Unflinching consistency, dedication propelled me to be UNIMAID’s best graduating student in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine – Muhammad Al’ameen Ado
By Kasim Isa Muhammad
25-year-old Muhammad Al’ameen Ado, an indigene of Yobe State has recently achieved a momentous feat by graduating from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the prestigious University of Maiduguri in Borno State. His academic journey has been nothing short of awe-inspiring, as he accomplished a remarkable 11 distinctions out of 13 courses during his time at the university.
Muhammad achieved distinctions in the following subjects during his academic journey:
– Theriogenology
– Veterinary Anatomy
– Veterinary Medicine
– Veterinary Microbiology
– Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology
– Veterinary Pathology
– Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology
– Veterinary Physiology
– Veterinary Biochemistry
– Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine
– Veterinary Surgery and Radiology
In an exclusive interview with Kasim Isa Muhammad, Al’ameen shared the incredible story of his educational voyage and the challenges he overcame to reach such extraordinary heights in his studies.
Neptune Prime: Can you tell us about yourself?
Muhammad: My name is Muhammad Al’ameen Ado, and I was born in Maiduguri, although my roots trace back to Yobe State, where I spent my formative years growing up in Damaturu. My educational journey began at Model Primary School Damaturu, where I laid the foundation for my academic pursuits. Later, I continued my studies at El-Kanemi College of Islamic Theology in Maiduguri, and in the year 2014, I successfully graduated from the institution.
Neptune Prime: How did you find yourself in the field of Veterinary Medicine?
Muhammad: As a child, my aspirations revolved around becoming a human doctor, fueled by a desire to help others and make a positive impact on people’s lives. When the time came to take the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination in 2015, I performed admirably, scoring 202. To my surprise, fate had a different plan in store for me, as I was admitted to study Veterinary Medicine instead of pursuing my initial dream.
Initially, I admit I felt a bit uncertain and apprehensive about this unexpected turn of events. However, little did I know that it would lead me to a profound realization about my true calling. As I delved deeper into the study of Veterinary Medicine, I discovered a profound connection with animals and a passion for their well-being. I came to comprehend the importance of their health and welfare, not only for their sake but also for the significant role they play in the lives of humans and the environment.
This newfound understanding has transformed my perspective on life and purpose. I now firmly believe that I was destined to be in this field, and I am incredibly grateful to God for guiding me towards Veterinary Medicine. It has provided me with a unique opportunity to combine my love for animals with my desire to contribute positively to society.
Neptune Prime: With 11 distinctions, you emerged as the top-performing graduating student. How was this possible? What was your secret?
The key to my academic success has been unflinching consistency and dedication. From the very beginning of my journey in Veterinary Medicine, I recognized the importance of maintaining focus and diligence. Throughout my six-year course, I put in tremendous effort, resulting in outstanding achievements. In my first year, I achieved an outstanding 4.60 CGPA, and I consistently maintained an impressive 4.70 CGPA until my final year.
One of the unique aspects of Veterinary Medicine is that it doesn’t follow the traditional class of degree system, which is why my exceptional CGPA may not be widely known. Nonetheless, I take immense pride in my academic accomplishments and the effort I invested in each subject to attain such remarkable distinctions.
Moreover, I must credit my success to the overwhelming support and camaraderie I received from my fellow colleagues. The collaborative and encouraging environment within the academic community played a fundamental role in helping me reach my full potential. Throughout my time at the university, I am proud to say that I never engaged in any conflicts or disputes with any of my colleagues. Instead, we fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect and support, which undoubtedly contributed to our collective growth and achievements.
In essence, my secret to success lies in maintaining consistency, unprecedented dedication, and embracing the power of unity within the academic community. By striving for excellence and supporting one another, I believe we can achieve greatness and make a positive impact on the world around us.
Neptune Prime: What reading style worked for you?
I found that my most effective reading style was to utilize the time between lectures for focused study sessions. Additionally, I actively engaged in class discussions with my colleagues, which further solidified my understanding of the subject matter. I adopted a thorough reading approach, where I persisted in studying until I grasped all the necessary points. This method allowed me to fully comprehend the material and retain essential information for my academic success.
This is bravo, Muhammad, what are the basic challenges that you faced?
I faced several substantial challenges during my time at the University.
One of the most prevalent hurdles was the recurrent ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) strikes, which disrupted the academic calendar and extended the duration of my studies. These strikes often caused delays in lectures, examinations, and research activities, affecting our overall learning experience and academic progress.
