A’s or Nothing: Success Story of Bello Khalilat, By Wonderful Adegoke

In a Northern Nigerian region, plagued by stereotypes and obstacles to academic success, Khalilat’s unwavering advocacy for academic excellence has defied all the odds and carved a path to success. Her journey is not only inspiring, but also a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.

Hailing from Offa Local Government Area in Kwara State, Bello Khalilat came to terms with her fate of studying Applied Chemistry at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), after realizing that pursuing a medical degree would be a forlorn attempt. She accepted her new path and threw herself into her studies, determined to make the most of her time at the university.

Khalilat recounted, “Reflecting on the past, there has never been a record of my struggling in the field of chemistry. When I graduated from secondary school, I was awarded for being the best student in chemistry. Moving forward, my interest in the subject depeened.”

Khalilat’s Resolute Grit

Being fully aware of undergraduates’ volatile academic experience, she subsisted her academic pursuits by attending lectures regularly, and taking tutorials on abstruse courses.

“Earning 4.89 on a 5.0 CGPA scale in 100-level, compelled me to give it my all,” she enthused, revealing how she persevered among a class of brainy students who were in healthy competition with each other.

“As an ardent believer in hard work, I spent countless hours reading and writing, thoroughly studying the materials. Attending tutorials, brainstorming and sharing ideas with my classmates helped out in some challenging courses.

On the subject of long-term concentration during reading, “The goal I’d in mind kept me going, and helped manage distractions.”

Though actively involved in extracurricular activities, and having served as the one-time Vice President of her departmental association, she added, “All engagements are brought to an abeyance during tests and exams.”

“I’m immensely grateful to God for being the top student in my department with the highest CGPA of 4.85. I attribute this achievement to the self-discipline I developed in my early days and the encouragement I received from my friends and family.”

Remain Committed — Khalilat advises undergraduates

Khalilat warns against inconsistency, advises undergraduates to be committed and hardworking. “Hard work helps mitigate against gratuitous results.”