“Forestry dept is really a war,” UDUS first-class graduate recounts ordeal

Idris Yusuf, a first-class graduate from the department of Forestry at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) narrated how challenging the academic journey was before he attained the feat.

Taking to his Facebook handle to celebrate the victory, Yusuf who clinched the victory with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.59, said at some point, C, D and E grades decorated his results, making the journey even tougher.

But with hard work and fervent prayers, he was able to achieve the first-class honor of the 2021/2022 graduating students.

“7 years ago when I gained admission into the prestigious Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, I made up my mind to put in all the efforts I could, pray and make the best out of my course of study,” Yusuf wrote.

“My first year result was splendid as my CGPA started with a whooping 4.73. The preceding years seem more confusing as C, D and an E grade decorated my results (though A grade appears most).”

He said: “I thought that I’m finishing with a 2:1 class of degree, because I heard that the 500 level Forestry department is really a WAR, and one can’t easily get a sound result. Imagine a final year student offering 17 courses coupled with project, seminar, internal and an external defense; E NO EASY.”

“To cut everything short, I studied harder, became more prayerful, and yes they paid. Final year became my best year as an undergraduate, it became the class I had the best result in and achieved my intended first class grade of degree.

“To cap it all, don’t get discouraged from negative or hard comments about something, use it as a motivation to achieve the best, no matter how hard it appears.

“In conclusion, my gratitude goes to my sponsors, supporters, lecturers, friends and colleagues; may we all benefit from the result’s grace,” he added.

By Shereefdeen Ahmad