Abubakar Abdullahi Adeoye is a 2017 First Class graduate of Zoology from Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete. Although Zoology was not his preferred course of study, he defied the odds to graduate at the top of his class. In this interview with ABDULLAHI OLESIN, he shares how determination, discipline and resilience helped him turn an unexpected academic path into an outstanding success story.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your academic background?
My name is Abubakar Abdullahi Adeoye. I am a lecturer in the Department of Zoology, Kwara State University, Malete. I obtained my B.Sc. in Zoology from Kwara State University in 2017 with First Class Honours, followed by an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Entomology in 2020 and 2023, respectively. My academic and research interests revolve around insect science. I am an indigene of Ilorin, Kwara State.
When did you set your sights on graduating with a First Class degree, and what inspired that decision?
My determination to graduate with a good degree began as soon as I was offered Zoology, which was not my preferred course. At the time, I had no idea what career path I could pursue with a degree in Zoology. However, I believed that with hard work and good grades, there would always be opportunities for excellence. I gradually developed a passion for academic excellence and decided to build a strong foundation for a career in research and academia. I understood that my undergraduate studies could open doors to several opportunities, including scholarships and international collaborations.
In my first year, I regarded First Class graduates as gurus and never believed I could one day join their ranks. However, after attending my university’s convocation ceremony at the end of my first year and seeing how First Class graduates were honoured, I became deeply motivated. From that moment, I challenged myself to reach my full potential, earn a First Class degree and make my family proud.
How did you stay focused on your studies and eventually achieve a First Class degree?
It was in my first year that I came to understand what a “carryover” was, and I was determined not to have any. At that point, graduating with a First Class was not my priority; I simply wanted to pass all my courses. However, after attending my university’s convocation ceremony, the narrative of my academic journey changed.
Achieving a First Class requires seriousness and focus. I developed a consistent study routine, attended lectures regularly and revised my notes. I made effective use of available academic resources and sometimes visited the library to access books that were not available online. Since then, I have always preferred direct access to academic resources because I realised that I could not follow a rigid pattern of studying.
Instead, I set a simple target of studying for at least one hour every day. I identified the times when I could concentrate and assimilate information best. Whenever I became distracted while studying, I would stop and resume later the same day to complete my daily reading target.
My set was the pioneer Zoology class in the university, so there were no senior colleagues to guide us. As a result, I disciplined myself to remain focused on my long-term goals, and that commitment kept me motivated throughout my studies.
How did you balance your academics with financial challenges and other responsibilities as an undergraduate?
Aside from academics, university life always came with financial and personal challenges. I remained committed to maintaining a balance in every aspect of my life. I had to strategise on how to balance my academic work with other engagements, although it was not easy.
As one of the pioneer students, I took up leadership responsibilities. I was actively involved in student leadership and other extracurricular activities. Although these engagements demanded a lot of time and energy, I learnt how to maximise my time by creating schedules and setting my priorities.
My top priority was my academics, but I also made conscious efforts to participate actively in other activities to gain leadership, communication and organisational skills. The skills I acquired through these extracurricular activities have continued to benefit me both within and outside academia.
How did you feel when you found out you had graduated with a First Class degree?
