I am here today.
“I took tutorials and also worked at the slightest opportunity that I had, it wasn’t exactly easy, but I ensured that I came out with the best grades,” he said.
Bello solicited support from the government to enable him to carry out research that would help to reduce liver cancer.
Also, Islamiyyah Abdullateef, a product of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said issues in the system made him to obtain the degree for six years instead of four.
“I entered the university with the 2017 set, but because it is Obafemi Awolowo University, we didn’t resume in 2018. We then finished in June 2023, that is almost six years to study a four-year course.
“When I entered, I wasn’t focused on first class, I just wanted to do my best, and then over time, the results were fantastic and it continued.
“I was always reading and putting in my best at every point, but over time, it became more challenging when I decided to run my professional exam (ICAN) with my degree.
“There was a financial constraint and other issues, it wasn’t easy but I am thankful to God, it ended well and I’m today grouped among the first class products, ” he said.
Meanwhile, Faheed Olajide, BOT member of the foundation, who advised the participants to take advantage of their environment to gain practical experiences, said, Nigeria was a good place to grow.
According to him, one only needs to find a solution that works for one’s environment, use the opportunity of social media to boost one’s profile and do some branding.
“Don’t leave school before looking for practical experience, the goal is to ensure that you do not just graduate with first class but also become a first-class personality that contributes to the growth of the society,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Mutiu Adelu, a panellist in the leadership training programme, called on the first-class graduates to develop a mentor-mentee relationship with people in their field and explore the benefits of the internship.
” As a fresh graduate, you can have four years of internship experience, the economic benefit would come later because you need skills to excel.
” Maintain your momentum and stick to your goal, don’t allow opportunities with irresistible benefits to come your way and then drop your goal, especially if you are convinced that’s what you want to do.” he said.
323 students applied for the all-expenses-paid programme exclusively for first-class Nigerian university graduates.
(NAN)