From determination to distinction: The journey of ABU’s best graduating student

In the esteemed walls of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, a remarkable achievement was celebrated. Abubakar Al-ihsan Muhammad, who graduated with a remarkable CGPA of 4.95, emerged as the best-graduating student in the class of 2025. This outstanding feat is a testament to Abubakar’s unwavering determination, hard work, and perseverance. His remarkable journey is a powerful inspiration to others, demonstrating the rewards of dedication and resilience. Notably, ABU’s rigorous academic standards made this achievement all the more impressive.

The announcement of Abubakar Al-ihsan Muhammad as the best-graduating student of ABU’s 2025 signalled a bout of excitement at the Mamman Kontagora Square, located at the University Main Campus in Samaru, Zaria. Friends, family, and lecturers alike celebrated his achievement, acknowledging the fruits of his labour. For Abubakar, this moment was not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the support and guidance he received along the way.

In a glee of excitement, Abubakar pays tribute to his family, friends, lecturers, and all those who made his journey to success possible. In particular, he acknowledged the exceptional foundation laid by his alma mater, the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) by fostering a culture that emphasises hard work, resilience, and perseverance. His formative years were spent at NTIC, where he cultivated a passion for learning that would stay with him throughout his academic career. He indeed acknowledged that the “foundation, instilled in him by NTIC, would later prove instrumental in his pursuit of academic excellence.”

to the Managing Director of NTIC, Feyzullah Bilgin, the feat recorded by Abubakar Al-ihsan Muhammad, a member of the NTIC class of 2017, is a testament to the institution’s commitment to providing a solid educational base, which has empowered numerous students, including Abubakar, to achieve their full potential.

“The NTIC model is anchored on academics and morals. We strive to provide our students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in all aspects of life.” This approach, Bilgin noted, helps students develop the skills, knowledge, and character necessary to excel in their chosen fields. Bilgin further emphasised that NTIC is more than just a school.

“NTIC is a community where young minds are nurtured academically and prepared to excel through various innovations and teaching models,” he explained. “We have a mechanism in place to monitor and evaluate progress, identifying areas of improvement in their studies. This holistic approach ensures our students receive the support they need to thrive.”

Reflecting on his formative years in secondary school, the joyous lad reminisced: “The institution instilled in me invaluable skills such as strategic planning and critical thinking, which were instrumental in shaping my academic success at ABU, where I was further challenged by the university’s rigorous academic environment and exceptionally high standards.” One of his former teachers, Kehinde Olushola, Head of the Mathematics Department at NTIC, fondly recalled Abubakar Al-ihsan’s time at the institution.

“I had the pleasure of teaching Al-ihsan in SS2, and I can attest that he embodied the NTIC spirit of dedication and academic excellence. He was undoubtedly one of our top performers during his time here, graduating in 2017.” Olushola further noted that Al-ihsan’s dedication made his outstanding achievement no surprise to the NTIC community.

“We are extremely proud of his remarkable academic achievement, and he remains a shining example of what the NTIC strives to nurture in its students”.
According to available information, the NTIC’s commitment to its students transcends their time at the school. Through a robust alumni network, NTIC fosters a lifelong connection with its graduates, offering guidance, support, and encouragement as they pursue their academic and professional goals, a rare attribute in the educational sector in Nigeria.

“NTIC is a family,” Abubakar Al-ihsan emphasised. “The school has been in touch with me even after graduation, and I appreciate the support. I’m not the only one who has benefited from this support system; many of my fellow alumni have also gone on to achieve great things,” he said.

As Abubakar Al-ihsan progressed through his academic journey, his determination only intensified. “For me, every challenge was an opportunity to grow and learn. I faced numerous challenges, but each served as a stepping stone, propelling me toward my goals,” he said.

This unyielding mindset earned him a place among the top students in his class, and eventually, the entire university. Abubakar Al-ihsan’s impressive academic record culminated in a remarkable achievement – he graduated with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.95 out of a possible 5.00 in Electrical Engineering, replicating an earlier feat recorded in 2017 by Al-Amin Bugaje, an ex-NTIC student, and from the same department in ABU. This outstanding feat is a testament to his exceptional academic abilities and his dedication to achieving excellence. He said his recipe for success was straightforward yet potent – a blend of tireless effort, discipline, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

“I devoted countless hours to studying, attending lectures, and engaging in stimulating discussions with my peers,” he recalled. This infectious dedication inspired those around him, sparking a ripple effect of academic excellence and motivating others to reach similar heights.

Similarly, in 2017, another NTIC graduate, Al-Amin Bugaje, made his mark at ABU, graduating as the overall best student in 2017 with a cumulative CGPA of 4.93. Interestingly, Bugaje attributes his success to the importance of rest, a lesson he learned during his time at NTIC.

Bugaje also credits NTIC’s emphasis on extracurricular activities for his well-rounded personality. His appreciation for NTIC runs deep, as he reflects on the opportunities he received during his time there.

“I enjoyed 100 per cent scholarship during my stay at NTIC from JSS one to SS3. NTIC has been instrumental in shaping me into the person that I am today. It created a nurturing environment to develop my potential and a warm environment to explore. To that, there is endless gratitude, and I thank them very much for the opportunity,” he said.

Bugaje currently holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Machine Learning for Power Systems from the Imperial College London. His academic achievement serves as another testament to the strong foundation laid by NTIC, which has empowered its alumni to excel in their chosen fields.

Fatima Akinola is another exemplary NTIC graduate who has made her mark in the academic world. Fatima emerged as the best graduating student from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto in 2017, shattering a 42-year-old record as the first female to achieve distinction. Akinola also shared her journey at the NTIC and how it remained invaluable to date.

“I attended Federal Government College, Sokoto and while in my Junior Secondary School, we went for the Cowbell Mathematics competition and I represented my school. I came first in Sokoto State and then moved on to the national level of the competition in Lagos. I was in the queue when the teacher that accompanied students from Nigerian Tulip International College, Kano approached my dad because my dad and my teacher followed me down to Lagos.

“He told them about a scholarship that was for students in their school and how he would love for me to just try it out. He offered to conduct the examination in Sokoto and he did. I took the examination and they offered me a 100 per cent scholarship to study at the school,” she narrated.

Today, the rest is history as Fatima went further to achieve the rare feat of graduating with a perfect grade of 4.0/4.0 in Mathematics from Marshall University, USA.

The success stories of Abubakar Al-ihsan Muhammad, Al-Amin Bugaje, and Fatima Akinola are just a few examples of the many students who have passed through the walls of the NTIC since its inception in 1998. This consistency has demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence and character development by providing a world-class education that emphasises critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. With a strong emphasis on science and mathematics, NTIC is fostering a culture of innovation and inquiry among its students. Furthermore, its sponsorship of the Annual Mathematics Competition in Nigeria since 2003 in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre, underscores its dedication to promoting mathematical excellence and inspiring young minds.

As the country continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the contributions of NTIC and its alumni will undoubtedly play a significant role in driving progress, innovation, and growth in the educational sector and beyond. The NTIC stands as a paragon of academic excellence, setting the standard for other schools in Nigeria. With over two decades of excellence, NTIC has revolutionised the educational landscape, combining innovative teaching methods, cutting-edge facilities, and a supportive environment to foster academic excellence and character development. Its impact on the educational sector extends beyond its walls, influencing the broader education community and contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s future leaders.