On top of that, the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State added another layer of complexity to my educational journey. The constant threat of violence and insecurity in the region created a climate of fear and uncertainty. Tragically, there was an incident where a bomb blast occurred at the University, claiming the life of one of our reputable professors. Such events not only impacted the academic environment but also took an emotional toll on the entire university community.
Furthermore, the lack of reliable electricity in Maiduguri presented another challenge. Frequent power outages disrupted our access to necessary resources, hindered research activities, and made studying more challenging. However, I am grateful that the situation is gradually improving, and efforts are being made to address this issue.
Neptune Prime: Tell us about an unforgettable or memorable experience you had while in school?
Muhammad: One of my most cherished memories from my time in school revolves around the moments spent with my colleagues. Engaging in tutorials and collaborative learning sessions not only strengthened our bond as classmates but also enhanced our understanding of the subjects we were studying. These shared experiences created lasting friendships that I will treasure for a lifetime.
However, the pinnacle of happiness and pride for me was during my attestation ceremony. It was an unforgettable day when I received seven prestigious awards, recognizing me as the best-performing graduating student. The sense of accomplishment and recognition for my hard work and dedication was overwhelming, and it reaffirmed that my efforts had truly paid off.
READ ALSO:Academic Excellence: FUGA Yobe gets 6 Readers, promotes 280 staff
But what made that moment even more special was the sight of pure joy and pride on my parents’ faces. Seeing how much my achievements meant to them filled my heart with immense happiness and gratitude. Their support and encouragement during my academic journey played an instrumental role in shaping who I am today, and witnessing their happiness was a truly priceless experience.
Neptune Prime: How did you balance academic and social activities?
Muhammad: Achieving a balance between academic and social activities required effective planning and time management. During my time at the university, I held the position of Executive Secretary of the Veterinary Students Association, and I was also the Secretary of the Yobe State Veterinary Student Association. These roles demanded a considerable amount of time and commitment, but I was determined to excel in both my academic and social endeavours.
To maintain this balance, I adopted a proactive approach to time management. I carefully planned my schedule, allocating specific time slots for studying, attending classes, and participating in academic-related activities. Simultaneously, I set aside designated periods for engaging in social events and fulfilling my responsibilities within the student associations.
Utilizing organizational tools, such as calendars and to-do lists, proved invaluable in keeping track of my commitments and ensuring I met all deadlines effectively. This disciplined approach allowed me to maximize productivity in both realms of my university life.
Neptune Prime: This is great planning, did you set your mind on graduating as the top-performing student right from your first year?
Absolutely, I was determined to excel in my academic journey right from the very beginning. As I started my part one, I set my sights on becoming a top-performing student. I was driven by a strong desire to make the most of my educational opportunities and achieve academic excellence. This is evident from my 4.60 CGPA in my first year at UNIMAID, a testament to my commitment to being a diligent and dedicated student.
While I worked tirelessly to maintain high academic standards, I also recognize that it is essential to acknowledge the role of divine providence in my success. Alongside my efforts, I firmly believe that God’s plan and blessings played a significant role in guiding me towards achieving my goals.
Neptune Prime: Have you been honored due to your achievement?
Muhammad: I was honored to receive numerous awards in recognition of my academic achievements. These awards include the Dean’s Prize for the best graduating student from the faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association Award for the best graduating student from the faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the Yobe State Veterinary Medical Students Award for the best graduating student from the faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Hamisu Yelwa’s prize for the best graduating student in the faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chief Francis Brisibe Adamagu Memorial Prize for the best graduating student in Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Late Professor Mani Memorial Prize (sponsored by Dr. Esther Solomon Mshelia) for the best graduating student from the faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and the Late Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Gadzama’s prize for the Best student in clinics.
Neptune Prime: Where did you see yourself in the next five years?
Muhammad: In the next five years, I envision myself making meaningful contributions to both animal and human welfare. My passion lies in the field of Veterinary Medicine, and I am eager to pursue a specialization in epidemiology and public health.
Neptune Prime: What advice do you have for students aspiring to achieve academic excellence like yourself?
Muhammad: My advice to students aiming to attain academic excellence is to work diligently and maintain a prayerful mindset. Seeking guidance from mentors in your academic pursuits can be immensely beneficial. However, it’s important to acknowledge that achieving academic greatness is not an easy task; it demands dedication and persistent effort. But with consistency, anything is possible.
To excel academically, set clear goals and create a well-organized study plan. Managing your time wisely and staying focused on your objectives will lead to better results. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and never shy away from seeking help when needed. Remember, success is often a combination of hard work, resilience, and the belief in your own abilities.
Thank you so much Muhammad, and congratulations on your achievement.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
