Oseni Abdul-quadri is a dedicated and passionate individual from Oyo State, whose academic journey has been defined by a drive for excellence and a deep interest in geospatial sciences. His leadership skills were apparent early on, having served as the punctuality prefect during his secondary school years, instilling in him a strong sense of discipline. Abdul-quadri earned an Upper Credit in his National Diploma and a Distinction in his Higher National Diploma in Surveying and Geoinformatics from the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo. Alongside his studies, he was actively involved in leadership roles, including serving as the General Legal Counsel for Junior Chamber International (JCI) and the Director of Studies for the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN).
Abdul-quadri’s commitment to excellence led him to graduate with first-class honors from Bells University of Technology, where he was named the best graduating student in his department. For him, pursuing a degree was about more than just earning a qualification; it was a stepping stone to making a meaningful impact in the field of surveying and geoinformatics. With a solid foundation in both academics and leadership, Abdul-quadri is now focused on applying his expertise to solve real-world challenges in urban planning, infrastructure development, and sustainable construction, while further advancing his skills in geospatial technology and machine learning. Excerpts.
Can you tell Edugist a bit about your background? What inspired you to pursue your degree?
I am deeply passionate about geospatial sciences and have built a strong academic, leadership, and extracurricular foundation. Growing up in Oyo State, I developed a sense of curiosity and a drive to excel, which shaped my educational journey. My secondary school years were marked by leadership as I served as the punctuality prefect, a role that instilled discipline and responsibility early on.
I pursued a National Diploma (ND) and a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Surveying and Geoinformatics at the Federal School of Surveying, earning an Upper Credit and Distinction, respectively, and graduating as the best student of my set. During this time, I was actively involved in leadership roles, serving as the General Legal Counsel of Junior Chamber International (JCI) FSS Oyo in 2018 and the Convention Chairman in 2017. Additionally, as the Director of Studies for the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria (MSSN) FSS Oyo, I organized tutorials that supported academic success among students.
Beyond academics and leadership, I was also deeply involved in sports. I was a member of the school football team and represented my class in volleyball, which reflects my love for sports and teamwork.
This foundation paved the way for my studies at Bells University of Technology, where I earned first-class honors and was recognized as the overall best graduating student in the Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics.
About what inspired me to pursue my degree, I wanted to challenge myself academically and professionally, and obtaining a degree was a crucial step in achieving my long-term goals. It was not just about earning a qualification but about equipping myself to make a significant impact in the field of surveying and geoinformatics.
What motivated you to aim for a first-class degree? Was this a goal from the beginning, or did it develop over time?
Sincerely, it doesn’t always start as a goal. Because I always feel like I would miss out the general purpose which is acquiring residual knowledge. However, as I progressed through each semester and focused on improving myself, the idea of aiming for a first-class degree developed naturally. It was never about chasing grades but about ensuring my learning process was thorough, balanced, and not malnourished. I concentrated on building a solid foundation, putting in the effort to get better with each semester, and maintaining consistency.
Did you face any personal challenges while studying? How did you overcome them?
Yes, I faced several personal challenges while studying, especially in balancing academics with other commitments. There were moments when it felt overwhelming to juggle my coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal life. However, I always reminded myself of the bigger picture, my long-term goals and the impact I wanted to make in the surveying and geoinformatics field. This is where time management, scale of preference and priority come in. I applied all to achieve my goal.
How did you structure your study routine to achieve consistent academic success?
I relied heavily on my structured study routine, which I call my “Plan of Action” (POA). Each semester, I developed a personalized POA that served as a guide throughout my studies. This approach helped me stay organized, focused, and on track.
At the start of each semester, I would break down my courses, assignments, and deadlines into manageable tasks and create a timeline to ensure I stayed on top of everything. The POA helped me prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines, while also allowing flexibility for adjustments when unexpected challenges arose.
I also made sure to allocate time for revision and self-assessment, which ensured I had a solid understanding of the material before exams. Consistency was key, following the POA meant I was always prepared and focused
What study techniques or strategies worked best for you while studying?
Curiosity and active learning were effective techniques for me. I didn’t just read or passively go through notes; I engaged with the material by discussing it with peers, testing myself with quizzes, and applying the concepts to real-life scenarios. This hands-on approach made the content more meaningful and helped reinforce my understanding.
Were there any specific subjects or courses that you found particularly difficult? How did you tackle them?
Yes, Programming
One of the course I found particularly difficult was Automated Surveying which involves programming, especially with its increasing relevance in the field of surveying and geoinformatics. As the profession becomes more automated, programming skills, such as those related to machine learning, predictions, and tools like ArcGIS etc. are becoming increasingly essential. While these topics were challenging at first, I recognized their importance in staying ahead in the industry.
Post class learning helped me a lot. Online learning platform such as Udemy, Alinson and YouTube were my Go-to places.
How did you prepare for exams and handle the pressure of deadlines and assessments?
I focused on consistent review, active recall, and practicing past exam papers to reinforce my understanding. For assignments, I made sure to start early and make steady progress to avoid last-minute stress. When pressure mounted, I took short breaks to stay refreshed and maintain a positive mindset.
What role did your lecturers and university resources (libraries, academic support, etc.) play in your success?
My lecturers and university resources played a crucial role in my success. The guidance and support I received from my professors, especially when I faced challenging topics, helped me clarify difficult concepts and stay motivated.
How did you manage to balance academics with social life and extracurricular activities?
I made sure to dedicate focused study time, but also set aside moments for relaxation, sports, and socializing. Staying disciplined with my POA allowed me to meet academic goals. It was about maintaining balance and staying consistent with my routine.
How important was your peer group in your success? Did you study with friends or prefer to work alone?
While I often preferred to work alone, collaborating with friends and classmates was also beneficial. We formed study groups to tackle complex topics, share ideas, and test each other’s understanding.
How did you stay motivated during low points, especially when things got tough?
I stayed motivated by reminding myself of my long-term goals and the bigger picture, go back to my previous success moment(s) to self-reflect. Self-motivations is the magical word.
How did achieving a first-class degree change your perception of yourself or your abilities?
It boosted my confidence and reaffirmed my belief in my abilities. It showed me that with dedication, consistency, and the right mindset, I could overcome challenges and achieve my goals. It also deepened my sense of responsibility, as I realized the impact I could have in my field. This accomplishment has motivated me to continue striving for excellence in all areas of my life, knowing that hard work and resilience can lead to success.
If you could go back to your first year, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Keep striving for the best. The sky is just the starting point. You’re never late.
Now that you’ve graduated with a first-class degree, what are your plans for the future?
My focus is on applying what I’ve learned to real-world challenges. I believe that learning alone is not enough; it’s the application of knowledge that truly makes a difference. I plan to further develop my skills in geospatial technology and machine learning, move to the next step in the academic line to deepen my expertise.
How has your academic achievement shaped your career aspirations? Do you feel more doors have opened for you?
I now feel more prepared to pursue advanced roles in the field, take on leadership positions, and contribute to solving complex geospatial challenges. This achievement has strengthened my commitment to furthering my education and advancing my career.
What career opportunities are you most excited about, and how do you plan on leveraging your degree?
I’m most excited about career opportunities in GIS, particularly within the built environment. With my degree, I plan to leverage my skills to contribute to urban planning, infrastructure development, and sustainable construction through geospatial data analysis. GIS technology’s role in optimizing the built environment excites me, and I aim to use my expertise to create innovative solutions and improve how cities and infrastructures are designed and managed.
