Muhammed Abdullahi is a Top-notch graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin. Rising from Ajegunle in Lagos to academic difference, he became the leading scholar of his class across several sessions, culminating in his recognition as the Exceptional Scholar of the Year for the 2025 finishing class.
In this interview with Edugist, he shares his unconventional journey, discipline, and the mindset that powered his success.
Let’s Get To Fulfill You
My name is Muhammed Abdullahi, a First-rate Biochemistry graduate of the University of Ilorin. During my undergraduate research studies, I had the advantage of becoming the scholar of my class, the student with the highest CGPA throughout several scholastic sessions, which eventually led to my acknowledgment as the Exceptional Scholar of the Year for the 2025 graduating class.
Impressive Scholar of the Year Award, provided to Abdullahi in 2025. I matured in Ajegunle, a well-known neighborhood in Lagos, where I completed my secondary education at Tolu Schools Complex. While there, I worked as the Muslim Students’President, leading a conglomerate of senior and junior secondary schools within what is considered among the biggest secondary school complexes in West Africa.
Was Biochemistry Your First Choice?Initially, Biochemistry was not the course I envisioned for myself. Dentistry was my dream course. Nevertheless, when I composed UTME in 2020, I decided to study at the University of Ilorin, which does not use Dentistry. I then opted for Nursing, but was ultimately moved to Biochemistry throughout the admission process. In an effort to pursue my initial dream, I wrote UTME two times after gaining admission into Biochemistry. I was later used admission to study Dentistry in Sokoto, however might not proceed due to security concerns. As fate would have it, what began as an alternative path became a specifying turning point. After my second year, I became the top scholar in my class. Already, I had developed a deep gratitude for molecular science. That experience improved my academic identity and taught me that success is not constantly about where you begin, however how deliberately you pursue where you are positioned. The Road To Graduating With a Very First Class– How Was It?I did not start university with
eminence in mind. I began with an easy but firm willpower: I did not want to stop working. In reality, I considered getting a grade B in any course as a form of failure. Coming from a community like Ajegunle, I comprehended early that education is not simply education; it is movement. It functions as a bridge between constraint and possibility. Although my academic structure was not as strong as a few of my peers, I was intentional about my environment. I surrounded myself with top-performing trainees. While some at first omitted me, I ultimately discovered others who welcomed cooperation. Together, we developed a culture of intellectual rigour through over night study sessions and cumulative analytical. During those periods, I found my capacity to study thoroughly, even integrating daytime and nighttime research study sessions.
That frame of mind earned me a GPA of 4.91 at the end of my very first year. By my second year, I took on mentor functions, driven partially by my desire for financial self-reliance. By my 4th year, I was managing multiple responsibilities
, teaching in various places, serving as the department Muslim Trainees’ President, and finishing my final-year workshop and tasks. Regardless of these commitments, I stayed disciplined. After work, instead of resting right away, I would study at a nearby mosque in between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
I believed that while I was assisting others advance academically, I must not neglect my own development. It was not hassle-free, but it was necessary. I also maximised my holidays by studying ahead of upcoming terms, which provided me a strong academic benefit. One defining moment began the day I was to submit my
task review; my system crashed. Nevertheless, since I had actually built a credibility for diligence and integrity, I had the ability to explain the
situation to my manager confidently. That trust I had developed beforehand guaranteed that I did not stop working at a critical moment. < img data-src ="https://edugist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/muhammed.png"alt =" "I considered getting a grade B in any course as a kind of failure"- Muhammed Abdullahi, UNILORIN very first class graduate"width="713"height="482"src="image/svg+xml; base64, PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg=="/ > L-R: Muhammed Abdullahi and Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, VC, UNILORIN What Kept You Going Despite The Challenges?A guiding concept for me has actually constantly been:”What you need to do now is the key to what you wish to do tomorrow.” I understood that many chances favour those who are already prepared, not those who are just getting ready. I likewise understood that quality includes difficulties, but as long as your focus stays on the goal, you must keep pressing. Remarkably, some of my abilities, like fixing mathematical issues quickly, as soon as appeared unimportant, but they later ended up being important and even opened
doors for me. Above all, my faith played a main role. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), especially on quality(ihsān), deeply influenced me. If excellence is prescribed in all elements of life, then it should certainly apply to education and intellectual development. What Are Your Inspirational Words For Undergraduates Aiming For Excellence?Choose your circle thoroughly. Your scholastic trajectory can alter since of just a couple of significant relationships. Surround yourself with people who challenge you intellectually. Even if you deal with rejection initially, keep positioning yourself close to excellence.
It is also important to develop different circles for various functions: those who enhance your faith, those who push you academically, and those who expose you to opportunities. Do not take on individuals’s benefits
; rather, learn from them. Lastly, comprehend that you can not do whatever alone. An individual running alone is in a race, but when you position God ahead of you, the race transforms into grace. Read also: “Discover the design of reading that works for you, stick with it, and be disciplined”– Oluwatunmise, UI Law first class graduate. Muhammed Abdullahi’s journey is an engaging narrative of
durability, intentionality, and improvement. From browsing an unexpected
scholastic course to emerging as the very best graduating student, his story reinforces the idea that quality is not unintentional; it is cultivated through discipline, tactical relationships
, and unwavering focus. His focus on preparation, faith, and distance to quality uses a useful blueprint for undergrads seeking to rise above restrictions and achieve enduring effect.