Meet Gombe Graduate Who Bagged First Class In Degree, Master’s

Muhammad Usman Yahya, a lecturer at Gombe State University’s Dukku Campus, graduated as the best student in his department and faculty at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, with a First Class degree (CGPA 4.83). He also earned a First Class Master’s degree with a CGPA of 4.93 and is currently pursuing a PhD. In this interview with BABAJI USMAN BABAJI,  he reflects on his academic journey, the challenges he overcame, and the mindset that shaped his success.

You moved from your early education through a challenging admission period into becoming a First Class graduate, lecturer, and exam officer. Looking back, what motivated you to pursue university education, and how did that period shape your decision to build a career in academia?

My name is Muhammad Usman Yahya, a lecturer at Gombe State University, Dukku Campus, and Examination Officer in the Department of Estate Management. I was born in Kumo, Gombe State, on 21 August 1993.

I attended Tangale 5 Primary School and Government Secondary School Pilot, Kumo, completing my secondary education in 2010. After that, I pursued admission into the university, which eventually marked the beginning of my academic journey.

I began my tertiary education at Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, where I studied for two years. After that, I proceeded to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, where I studied Estate Management and Valuation from 2016 to 2021, earning a B.Tech degree.

You started your tertiary education at Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic before moving on to ATBU. What was that transition period like for you, and how did it shape your academic journey?

It was a challenging journey, as gaining admission in those days required strong academic performance. We faced difficulties but remained persistent. By God’s grace, I graduated with a First Class degree, an outcome that reflected years of dedication and hard work.

I studied for two years at Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi. Afterward, I proceeded to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, where I studied from 2016 to 2021.

This achievement reflected the level of dedication, commitment, and resilience I had consistently put into my academic journey.

Looking back at your early school years, what habits or approach to learning would you say shaped your academic discipline?

I have always been a student who enjoys learning. From my primary to secondary school days, I maintained a strong commitment to my studies and was very consistent with attendance.

During breaks, I often returned to school before the official resumption date so I could prepare ahead and stay ahead of new lessons. This helped me build confidence and understand topics from the very beginning.

Even when I was unwell, I still attended classes unless the condition was serious. That consistency and discipline became a strong foundation for my academic journey.

During your academic journey, what were some of the major challenges you encountered?

There were quite a number of challenges during my studies. Some of them are not easy to recall in detail now, but the major ones included financial constraints, meeting basic academic needs, and sometimes limited academic guidance.

These were difficult moments, but I kept pushing through with determination, and I am grateful to Almighty God for seeing me through the journey.

How did you perform academically at the end of your first degree, and were there any recognitions that came with your results?

I graduated with a First Class in my first degree, finishing with a CGPA of 4.83, which made me the Best Graduating Student in my set. I also received several awards about four or five prizes, if I remember correctly.

Can you mention some of the prizes you won upon graduation?

These awards were from the Faculty of Environmental Technology at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, in 2021. I received the Departmental Prize, the Akilu Idris Award, and the Faculty Prize as the best graduating student in the faculty

In fact, from tutorials to quiz competitions, I have represented my schools in various capacities. From primary school-level competitions to national-level university competitions. The institutions I represented have won many competitions and received trophies and several awards of recognition.

What happened after your first degree?

I proceeded to my Masters degree. I have also completed my Masters M. Tech Estate Management and valuation from the same ATBU Bauchi, and also graduated with First Class, with a CGPA of about 4.93.

At what point did you apply for your Master’s degree?

I did not wait after my first degree. Even before completing my studies at ATBU—after receiving my results but before going for NYSC—I had already applied for my Master’s programme. By the time I was serving, I already had an admission offer for my Master’s degree.

Before completing my NYSC, I had already completed my registration for my Master’s degree. I began my Master’s coursework and, at the same time, proceeded with my NYSC service.

How did your Master’s programme, NYSC, and your eventual transition into lecturing at Gombe State University come together?

During that period, Gombe State University’s Dukku Campus was newly established and was recruiting academic staff. I applied, was invited for an interview, and I successfully secured the position.

What are your current academic or professional goals at this stage of your career?

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Estate Management and Valuation at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi. I have already begun the programme and I am steadily making progress.

What advice would you give to students striving for academic success?

I would advise students to remain consistent, patient, and persistent in whatever they do. It is important to know what you want, where you are heading, where you are coming from, and what you are doing to achieve success in life. This mindset is key to long-term success.

Students should avoid comparing themselves with others. Instead, they should focus on their own journey and prioritise long-term growth over immediate results.