At Allaboutschools, we are dedicated to celebrating academic excellence and inspiring stories from students and graduates across Nigeria. This weekend, as part of our exclusive series, we are thrilled to spotlight an exceptional first-class graduate from a Nigerian university showcasing his achievements, struggles, and aspirations.
Our feature this Saturday captures Abdulwahab Ridwan, first-class graduate, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Abdulwahab Ridwan, a first-class graduate from the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, with a CGPA of 4.90. I hail from Kishi, Oyo State, but I was born and raised in Ilorin, Kwara State. I completed my nursery and primary education at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Oloje, Ilorin, where I graduated as the Head Boy. Initially, I aspired to attend Federal Government College, Ilorin, but by Allah’s will, I attended Ansarul Islam Secondary School, Ilorin, for my secondary education. There, I served as Assistant Head Boy and President of the JETS Club. I come from a polygamous family with three wives. My mother, the third wife, passed away shortly after my birth, and I was raised by the SEBUTU family.
What was your course of study?
I studied Mathematics (Industrial Mathematics).
What’s the secret to your academic excellence?
My success is rooted in dedication, strategic preparation, and family support. I followed the principle of P5: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. From an early age, I cultivated a love for learning, consistently excelling in my studies. In secondary school, I achieved 100/100 in Mathematics and earned a WAEC scholarship from Olesin’s Foundation. At the university, I vividly recall scoring perfect marks in my first three 200-level courses. These achievements earned me the nickname “100/100,” which became a reality in my final year when I scored 100/100 in MTS502 (General Topology).
Ultimately, my perseverance, family values, and faith in Allah have driven my success.
What were your most significant achievements, and did you face any challenges?
My proudest accomplishment was scoring 100/100 in General Topology, solidifying my reputation for academic excellence. I achieved a 5.0 GPA for five consecutive semesters, appeared on the Dean’s List every semester, and received numerous awards, including Academician of the Year and NAMSSITE of the Year for two consecutive years.
I benefited from scholarships and support from organizations like HillCity Foundation and the Petroleum Development Trust Fund, which alleviated financial stress and allowed me to focus on my studies.
Fortunately, I faced no major challenges, as I always prepared thoroughly before each semester.
Describe a research project you completed.
My final year project explored planar systems of autonomous and non-autonomous linear systems to understand their behaviors. Though it wasn’t aligned with my primary interests, I took the initiative to work on another project with a lecturer, focusing on mathematical modeling. This second project is nearly complete and ready for publication. Managing both projects simultaneously taught me discipline and time management.
How did you balance academics and extracurricular activities?
By preparing coursework ahead of time, I created space for other commitments. I also conducted peer tutorials, which helped me reinforce my understanding of key concepts. Teaching others ensured I mastered the material, leaving me ample time for revisions during exams.
Can you share a complex problem you solved during your studies?
With the guidance of mentors and access to resources, I was able to navigate most challenges effectively. Their support was invaluable throughout my academic journey.
How did your family influence your academic success?
My family Ajewumi, despite being polygamous, provided unwavering support. My father prioritized education for all his children despite financial difficulties, inspiring me to excel and restore our family’s legacy.
My brother, Abdulwahab Abdulkadir Olayinka, was instrumental in mentoring and guiding me, ensuring I stayed on track academically.
What are your post-graduation goals?
I plan to pursue advanced studies in mathematics, focusing on Mathematical Modeling, Optimization, and Computational Fluid Dynamics. My first-class background provides a strong foundation for achieving this dream.
What advice would you give to aspiring first-class students?
Be determined, stay focused, set realistic goals, trust in God’s guidance, and with proper planning and dedication, success is assured.
Leave a Reply