Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) best graduating Sherif Abdullahi shares his journey to the podium of glory with WONDERFUL ADEGOKE.
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), held its 42nd Convocation Ceremony on September 6, 2025, during which first degrees were conferred on 3,561 graduates.
Sherif Abdullahi, who studied Microbiology, was announced as the school’s best graduating student of the 2023/2024 academic session.
CAMPUS LIFE, in an interview with 24-year-old Sherif, who hails from Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State, learned that the first-class graduate made sacrifices and overcame several challenges in his academic journey to graduate with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.92 on a 5.0 scale.
“UDUS is a training ground; it wasn’t that bad, there were pleasant times. Coping with the stress wasn’t easy, especially at 300 Level, which is the toughest in the Microbiology Department. But I also enjoyed schooling because it shaped my perspective on winning in life and staying committed to personal growth,” he said.
When asked about the reading style that helped him maintain such excellent results, he said he didn’t have a fixed method but disclosed that God helped him stay consistent with a daily study routine. He said it involved devoting hours to reading, writing, and engaging in discussions for learning, alongside the Qur’an, which he never joked with.
“I read my books and went the extra mile to research whatever I’m studying,” he added.
Sherif said he used to read in the morning and at night, which was why he became well known in Microbiology classes.
He also noted that he studied both religious and western knowledge at UDUS and never joked with the Qur’an or religious sermons from prominent scholars like Shaikh Bashar Ahmad Sani Sokoto, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, Dr. Shaikh Aminu Yusuf Daurawa, and Shaikh Giro Argungu.
Despite the financial challenges he faced, including doing a part-time job in Kebbi State to raise his school fees, Sherif said he drew strength from the guidance of his parents, mentors, and lecturers who constantly reminded him of his goals.
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Being a future-oriented graduate who looks forward to creating opportunities for people to learn and align their passion with technological solutions, Sherif dedicated his academic feat to his family, lecturers, and friends.
Students who aim to graduate with a first-class in their various fields of study have something to learn from Sherif.
“Always work hard and seek knowledge. Celebrate your success but never joke with your religion, because it’s only God that gives true success,” he advised.