Muhammed Abdullahi is a First-Class graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin. Increasing from Ajegunle in Lagos to scholastic distinction, he became the leading scholar of his class across several sessions, culminating in his recognition as the Impressive Scholar of the Year for the 2025 graduating 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 studies, I had the benefit of emerging as the scholar of my class, the student with the highest CGPA across numerous academic sessions, which ultimately caused my recognition as the Outstanding Scholar of the Year for the 2025 finishing class.
Outstanding Scholar of the Year Award, provided to Abdullahi in 2025. I matured in Ajegunle, a popular neighborhood in Lagos, where I
completed my secondary education at Tolu Schools Complex. While there, I acted as the Muslim Trainees’President, leading a conglomerate of senior and junior secondary schools within what is considered as one of the largest secondary school complexes in West Africa.
Was Biochemistry Your Very First Choice?Initially, Biochemistry was not the path I envisioned for myself. Dentistry was my dream course. Nevertheless, when I wrote UTME in 2020, I decided to study at the University of Ilorin, which does not use Dentistry. I then opted for Nursing, however was ultimately transferred to Biochemistry during the admission procedure. In an effort to pursue my original dream, I wrote UTME twice after gaining admission into Biochemistry. I was later on provided admission to study Dentistry in Sokoto, however could not proceed due to security concerns. As fate would have it, what began as an alternative path ended up being a specifying turning point. After my second year, I became the top scholar in my class. By then, I had established a deep appreciation for molecular science. That experience improved my scholastic identity and taught me that success is not constantly about where you begin, however how deliberately you pursue where you are positioned. The Roadway To Finishing With a Very First Class– How Was It?I did not start university with status in mind. I started with a basic however firm willpower: I did not wish to fail. In truth, I considered getting a grade B in any course
as a type of failure. Originating from a community like Ajegunle, I comprehended early that education is not just education; it is movement. It serves as a bridge in between limitation and possibility.
Although my academic structure was not as strong as some of my peers, I was deliberate about my environment. I surrounded myself with top-performing trainees. While some initially excluded me,
I ultimately found others who invited partnership. Together, we constructed a culture of intellectual rigour through overnight study sessions and collective analytical. Throughout those periods, I discovered 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 2nd year, I took on teaching
functions, driven partially by my desire for monetary independence. By my fourth year, I was managing numerous obligations, teaching in various areas, serving as the department Muslim Students’President, and finishing my final-year workshop and tasks. Regardless of these dedications, I remained disciplined. After work, rather 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 helping others advance academically,
I should not overlook my own development. It was not convenient, but it was essential. I likewise maximised my holidays by studying ahead of upcoming semesters, which provided me a strong academic benefit. One defining minute came on the day I was to submit my task review; my system crashed. Nevertheless, because I had developed a credibility for diligence and integrity, I had the ability to describe the circumstance to my supervisor confidently. That trust I had developed in advance made sure that I did not stop working at a critical moment.
L-R: Muhammed Abdullahi and Teacher Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, VC, UNILORIN
What Kept You Going Despite The Challenges?A guiding concept for me has always been:” What you need to do now is the key to what you wish to do tomorrow.”I understood that lots of chances favour those who are already prepared, not those who are simply preparing. I likewise understood that excellence comes with challenges, but as long as your focus stays on the objective, you should keep pushing. Surprisingly, some of my skills, like
solving mathematical issues quickly, once appeared irrelevant, but they later ended up being valuable and even opened doors for me. Above all, my faith played a central role.
The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH ), especially on quality (ihsān), deeply affected me. If quality is prescribed in all elements of
life, then it should certainly use to education and intellectual advancement. What Are Your Inspirational Words For Undergraduates Aiming For Excellence?Choose your circle carefully. Your academic trajectory can change due to the fact that of simply one or two meaningful relationships. Surround yourself with individuals who challenge you intellectually. Even if you face rejection at first, keep positioning yourself near quality. It is likewise essential to construct different circles for various functions: those who enhance your faith, those who press you academically, and those who expose
you to opportunities. Do not take on individuals’s advantages; rather, learn from them. Lastly, comprehend that you can not do everything alone. An individual running alone remains in a race, but when you place God ahead of
you, the race changes into grace. Read also: “Discover the style of
reading that works for you, stay with it, and be disciplined “– Oluwatunmise, UI Law initially class graduate. Muhammed Abdullahi’s journey is an engaging narrative of resilience, intentionality, and improvement. From navigating an unexpected academic path to becoming the best graduating trainee, his story reinforces the idea that quality is not unintentional; it is cultivated through discipline, strategic relationships,
and unwavering focus. His focus on preparation, faith, and proximity to excellence offers a practical blueprint for undergrads looking for to rise above constraints and achieve long lasting impact.