Staff, students who didn’t know me talked about my academic excellence in my presence —Aisha Ketso, best-graduating Sociology student, IBB varsity
With a 4.81 CGPA, Aisha Ketso became the first female First Class graduate, the second First Class graduate, and also the best-graduating student of the Department of Sociology, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University, Lapai, Niger State, for the 2020/2021 academic session. In this interview by YUSUF ABDULKADIR, she shares her success story.
How does being the first female First Class graduate of your department make you feel?
I am happy. It meant a lot to me and my family. I was able to utilise the knowledge impacted in me. This achievement meant that well-defined commitment, focus and persistence are tripods for self-actualisation.
How was growing up for you? Were you always topping your class from childhood?
Growing up was not flawless. However, I’ve always been my best and kept getting better.
Would you say you are in your dream profession?
No. Right from childhood, I had always wanted to study Law and still have a passion for it. However, I came in contact with Sociology and got so deep into it. So, I decided to give it a try. I got acquainted with Sociology during my IJMB programme in New Bussa, Niger State. I believe there is nothing one sets one’s mind on that is not achievable. As long as God is involved and you are determined, you will triumph. Alhamdulilah, as God will have it, here I am today.
When you realised you were topping your class, what did you do differently to maintain that position?
I did nothing differently. I knew I wouldn’t go below what I started with. I just kept doing my best and trusted my efforts.
When you were a child, were there times your parents coerced you into reading?
It has never happened. Reading has always been part of me right from my childhood. Growing up, reading and writing were my favourite hobbies. My parents knew this. So, I never need to be coerced into reading.
Could you capture your reaction the day you checked your result and realised you would eventually graduate with a First Class?
Honestly, I felt normal when I saw the result. However, the euphoria set in when congratulatory messages started coming in. My happiest moment was when my parents call and texted to congratulate me on the feat. During this period, I realised that sometimes we do not know how great a feat is until people start celebrating it for us.
What part of the course did you find most interesting?
Sociology is broad and cuts across different professional fields. However, the parts I find more interesting are the aspect of law and crime, theories and their models.
How easy was it to secure admission to the university?
It was easy for me. I applied for Direct Entry with my NCE result and I got in.
How would you have felt if you had not graduated with a First Class?
I do not know how I would feel. I had never for once thought about this. I was so sure I would graduate with the grade I graduated with. I believe I earned it because I worked hard for it and had good mentoring.
Did you get involved in other school activities?
Yes, I did. I engaged in religious and cultural activities and book club, and attended some social events. I also engaged in weekend fitness activities.
What was your social life like and how would you say it influenced your performance?
My social life was okay. My relationship with my colleagues helped to improve my understanding of human relations. My colleagues motivated me and this influence my performance as well.
Apart from the good grades, what other skills did you acquire?
I acquired some skills while studying, some of which are certification as a pastry chef, makeup artist, marketing and basic computer skills.
How many awards did you receive?
I received five awards in total. Hardworking student of the year (Department of Sociology); best student of the year (Department of Sociology); overall best-graduating student in Sociology (Faculty Award); best student of the year (Student Union Government) and best-graduating student and best Department Student Award by the Department of Sociology.
Did you have any role models you look up to in your field?
I look up to Mr Anas in the sociological field. He was my lecturer during my IJMB programme. I would say he played the most roles in me being a sociology graduate. He did a lot for me, and I learned a lot from him. I could sit in his class all day and not get exhausted. I don’t know, but he has a special way of making sociology easy to understand.
What were your most memorable or unforgettable moments in school?
Memorable moments were times with friends and lecturers. Unforgettable moments are when people point at me in the department and say “There she is,” when curious staff and students from other departments who don’t know me talk about my academic achievements in my presence without the knowledge of who I was. Also, some students approach me to ask for a picture with me. It is amazing to be recognised for positive things.
Did you face challenges during your studies?
There were many challenges. Whenever I faced any, I said to myself, “Aisha, challenges are part of life, you just have to face them to move on to the next chapter. Know that your Lord will never test you beyond what you cannot handle.” So, I prayed a lot for God’s guidance. I set my mind to always be ready because challenges can set in at any point. The road to a successful life has never been without challenges.
What are your career goals? How would your academic achievements help you accomplish them?
I believe education is of the essence, I would like to be a participant in its continuous positive development, to expand into more local and global professional skills. And, I would like to be a participant in ensuring there is order in society, to keep learning − as it is a continuous process. Also, new knowledge frontiers and learning imperatives keep emerging.
What is the one thing you would advise students to do or run away from?
My advice to students is to keep in mind that their primary aim − as they owe it to themselves and family – is to do better and excel. Also, do away with anything that contradicts prescribed societal values and moral codes of behaviour.
Lastly, I would like to thank my parents and family for giving me the opportunity of educational rights and privileges. I appreciate my lecturers who impacted knowledge in me, my friends who were there for me, and my colleagues who motivated me.
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