06/03/2025
“Mathematics is Not Just 2+2”: The Inspiring Story of Oladimeji Abdussamad, UDUS First-Class Graduate with 4.8 CGPA
By Sebiotimo Abdullateef,
In the bustling academic street of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), where countless students wrestle daily with complex lectures, academic pressures, and unfavourable weather conditions, a young man has written his name in the sand of history; Oladimeji Abdulsamad Olanrewaju, known as Mhizta Elubo, a young man from Osogbo, Osun State. He did not just study Mathematics; he mastered and conquered it, graduating with an outstanding first-class degree and an impressive CGPA of 4.8 of the obtainable 5.00.
A Love Story That Started in Secondary School
For Oladimeji, Mathematics was not just a subject; it was a passion discovered early. “I was inspired by myself,” he said. “When you sit back and analyze yourself, you tend to recognize your strength, this excites you and you will see where you belong. For me, Mathematics was always that subject I loved and understood better than others, even back in secondary school.”
The Distance That Fueled Determination
Relocating from Osun to study in Sokoto wasn’t just a geographical shift , it became part of Oladimeji’s drive. As the Yoruba people will jokingly say, 'mo mọ iye odò àti gádà tí mo fò, kí n tóò dé Sókótó', meaning 'I know the number of rivers and bridges crossed before I got to Sokoto. “The distance alone is enough motivation to focus” he explained. “My parent's belief in me, the inspiring results of my senior colleagues and the healthy academic rivalry among my friends all made me want to push harder.” He added.
Mathematics: The Myth and The Reality
Mathematics often carries the reputation of being a difficult course, but Oladimeji has a contrary view; a balanced view. “Every course has its challenges” he said. “The key is focus and determination. Once you make up your mind, nothing is truly impossible.”
Behind his success story is a strong support system that paved way for his success. “The lecturers in our department were more than teachers, they were mentors and father figures. I also had two senior colleagues who were my guiding stars; Isiaq Abubakar Olaitan (Genius) and Jamiu Abdulquadri Opeyemi (Abu Rohma). Their academic journey inspired me everytime. My friends also played a vital role. It was a collective effort.” Mhizta Elubo explained
Daily Routine; Work Smart, Not Just Hard
During exams, Oladimeji had a method that worked for him and he did not fail to share it with our correspondence. “I am not the type that reads all night. I wake up, pray, eat, and then go for marathon reading during the day. By 11pm, I’m home to rest. That balance helped me a lot.” He noted
Beyond Boko; Leadership and Service
Despite his demanding academic schedule, Oladimeji made time for student leadership. In his final year, he served as Treasurer of Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN) UDUS Chapter, Sales Director of National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) UDUS Chapter, and Public Relations Officer of Al-Adabiyah Alumni Association UDUS Chapter. “Balancing all that with academics felt like hell sometimes,” he admitted. “But surprisingly, my final year turned out to be my best academically.” He concluded
The Courses That Almost Broke Him
Even a first-class brain has its struggles. “Omoh! Some courses nearly humbled me,” he recalled. “MAT301 (Abstract Algebra), MAT405 (Measure and Integration), and MAT403 (Functional Analysis) were serious headaches. But with God’s help, determination, and teamwork with my seniors and coursemates, we conquered them one by one.” He noted.
Mathematics Wasn’t What He Expected
Oladimeji entered UDUS thinking university Mathematics would just be a bigger version of secondary school math, until reality hit. “I thought it was just 2+2, differentiation, and integration,” he laughed. “But I met a completely different beast. The abstract concepts, the new environment, and adjusting to everything at once wasn’t easy. But Alhamdulillah, I made it.”
Words for the Next Generation
For students dreaming of academic excellence, Oladimeji offers simple but golden advice: “Be determined, remain focused, and pray to God. With these three, nothing is impossible.” He added, “The road will be rough, the challenges will come, but with dedication, perseverance, and hard work, success is sure.”
More Than a Certificate, A Legacy It Is
Oladimeji Abdussamad Olanrewaju’s story is more than just grades on paper. It’s a testimony that success comes from passion, consistency, and the right support system. From Osogbo to Sokoto, from confusion to clarity, from challenges to victory, from tribulations to jubilations; Mhizta Elubo’s story proves that no dream is too big, you have to believe and work hard for it.