Sulaimon Zulaykho Taye has been honoured as the Best Graduating Student from the Institute of Education Department as well as the Faculty of Education, with a 4.78 CGPA in the Mathematics and Integrated Science programme in the 2023/2024 academic session.
In an interview with InFocus News Agency, Zulaykho discussed her academic journey as an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Education. She shared her challenges, her habits and what the achievement means to her.
At what point did you realise you could graduate as the best student?
To be sincere, I didn’t see it well, I knew I was doing well, but I never imagined I would come out as the best.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during your programme?
There were times when deadlines, exams and projects all came at once. What helped me during those stressful periods was having people who motivated me, such as my friends and mentors. Planning also helped me scale through.
What study habits or routines helped you maintain such a high CGPA?
Consistency and determination were the major factors. Knowing what works for you is important, because what works for others might not work for you. You have to know yourself first by asking, ‘Who am I?’
What aspects of your programme prepared you for real-life practice?
Time, resources and management prepared me for real-life practice. Learning to work under pressure prepared me for the real-life environment. Teamwork and group tasks also helped me work toward achieving my goals.
How did you feel when you found out you were the Best Graduating Student?
I felt grateful and humbled. The only thing that came to my mind was that my hard work finally paid off.
What are your immediate plans after graduation?
I plan to explore more educational technology. Like how to use data tools to make teaching interactive, fun and supportive for learners beyond the classroom.
What principle or habit contributed most to your success?
Discipline, the ability to stay focused, keep to my plans and remain committed even when I wasn’t motivated, made all the difference.
Zulaykho’s accomplishments continue to inspire students across the Faculty of Education, reinforcing the value of diligence and academic commitment.