First Class Graduates

By Uzair Adam 

Two siblings from Rimin Gado Local Government Area of Kano have achieved an exceptional milestone after graduating with first-class degrees in Computer Science from different universities in the same year.

Sulaiman and Maryam Salisu, younger brothers and sisters of a prominent BBC journalist, Aisha Salisu Babangida, both achieved identical Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPA) of 4.51 in 2025. 

While Sulaiman studied at Al-Istiqama University in Sumaila, Kano, Maryam attended the Federal University of Dutsin-Ma in Katsina State.

Speaking with The Daily Reality on Wednesday, Sulaiman said his achievement was not just personal but a fulfilment of his late father’s dream.

He stated, “When I saw my final result, I was surprised. I was thrilled because I had fulfilled my father’s dream. He always told me I could do it and reminded me how important it was.”

He explained that his first semester result placed him in the first-class category, which brought joy to his father. But when his performance later dropped, his father sat him down and encouraged him to refocus. “That conversation changed everything,” he recalled.

Sulaiman also spoke about the sacrifices his parents made during his studies, narrating how his mother once sold her goat to send him money for food after he ran out of supplies.

“I only discovered what happened when I returned home during the semester break. I felt like crying when I realised the sacrifice. It motivated me to work harder because I knew my parents were giving their all for me,” he said.

As a member of the pioneer graduating set at Al-Istiqama University, Sulaiman said having no seniors to look up to pushed him to put in his best and even guide his peers.

Similarly, his sister, Maryam, graduated with the same CGPA of 4.51 from the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma. She described her success as a dream she had nurtured for years.

She stated, “I cannot describe the joy I feel. Completing my studies with such a result is something I had prayed and worked for. This achievement is not mine alone; it belongs to my family and to Nigeria as a whole.”

Maryam recalled that she nearly lost focus after the death of their father while she was about to begin her final year, but the support she received from her family, teachers, and friends helped her persevere.

She said her ambition is to pursue advanced studies in Computer Science, with a focus on software development and Artificial Intelligence. 

She stated, “I want to use the knowledge I have gained to bring positive change to society, especially in Nigeria and Africa. 

“I also hope to inspire women and young people to believe that with determination and faith, they can achieve their dreams,” she added.

Both Sulaiman and Maryam expressed gratitude to their family, teachers, and friends, praying for Allah’s reward for their late father and their mother, whose sacrifices they said played a vital role in their success.

By Wonderful Adegoke

Despite the growing consensus that achieving a first-class degree is increasingly difficult, Helen Ambi has proven that with perseverance and diligence, it’s attainable at any level.

Hailing from Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Helen Ambi developed an interest in Medical Laboratory Science after researching and reading about its versatility in the health sector. Thus, she applied to Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS) to pursue her newfound passion.

“Initially, I never knew a course like Medical Laboratory Science existed,” she revealed. However, I chose it after researching and reading about its prospects and versatility in the health sector. I applied and was admitted on my first attempt. This convinced and made me glad that I chose this path.”

Like the thousands of students with varying dreams admitted every year, Helen Ambi’s journey to graduate with a first-class degree began, ultimately leading to her remarkable achievement.

The journey in UDUS

The glamour of being confined within the four walls of academia began gradually while Helen steadily pursued her dream of becoming a first-class degree holder. Alas, it began to dawn on her that she’d dreamt too far—hope faltering like the fading of a newly painted mural.

“Not that I didn’t aspire to graduate with a first-class,” she said. “I did. But when I saw my 100-level results, although they weren’t bad, I expected to start with a first-class because it’s often said that the journey begins as a ‘fresher.’

“I have always heard that if you want to graduate with a first-class, then you have to get it from 100-level because as you progress, your CGPA will ‘drop.’ Hearing that made me give up on bagging a first-class degree.”

The 4.3 grade points she obtained in the 100 level left her stressed, worn out, and frustrated and prompted her to re-strategize. “My friend Simnom helped me develop a new reading habit: night reading, which I would say helped me understand what time of the day was most suitable for my assimilation.

“I can’t express how I felt, but I know I was excited because the green lights were beginning to turn up,” she said, in appraisal of how her new strategy boosted her records to 4.47 in the 200-level and 4.46 in the 300-level.

The game changer

The School of Medical Laboratory Science (SMLS) has the best faculty in UDUS. The 400 level is known to be the toughest due to the bulkiness of the courses offered. Helen’s first-class journey began in her penultimate year.

“My 400-level was the game changer for me. I know it’s known as the most hectic and challenging level and probably the most difficult, but that’s where my story began. I achieved a grade point of 4.50 in my 400-level and 4.53 in my final year.”

In acknowledgement of the encouragement received from one of her lecturers, whom she simply identified as ‘Dr Festus,’ she said, “I became more determined to give my best to achieving a first-class degree.”

“I began having discussions with a few friends to learn new things because no one’s an island of knowledge. When our 400-level results were released, I discovered that it had greatly helped me.”

“Don’t Give Up” – Helen advises students

As a lover of research and volunteering activities, Helen intends to impact society by conducting research to tackle sickle cell disease. She has advised students to hold on to their dreams.

“Regardless of what people say or think, don’t give up on your dreams. Give your best to everything you do, including your academics. Having a good relationship with your colleagues is important because you can never know everything, and we learn from each other.”