“I wanted to study nursing” – Lady who finished with first class and best graduating student at FUNAAB speaks

A Nigerian lady, Tijani Oluwatoyin Naheemah who became the best graduating student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Ogun State, speaks on the challenges she faced while in school.

She studied nutrition and dietetics at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), where she was named the overall best graduating student of the 2020–2021 academic year.

Tijani had a GPA of 4.90/5.0, making her one of the top students in the history of the university to accomplish such a feat.

She spoke on her academic journey, its challenges and hurdles during an interview with LegitNG.

Tijani said …

“My academic journey started at Christlead Nursery and Primary School in Lagos, then I proceeded to Unique Progressive College located at Sango, Ogun state.”

She revealed that she had taken her first JAMB in 2015 with the intention of studying nursing at university of Ibadan and applied for Science Laboratory Technology at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).

Tijani stated …

“Unfortunately, I didn’t meet up with the cut-off for both. Then, the journey to YABATECH began as I obtained a change of course form to study Nutrition and Dietetics. I obtained my National Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics as one of the Best Graduating Students in the department with a CGPA of 3.79/4.0. Then I gained admission into Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, through Direct Entry.”

She noted that one of the major challenges she had was trying to balance motherhood, education and her marriage.

“My challenge was balancing marriage, motherhood and education. But I was able to overcome them due to my determination,” the lady said.

For aspirants who desire to follow in her footsteps, Naheemah offered some advice. She gave them the following pieces of advice: figure out who they are and what works best for them; avoid procrastination; inspire others to learn; make time for leisure; and appreciate the blessing of having excellent people around them.

She said …

“No matter how inconvenient it was for me, I didn’t stop helping my fellow mates with courses they are encountering difficulties. This also helps me in understanding the course better.”