Twenty-two-year-old Nafisa Ibrahim Abdulmumini from Song LGA of Adamawa State emerged the overall best graduating student of Al-Hikmah University, Ilọrin, Kwara State, during the 2023 graduation ceremony. In this interview with Daily Trust Saturday, the graduate of Animal Science with a CGPA of 4.90 speaks about how she achieved the feat.
How do you feel as the best graduating student?
It came as a shock, but Alhamdulillahi. As a transfer student from ABU, Zaria, where I studied fishery and aquaculture, I had so many courses to do to meet up with the university’s standard as I had to do general agriculture first before choosing a department in 400-level. I had lots of fears. But the feeling now is overwhelming.
Why did you leave ABU?
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I left Zaria due to the endless strikes and the division into Batches A and B by the governor of the state. Being a transfer student, Al-Hikmah was the only private university I researched that had the faculty of agriculture, among others, that blended the theoretical and practical aspects perfectly. And being in the pioneer set, I knew it was going to be both exciting and challenging.
Is this feat a happenstance or you have always led your class as a student?
Alhamdulillah I always led the class since I transferred to Al-Hikmah till I graduated.
What were the sacrifices you made to achieve the feat?
A lot was at stake, because having to deal with 13 to 14 courses every semester was not an easy one. I had to sacrifice being too involved with other campus activities, going for weekends and having unnecessary friends that caused me distraction. I beat myself hard to read more than I usually did to the extent that my eyes got affected and I had to use medicated glasses. It was very challenging, but as a Muslim, all I can say now is Alhamdulillah for Islam. Prayer is indeed key to everything.
Also, the serenity of our Igbaja campus outside Ilọrin assisted me a lot. I was more focused and determined to face my studies.
How would you describe your best and worst moments in school?
My best moments as an undergraduate was when I wholeheartedly accepted agriculture and then met a friend, Maryam Shuaib Ishaq at ABU, who pushed me to start seeing the beauty in it, believed in me and encouraged me to read hard. For my worst, honestly it was after I transferred. I felt like going back to ABU. People normally have this perception that federal universities are far better than private universities. I also had that notion till I got to Al-Hikmah. I faced lots of challenges, especially with the courses and the practical aspects. In federal universities, we start farm practical from 400-level, but here in Al-Hikmah, they start from 200-level. Coming here and having to balance theory and practical was not an easy one at all. I had to be strong. But some days, I felt like giving up.
If you have the opportunity, what would you like to change in Al-Hikmah?
I will love to see my campus evolve with great technologies and broadly diverge into agricultural mechanisation. Agriculture is a promising sector. I would love to see youths, especially women and secondary school graduates, choose it as a course of study without being forced or compelled by JAMB. I would love to see Al-Hikmah emerge as the best in Nigeria to study agriculture just like the Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Netherlands, with a focus on agriculture.
How were you able to overcome financial challenges?
Alhamdulillah I didn’t have any thanks to my parents who have always been supportive towards everything regarding our lives. For this, I was not into any entrepreneurship while in school which assisted me to be focused and avoid distractions.
How do you want to impact society now?
I would love to create a big impact on society by promoting sustainable farming practices, educating others about the importance of agriculture and working towards food security, as well as conducting research to improve farming techniques. I also love to work on improving animal welfare by advocating ethical treatment and promoting responsible animal husbandry practices. I see myself contributing to research and development in areas such as animal nutrition and disease prevention to enhance animal health and productivity. As for what next, I see myself delving into the world of animal research and working closely with different species. I might explore opportunities in animal nutrition, studying how to optimise diets for livestock or companion animals. Alternatively, I could pursue a career in animal health and welfare, focusing on improving the wellbeing and care of animals in various settings. I would explore various career opportunities in the agricultural industry. But overall, I’m excited to apply my knowledge and passion for animals to make a positive impact in the animal science industry.
I am currently serving the nation and hoping to go for a masters, as well as a PhD, in agriculture. I see myself as a future Minister of Agriculture.
What particular experience would you like to share that really shaped you in the course of your studies?
My parents. My mum who happens to be the Dean of Agriculture in the Adamawa State University, Mubi, and my dad, a former lecturer of international relations and now a politician, who always believed I could do it regardless of where I found myself.
What was your reading pattern like?
I had to study myself to know what works best for me. I cultivated the habit of jotting out all my courses two weeks before exams in a separate book and went through all of them a week before exams. I dedicated 12 hours to my books every day a week to exams. During exams, I read according to the timetable. We usually had numerous tests and preparing for exams wasn’t a difficult task. I made sure my phone wasn’t a source of distraction and I didn’t rely on anyone to go out and read no matter how late.
What were your most memorable moments?
When I was with my course mates during our farm practical. It was always fun as a group going to the farm, weeding, sourcing for ingredients to formulate feed and staying late at night brooding. It was indeed a beautiful experience.
To emerge the best with several male competitors was no mean feat; how were you able to overcome the challenge?
I believed more in myself and had amazing people supporting me. But most importantly, I prayed and cried to Allah to help me succeed.
How were you able to overcome distractions from the opposite sex and social media?
I never dated a guy on campus from the beginning of my degree to the end. I had friends but I made sure to set boundaries. Social media wasn’t a big distraction for me because I learnt the art of doing away with my phone during classes and during tests and exams. I was never a party person right from ABU. I am more of an introvert.
How do you feel in a field dominated by men?
I feel empowered and excited to be a woman in the field of agriculture. I feel that gender should never limit someone’s potential or passion. Women have been making significant contributions to agriculture for centuries and it’s inspiring to see more women breaking barriers and thriving in this field. I am indeed very proud of myself for standing out and urging every girl child to do the same so that together we can challenge stereotypes and create a more equal and inclusive agricultural community.
What advice do you have for female students and youths generally?
As a female student in the field of agriculture, my advice is for them to embrace their passion and pursue their goals with confidence. They should not let any gender stereotypes or biases hold them back and take advantage of opportunities to network with professionals in the industry. They should join agricultural organisations and attend conferences and workshops to expand their knowledge and connections. They should remember that their unique perspectives and contributions as females in agriculture can make a significant impact. Stay determined, work hard, and never stop learning and growing in their chosen field.
I want Nigeria to prioritise and invest in the agricultural sector because it has the potential to drive economic growth, reduce food insecurity and create employment opportunities. Our government should enhance agricultural infrastructure, provide access to modern farming techniques and technologies and support smallholder farmers to greatly boost productivity. By focusing on agriculture, Nigeria can harness its potential and contribute to the overall development of the nation.
