A determined Nigerian lady named Abdulsalam Islamiyah Wunmi has overcome years of setbacks to graduate with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, finishing with second-class honours.
Reflecting on her academic journey in a Facebook post, Islamiyah described it as one filled with bumps, pressure, and unwavering determination.
Looking back now, her 3.38 cumulative grade point might look like just a number to some, but to her, it is a powerful symbol of resilience, perseverance, and grace. Her journey began with the dream of becoming a medical doctor.
She wrote JAMB twice, hopeful that she would gain admission to study MBBS. But even with all the effort and passion she poured into her preparation, she was not accepted.
The rejections left her confused and emotionally drained, and on the other end, she was pressured to consider another course. Reluctantly, she gave in and chose a new path—one she never imagined for herself.
She enrolled at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to study Civil Engineering. Though unsure of the decision, Islamiyah poured herself into the programme, even when it was tough to find her footing.
Islamiyah pushed through long nights and moments of doubt, graduating with a strong CGPA in her National Diploma. Her final year project on constructing a living room settee challenged her creatively and helped her begin to see engineering differently.
With a renewed interest, she applied for a direct entry program at the Federal University of Technology, hopeful for a fresh start, but she was denied admission. Left with no choice, she continued her education at HND level.
As she went deeper into her HND program, Islamiyah began to see engineering not just as a course but as a tool for impact. Her research on how shredded plastic bottles could reinforce clay and sandy soil opened her eyes to sustainable practices in the field.
Islamiyah completed her HND with distinction and was awarded the best graduating female student of her class. Despite her accomplishment, she never let go of the dream of a university degree.
She applied once more, this time to the University of Ibadan, and was waiting for the outcome, She was called up for the National Youth Service. It was while she was in camp, her admission into UI came through.
She tried to process relocation to manage both, but it did not work out. Fortunately, the academic union strike happened, and she was able to complete her service before resumption.
She described her resumption into UI as like walking back into the dreams of her teenage self. Only now, she came with more experience, purpose, and a deeper understanding of her strength.
Along the way, she learned how to ask bold questions, stand her ground, and speak confidently. In her final year, she worked on a project that combined engineering with sustainability, exploring how plastic waste could be used in bubble deck construction.
Islamiyah’s journey taught her that delay is not denial and that a dream deferred is not a dream destroyed. She is passionate about solving real-world problems, building sustainable infrastructure, and shaping a better world through engineering.
She believes that her story isn’t just about becoming an engineer—it’s about becoming who she was always meant to be.
Islamiyah expressed her gratitude to God and her family, whose love carried her through the darkest moments. She said they believed in her when she could barely believe in herself. And for that, she calls them the true heroes of her story.
