“I Didn’t Know My CGPA Until My Third Year” – Abdullahi Zubayr, Best Graduating Student, Unilorin
By Muhammad Abdul-Wahab, Kamaldeen Naeemah, & Amirat Folaranmi
Abdullahi Zubayr Babatunde’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come from a rigid focus on scores alone; it emerges from a deep love for knowledge and a dedication to growth.
Starting from a science background and later transitioning into his passion for Arabic, Zubayr’s academic journey is marked by resilience, ambition, and a remarkable commitment to personal and academic excellence. He ascended to become the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ilorin, graduating with an outstanding CGPA of 4.72.
In this exclusive interview with the Faculty of Arts, UCJ’s Ambassadors, Zubayr delves into the strategies, sacrifices, and mindset that shaped his university years. For any student pursuing excellence, Zubayr’s story offers guidance and inspiration.
Excerpts
Images: Could you introduce yourself, sharing your full name, level, state of origin, and your final CGPA?
Babatunde: My name is Abdullahi Zubayr Babatunde. I’m a graduate of Arabic Studies from the Department of Arabic and Transnational Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin. I hail from Ogun State and graduated with a CGPA of 4.72.
Images: That’s impressive! Could you tell us a bit about your educational background?
Babatunde: Thank you. I began my educational journey at An-Najat International School in Lagos and continued through several schools, including Ansarudeen in Ota and The Straight Path College in Sango, Ogun State. I completed my secondary education at Adebola College in Ilorin. I later pursued an NCE in Arabic and English at Mufutau Lanihun College of Education, and in 2019, I joined the University of Ilorin to study Arabic Studies.
Apart from formal schooling, I also attended various Arabic and Islamic institutions across Nigeria, such as Darul Qur’an and the Arabic Institute of Nigeria, which significantly shaped my academic and personal growth.
Images: That’s a broad and diverse educational journey. How does it feel to graduate with first-class honors?
Babatunde: Honestly, it feels surreal. Holding a first-class standing since my second year, this achievement is both humbling and rewarding—it feels like a dream fulfilled.
Images: Maintaining that level of success must have involved sacrifices. Can you tell us about your study habits?
Babatunde: I don’t follow a strict reading schedule but employ methods like thorough note-taking and attentive listening in class. For a subject as intensive as Arabic, I mix up my study routine, alternating between reading and translating notes to avoid mental exhaustion. I focus better in silent settings and rely on YouTube videos and summaries for revision. Night reading isn’t my preference, so I maximize my study time during the day.
Images: These are valuable strategies. How did you manage to keep such a high CGPA?
Babatunde: Surprisingly, I didn’t check my CGPA until my third year. My focus wasn’t on scores but on fully understanding each course. Attending classes and engaging deeply with each subject mattered more than grades. Only in my final year did I set a specific goal to be the faculty’s best graduating student. Alhamdulillah, I achieved it.
Images: That’s inspiring! What initially led you from a science background to study Arabic?
Babatunde: I was originally a science student, excelling in subjects like Mathematics and Physics. But after secondary school, I felt a calling to follow my passion for languages, particularly Arabic. Transitioning to a College of Education and focusing on Arabic and English was a big step, but it was the right path for me.
Images: Were you involved in any extracurricular activities while studying?
Babatunde: Yes, definitely! In college, I served in the Students’ Representative Council and at Unilorin, represented the Department of Arabic and Transnational Studies, later becoming president of the National Association of Arabic Students. I was also the Imam of the Value Mansion Mosque, where I organized Ramadan programs. Health reasons kept me from sports, but I participated in Scrabble tournaments, placing third in one competition.
Images: Balancing all these roles must have been challenging. Did you encounter any major obstacles?
Babatunde: Time management was my biggest struggle, especially with a tendency toward procrastination. Balancing studies and extracurriculars required me to learn prioritization and soft skills, which helped me stay on track.
Images: Do you have any regrets?
Babatunde: Yes, I wish I had contributed more to my peers’ academic success. Looking back, I realize I could have done more by overcoming my procrastination. My friends would jokingly call me a “lazy scholar,” and though I maintained my grades, I know I could have achieved even more.
Images: What advice would you give to students aiming for similar academic success?
Babatunde: My advice centers around four pillars: determination, focus, prayer, and relationships. Be determined to succeed, maintain focus, and prioritize your time effectively. Prayer is essential—trust in Allah to guide you. And finally, build strong bonds with peers and lecturers, as relationships matter in every academic journey.
Images: You mentioned facing discrimination for studying Arabic. How did that impact you?
Babatunde: Many people questioned why I chose Arabic, given my Islamic schooling. Some saw it as unnecessary repetition. But I knew my passion, and I used those doubts to fuel my success. To anyone in similar situations, I would say, stay true to your passion and prove critics wrong through your achievements.
Images: Did you always aim to become the best graduating student?
Babatunde: Yes, especially after witnessing students from other departments receive the honor. I wanted to bring that title to Arabic Studies, and with Allah’s help, I remained consistent in my efforts, Alhamdulillah.
Images: What final message would you like to give to Unilorites and aspiring students?
Babatunde: Focus on self-development and continuous growth. The university experience is about evolving, so embrace that change and strive for excellence in all areas. Represent Unilorin and Nigeria proudly wherever you go.
