Ishaq Abubakar’s attainment of a First-Class degree in Mathematics from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), was fostered by doggedness and perseverance, surmounting the numerous challenges he faced. Through dedicated tutoring and support, his initial struggles were surmounted, and he achieved academic success.
By Wonderful Adegoke
His dream of being a mathematician wasn’t deterred throughout his initial difficulties in securing admission into a higher institution. Reflecting on his experiences, despite not being winnowed out as one of the successful applicants who wrote the POST-UTME exam at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), he remained unflinching in his pursuit.
“I wrote UNILORIN’s POST-UTME twice, and fell short of expectations during both exams,” he sadly recalled. “My second forlorn attempt prompted me to have a rethink on whether destiny assigned me to the school.”
Due to his insatiable thirst for in-depth knowledge and mastery in the field of Mathematics, he chose to study at UDUS, which he confidently affirmed to be the best university in Nigeria.
His journey at UDUS
Ishaq who was offered provisional admission to study Mathematics at UDUS attributed his success to the guidance and support of his mentor, Mr Imran, a First-Class graduate from the Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA), a prominent government-owned institution in Niger State.
These imbued sinews of energy that drove him until graduation. “I’ve been a First-Class student since 100-level, and was determined to maintain this status till graduation,” he said.
“The opportunities offered to First-Class graduates fuelled my determination for academic excellence, despite nagging doubts that I might fall short of my goal. However, all uncertainty ended when I got As in all my first semester results in 400-level.”
His outstanding academic journey which culminated in a 4.65 CGPA (cumulative GPA), was not without challenges. Hailing from an average family, he bemoaned, “The economic turmoil affected us; we were forced to pinch pennies.”
Ishaq credits tutorial sessions as his main extracurricular activity
In UDUS, tutorial centers have salvaged and also helped improve various students’ CGPAs. In pursuit of further knowledge on complex topics taught within the lecture halls, students have found respite in the guidance of senior colleagues who offer tutoring at a more subsidized rate.
Standard Deviation Tutorial (SDT), a renowned tutoring center, was established in 2018 by Bankole Ridwanullahi, an erudite scholar who offered exceptional tutoring on Mathematics and Statistics.
Speaking on how he was roused in this sparse engagement, he credited the founder, “The guidance I received in 100-level enthused me to channel my energy into tutorial sessions.”
Ishaq recalled how their tentacles expanded to cover topics related to physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and others that involve calculations. Building on this passion, “In 2019, when my friend and I took over from Ridwanullahi, we expanded the Standard Deviation Tutorial (SDT) to cover almost all calculation-related courses offered in the first and second years.”
Knowledge sown, our elders would say, is like a fire with a surging flame whose end can’t be envisioned at first sight. As the unfathomable flames of knowledge predicted by our elders continue to surge, the tutorial centre has nurtured over 1,000 students on campus, most of whom have become scholars in their various departments.
“We have up to 30 students who graduated with first-class honors, and also 100 students who have maintained their first-class status to date,” he beamed.
Be determined, avoid distractions
Ishaq, who resorted to reading at midnight to make up for the time spent tutoring all day, urges students to stay determined. In his words: “Determination and prayer are the goals. Once you’re determined to do something, you’ll be wise enough to avoid distractions that might hinder your progress.”
