Exclusive: FCE, Iwo Student Emerges Overall Best in Nigeria Colleges of Education, Offers 1m and National Scholarship
Latona Mubarak, a student of Islamic Studies at Federal College of Education (FCE), Iwo, Osun State, emerged as the overall best student with the highest Grade Point (GP) among all colleges of education in Nigeria. This outstanding achievement came after competing with top students from other geopolitical zones in the nation. The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu also pledges to have his name on the national scholarship to support his studies to degree level . In this interview with OSENI YUSUF SALAMI, he clarifies how his success started with the fear of failure and determination to impact lives.
What motivated you to strive for excellence in your studies?
I was motivated naturally and externally. The natural part is that I have what is called Atychiphobia( the fear of failing), and also the fear of having low grades. Though I had failed countless times, even with that I didn’t stop pursuing greater things and that fear still resides in me. So whenever I have a task to do, that fear will come and will motivate me to do it better. I was also motivated externally by some factors such as my mentors who would advise me and friends that we compete together.
How did you balance your academic pursuits with extracurricular activities or personal interests?
I really prioritize my academic pursuits over anything. So when I was elected the Chairman of Student Independent Electoral Committee, I made sure it didn’t affect me much through effective management of my time. I avoided procrastination by rolling out my to-do-list in order of priority. I sometimes read over night when I’m overwhelmed with tasks during the day.
Can you describe a specific challenge you faced during your academic journey and how you overcame it?
That should be Glossophobia( the fear of public speaking). It’s a really tough challenge but I managed to overcome it through constant presentation and I sometimes, intentionally take the role of addressing the students in a bid to fight that challenge.
How do you plan to use your scholarship award to further your education and goals?
All thanks to God who used the College Of Education Association of Staff Union( COESU) to grant me this scholarship award. With this, I would focus on achieving my goals without the worry of paying school fees and I could also choose any school of my choice that would help in achieving the goals nationwide.
What advice would you give to younger students who aspire to achieve academic excellence?
I have three pieces of advice for them. One move closer to God, Secondly, Be consistent in your studies, for I believed in one principle, ” when preparation meets opportunity,it leads to success. Lastly, get a mentor who would impart positivity in your life.
How do you envision your future career path and how do you believe your academic achievements will contribute to your success?
I see myself becoming a professor in the near future and with this achievement, I believe it’s a stepping stone for me to achieve that.
In a similar interaction with Dr. Mubarak Yusuf, a lecturer of Islamic Studies of the Institution shares his insights on the significance of excellence in education and its impact on Nigeria’s future. “Remarkable achievements of colleges of education, particularly our Institution FCE, IWO in producing outstanding students stem from tireless effort of the management led by our Provost, Prof. Rafiu Adebayo who creates an atmosphere for innovatives, engaging debate and modern educational games Like MECAMA invented by one of our colleagues, Mr. Akinwole Najeemdeen of the department of Mathematics to facilitate the educational pursuit of our students with very impactful intellectual activities all year round”. He further attributed the success of the institution in its two years of existence to preparation and training for intellectual challenges, encouragement of excellence through competitions and games, government support and standardization and Investment in educational resources and infrastructure. We use this opportunity to appreciate the Chairman Committee of Provosts, Prof. Faruk Haruna Rasheed who promises to pay for the remaining part of Mubarak’s education at the NCE level.
Dr. Yusuf emphasizes the importance of investing in education for Nigeria’s future. He urges governments, parents, and stakeholders to prioritize excellence in education, supporting the need to strengthen education across levels with student loans spread across the length and breadth of our nation by providing opportunities for students to reach their full potential.
