First-class graduate: How curiosity spurred my performance

Despite the widespread belief that achieving academic excellence in medical school is an almost impossible task, Abdulrasaq has proved that being curious and passionate about learning can result in excellence. WONDERFUL ADEGOKE (UDUS) reports.

For 27-year-old Abubakar Abdulrasaq Karshi, who hails from Karu Local Government Area in Nasarawa State, curiosity and the unquenchable thirst for knowledge are pathways to the podium of academic glory.

He was announced as the best graduating student at the 17th induction ceremony for Medical Laboratory Science graduates of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto  (UDUS).

Although his 4.89 CGPA on a 5-point scale made him the first to attain such feat in the history of the School of Medical Laboratory Sciences (SMLS), his achievement was more than just about grades. It was about acquiring a little distinction that could only be built on curiosity.

Meanwhile, prior to this, upon his arrival to UDUS in 2019, Abdulrasaq had quietly settled for a troubling pattern common among students. “I didn’t start with the mindset of becoming the best graduating student,” he admitted.

That, and the fact that Medical Laboratory Science, as Abdulrasaq said,  is demanding, especially given the volume of coursework and the need to balance theory with practical knowledge.

Like many other students, such long-held narratives could have discouraged him. Yet, for Abdulrasaq, along the line, it his sparked resolve.

“I became determined to give my best at every stage. This led to my passion for knowledge and curiosity to understand concepts rather than reading to pass exams. The curiosity further grew into becoming the driving force behind my performance and consistency.”

Beyond further building his interest in disease diagnosis and patient care, that approach  for him, was not just a routine exercise, but a game changer, prompting him to stay focused on his goals, avoiding unnecessary distractions.

How it began

Abdulrasaq’s academic pursuit never fell below UDUS’ reputation, thanks to his disciplined learning technique. From his early days, Abdulrasaq developed a strong reading culture, moving from occasional studying to a more structured approach.

“My reading strategy was based on consistency and understanding. I didn’t rely on last-minute preparation. Instead, I studied regularly, reviewed my notes after lectures, and made sure I understood concepts before moving on.

“I also practiced active learning, summarizing what I read, discussing with colleagues, and sometimes teaching others. This helped reinforce my understanding. Additionally, I made use of multiple resources, including textbooks, lecture materials, and recent research articles,” he said.

His consistency paid off. From the onset, he maintained high grades: a 4.65 in his first year, followed by 4.79 in second year, 4.87 in third, 4.89 in fourth, and again 4.89 in his final-year.

But what truly distinguished his approach was the discipline and ability to stay focused over time. Abdulrasaq learned to practise  what others might miss: reviewing his notes daily to ensure he understood the concept of what was taught each day before the next class.

Maximizing challenges

The road, of course, was anything but smooth. While the allure began to gain foot, the journey yet seemed to stretch endlessly, as there was barely a stage that didn’t call to mind self doubt, financial constraints, and the grading system in his department, among others.

“One of the major challenges I faced was maintaining consistency over a long period, especially with the demanding nature of the course,” he recalled. “There were moments of tiredness, pressure, and self-doubt.”

Beneath his personal struggles were also financial constraints that taught him resilience, resourcefulness, and shaped him into a more focused and determined individual.

Yet, he found the grading system the hardest of it all. However, rather than lose sight of his goal, in fact, he took it as a challenge instead of a setback.

Read Also: Tinubu vows deeper Nigeria-UK ties as British Airways marks 90 years

Of his approach, he said: “I made sure I understood the expectations of each lecturer and tailored my preparation accordingly.”

 Surprisingly, he didn’t stop at that. Proceeding to having his attention on details so the answers provided during exams could be precise and well-structured was the next alternative he explored. “I also made it a point to study past questions and understand the pattern of assessment,” he said.

And for him, the dividends didn’t end with winning awards for first-class honours, best graduating student in the Department of Chemical Pathology, best student in lab posting, and overall best graduating student; they also earned him 11 cash prizes.

Word of advice

His counsel to students aspiring for academic success is clear: “Be consistent, pray, stay focused, and believe in yourself. You don’t have to be the most hardworking person; be the smartest person in the room, and be willing to put in the work. Avoid procrastination, attend your lectures, and build a strong understanding of your courses. Also, surround yourself with like-minded individuals.”

Future plans

Looking ahead, Abdulrasaq seeks to use his passion for research and public health to improve disease detection and management in our local communities.

“As a Medical Laboratory Scientist, I want to contribute towards improving healthcare delivery through accurate and reliable laboratory diagnostics,”he said.