Meet Fatima Lawal: Babcock University’s Overall Best Graduating Student With 4.97 CGPA

Twenty-year-old Fatima Lawal has emerged as the overall best graduating student of Babcock University for the 2025 academic session, finishing with an impressive 4.97 CGPA in Economics.

In an interview, the Kogi State-born graduate shared insights into her academic journey, sacrifices, and strategies that helped her achieve this outstanding feat.

Early Goals and Determination

Fatima revealed that her quest for excellence began from her first day on campus. Having graduated as the best student in her secondary school, she set a clear target to replicate the same success at the university level.

“It all boiled down to consistency and discipline. I wanted to be the overall best, and I worked towards it every single day. It wasn’t easy, but I committed myself to the goal and made sacrifices where necessary,” she said.

Sacrifices and Study Routine

To stay focused, Fatima sacrificed social outings and leisure activities, often choosing to study or rest instead of attending events. Unlike many students, she avoided late-night reading, preferring to study in the mornings when her mind was fresh.

“I never read in the library; it was too quiet for me. I studied in my room with some background noise and took regular breaks to avoid burnout. Planning ahead meant I hardly ever crammed for exams,” she explained.

Her flexible routine, which involved six hours of study split across the day, helped her balance academics with relaxation and maintain a steady rhythm.

Family and Faith as Pillars

Fatima credited her success largely to her supportive family, particularly her parents and two younger sisters. She described them as her “biggest cheerleaders,” always encouraging her and providing a safe space to share her challenges.

She also emphasized the role of faith, saying she learned to give her best while trusting God for the results. “That mindset brought me peace and helped me stay calm through the pressure,” she noted.

Friends and Personal Qualities

Fatima acknowledged the positive influence of her friends, who provided emotional support and balance. She also identified her calmness, focus, and resilience as personal traits that guided her journey.

“I didn’t allow external pressures to overwhelm me. I just kept going—steadily and intentionally,” she said.

Next Steps

Having completed her undergraduate studies, Fatima plans to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme before pursuing career opportunities in consulting, strategy, or development roles. She also hopes to obtain a master’s degree, most likely an MBA, within the next few years.

Advice for Students

For undergraduates aspiring to excel, Fatima advised self-discovery and intentionality.

“Understand who you are and how you learn best. Don’t copy others blindly—discover what works for you and stick with it. Define yourself before the world does,” she said.

Thoughts on Nigeria’s Education System

Fatima urged the government to make the education system more practical and less theory-based. She highlighted her experience at the 2023 IMF Youth Fellowship Challenge as proof that applying theories to real-life situations enhances true learning.

“Economics students shouldn’t just memorise theories. We should learn to apply them to Nigeria’s challenges and propose solutions. That’s how transformation happens,” she concluded.