Simbiat Salaudeen — who, for religious reasons, does not take photographs — is the best graduating student of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, for the 2020/2021 academic session. She graduated from the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries with a CGPA of 4.89. In this interview by YUSUF ABDULKADIR, she speaks about her academic journey and how she achieved the feat.
AT what point did you start making conscious efforts to make sure you graduate with excellent grades?
Before gaining admission, I promised my eldest sister that I was going to finish with a first-class degree. Hence, right from my 100 level days, I was determined to graduate with excellent grades and I worked tirelessly towards achieving this goal. Alhamdulillah, things went fine.
With a 4.89 CGPA, you emerged as the best graduating student of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin. How was this possible?
It sounds funny but when I was in 100 level, I prayed to get a very strong CGPA and to be the scholar of my class. Both happened. Of course, after praying, you have to work for it. I made it a mission to understand myself and work in the most effective way possible to achieve my goals. During this process, I discovered things about myself that boosted my academic performance. An example of this is the fact that I can’t read in a quiet place and I’m more of a visual learner. Another thing I did was to ask for guidance from my senior colleagues. Their gems, as I fondly call them, prove invaluable in helping me go through my courses easily. Last, but definitely not least, I developed a good attitude to work. I made sure I always attend classes and read extensively. They say no knowledge is a waste, and I agree. So, pray, understand yourself, ask for guidance, and be disciplined.
How did you feel when you saw your result?
I was excited, fulfilled, and grateful. Even though it didn’t come as a shock, seeing it officially was a huge moment for me. All praises to Almighty Allah for his favour upon me.
Can you give an insight into your educational background?
I had my basic education at Hope Children School, Ojo Road, Lagos. My secondary education was at Hopebay College, Alaba-Oro, Lagos — the same school that produced Ayodele Dada Daniel, the genius student that broke the 54-year record of the University of Lagos by graduating with a perfect CGPA of 5.0. I was among the top students during my secondary school days and I finished as the best graduating science student and the overall best graduating student of my set.
Would you say you are in your dream profession?
Well, this depends on how we want to look at it. As a child, I was curious about how poisons worked and what it was that made them to be able to wreak havoc. This led me to knowing about toxicology. For my JAMB application, I picked Medicine and Surgery but I was not able to get into the programme. I got admitted to study Aquaculture and Fisheries instead. During my final-year research project, in a bid to pursue my childhood passion, I carried out my project in fish toxicology. So, in a way, I am in my dream profession.
Do you have any peculiar reading style that worked for you?
Yes. I don’t read in quiet places as I realised that I need some background noise to assimilate better. As such, I can be found in crowded spots with my head in a book. Otherwise, I’d read alongside some brown noise on my phone. Also, I read better during the day and would not be found attending night classes — I tried this once and found it to be a total waste of my time.
The last one would be my pattern of reading. I tend to read like I’m reading a story. Instead of cramming, this style helps me to connect the points and make them whole. In the end, reading styles vary from one person to another.
What part of the course did you find most interesting?
All of the aspects were interesting, to be very honest. An inside joke between me and my colleagues is that our department teaches a little about every other department in the school. This is because when we look at every other department, their knowledge can be applied in the fields of aquaculture and fisheries. The aspects of the course that I find most interesting are fish toxicology and oceanography.
How were you able to balance school work with social life?
I tried my best to balance them by planning and using my time effectively. While my social circle wasn’t extensive. I was actively involved in extracurricular activities such as being the quiz master of the Faculty of Agriculture Quiz and Debate Club (FAQDC), a mentor in the Dareword Student Association, an associate ambassador for the Initiative for Sound Education, Relationship and Health (ISERH), a sign language student and a student at the university madrasah. However, during my final year, I had to forfeit my sign language classes to have more time for my project work.
How would you have felt if you had not graduated with your long-term hard-earned grade?
I would have felt sad, but still accept it as everything has been predestined. If that had happened, I would believe there is goodness for me in that.
Did you at any point face any challenges during your stay on campus? How did you overcome them?
The transportation issue when I was coming from off-campus was a challenge for me. I overcame this by using the time spent in queues for other beneficial activities. The other challenge was my Practical Year Training Programme (PYTP) in my 400 level. The practical year was draining in all ways. For this, I always told myself that all I passed through would help me in gaining practical and professional knowledge.
Is there anything you would have loved to do as a student that you could not?
I would have loved to be involved in more extracurricular activities, and started some activities way earlier.
Tell us an unforgettable, memorable experience you had while in school, and likewise the day you will love to forget.
My memorable moment in school was the day I found out I was the class scholar. A day I would like to forget in a hurry (and not forget too) was the day I blanked out during a test. However, this event taught me that failure is part of life, and when it happens, we shouldn’t give up, but restrategise and stand back up.
In what ways do you think agriculture can boost Nigeria’s economy?
I believe the first way is by improving food security. A successful economy is one that has hale and healthy individuals. Agriculture can also boost the economy through the provision of jobs, trade of products, generation of foreign exchange through exports, and so much more.
However, these can only be possible when there are more people interested and actively involved in agriculture.
What is your plan now that you are a graduate? Do you want to study further?
My lecturers did a great job of instilling the passion for knowledge and research in me. I plan to study further, with a special interest in bioinformatics and I hope to apply this knowledge in resolving the current bottlenecks in aquaculture and fisheries.
Why do you not take photographs? And how long have you been doing this?
I don’t take photographs for religious reasons, except in cases of absolute necessity, such as taking passport photographs and the like. It has been years down the line.
Did you face any challenges on your refusal to take photographs during your stay on campus?
No, I didn’t face any challenge. Aside from the usual passport photographs for official documentation, there were generally no other important requirements for photographs.
Do you think you can later in the future reverse your decision on taking photographs?
It is an irreversible decision. I pray the Almighty Allah makes it easy.
Who are your role models?
My mother and sisters, for their valiant and selfless hearts. Also, Aishah Bint Abubakr (may Allah be pleased with her) for her immeasurable knowledge.
What is your advice for people who want to achieve great academic feats?
Just like I tell my mentees, you need to have a well-structured plan that is specially tailored to your goals. Pray for it. Know yourself. Study effectively. Use your time wisely. Seek guidance from your senior colleagues. Have group discussions with your colleagues to understand their perspectives on the concepts being discussed. Also, don’t be in unhealthy competition with your colleagues. If a symbiotic relationship isn’t possible, then, just be neutral.
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