Reading time:8 min read

Interview: "I applied for MLS, but was given AERD," Says First-Class Graduate of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development"

In this interview, Maryam Fashina, a recent graduate of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, and two-time Treasurer of the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, University of Ibadan (MSSNUI), reflects on her university journey. She shares insights into her academic path, leadership roles, and the valuable lessons she learnt along the way.

What inspired your commitment to academic excellence during your studies at the University of Ibadan?

Motivation comes from home! All my siblings are scholars, and what stands out is that many of them also graduated from UI with very good results, Maasha Allah. My sister became a role model to me because I was amazed when she graduated with a first-class. It was miraculous, and I could see that she was dedicated to her academics and other valuable activities. So, I also developed the instinct that I can do it! I can be a first-class graduate, and AlhamduliLlah robbil alamin, Allah made it possible.

Looking back, what initially drew you to study Agricultural Extension and Rural Development?

Agricultural Extension and Rural Development is an interesting course. Although I initially applied for MLS, I was given AERD. So, I decided to go for it, and I have never regretted it! AlhamduliLlah, I was able to learn beyond what people associate with Agriculture, such as planting or being a farmer, as many often categorise anyone studying a course related to Agric as "Àgbẹ". Agricultural Extension and Rural Development encompasses a lot, such as sociology, psychology, problem-solving, journalism, community development, research work, negotiation skills, relationship building, and communication skills. It covers aspects of all other departments within the Faculty of Agriculture, as they need us as their "Change agents". I can describe Agricultural Extension and Rural Development as a wide-ranging knowledge of agriculture and life matters generally.

In what ways has your degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development equipped you for achieving your future career aspirations?

Where should I start from?! With all the skills and lessons learnt from the course, I can boastfully say I am applying them to my real-life activities, and it's helping a lot right now. I don’t intend to stop applying them anytime soon... AlhamduliLlah.

Tell us about a particularly memorable experience during your time at the University.

A particularly memorable experience!? I have so many that I didn’t even know which one to share. During my 100-level days, every day was memorable with my roommates, especially my friend who turned into my twinnie, A'ish. Everyone knew us together in 100-level, and people kept asking about her even until my finals. Fun days with MSSNUI excos, amazing moments with my classmates, especially MK… He knows how to frustrate my life! All in all, AlhamduliLlah.

How did you navigate challenges or setbacks throughout your university journey?

Setbacks and failures are meant to happen, but what really hurt was when they happened unexpectedly; it hurts. All I did was cry to Allah, pray to Him, and then move on!

Did you encounter any inferiority complex as a student of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development?

I never once felt inferior! I made friends with smart, intelligent, and wise people who understand that Agriculture is beyond farming, and my department is not only Agric-based; it encompasses other disciplines as well. I was able to build meaningful relationships across all faculties. Alhamdulillah, MSSNUI also played a role in that! There’s no inferiority complex here—Agriculture is life! Without us, nobody would survive! Imagine a doctor who hasn’t eaten the whole day; would he have the energy to treat patients? Agriculture is beyond farming—there’s processing, packaging, marketing, distribution, and more. Add value to Agriculture and learn about the agricultural value chain.

Did you serve any post under MSSNUI?

Yes, I did. I served as the Jihad Week Committee (JWC) Financial Head, Al-Huda Banker, and two-time Treasurer.

Describe your experience as the MSSNUI Treasurer.

That taught me dedication, cooperation, accountability, selflessness, and improved my habits in dealing with money and people. Those days, I learnt a lot! It was like a training session while also working at the same time...

Aside from MSSNUI, were you a member of any other organisation?

Yes, I was a member of my faculty’s audit team, and my department's press team.

How were you able to manage your academic responsibilities alongside leadership roles and extracurricular involvement?

Everything came out excellently with the help of Allah. Balancing everything was not easy. It was tough, but with du'a, determination, dedication, and self-discipline, I was able to navigate through it all. AlhamduliLlah.

In what ways did your leadership experiences, especially with MSSNUI, shape your readiness for life beyond the university?

May Allah bless MSSNUI. That community really had a great impact on my life. It was full of scholars from different fields—science, law, tech, Islamic Studies, and others. And you get to learn from all of them, Maasha Allah. Whether it's the energy they bring to any discussion or activity we want to do, their commitment, or their togetherness, it’s truly inspiring! The wisdom they exhibit is also remarkable. If I start, I won't finish because those people are just 'shana'—Maasha Allah. I tapped into one or two lessons from everyone I worked with, most especially my Ameers, my Naibs, my Ameerahs, and the glint sisters. That place is full of scholars!

What guidance would you offer to incoming students aiming to maximise their experience at the University of Ibadan?

For the incoming students, Alhamdulillah robbil alamin, you are now UItes, the first and the best! Baarakallahu feekum. Kindly don't let that get to your head and forget your mission here. Tsunami and erosion may not be news, but they are real! As for those who didn’t read in secondary school for exams, try to read line by line in UI and don’t rely solely on past questions. Make sure you read everything you’ve been taught in class, explain it to yourself in a simple way, and ensure you make friends of value! As you enter the University of Ibadan, academics should not be your second priority; balance your studies first, then you can engage in more valuable extracurricular activities later. And finally, attend the MSSNUI tutorial; it helps a lot! May Allah ease it for you.

Specifically, to my successors, the Agricultural freshers: never give room for inferiority complex. Carry yourself with humility and high self-esteem, dress well, be modest, and explore the vast opportunities within Agriculture. There’s money in Agriculture—give your best! There’s a proverb that says, “inu igbẹ lówó wa”.

As you step into the next chapter of your journey, what message would you like to leave with your fellow graduates?

Hmm, my fellow graduates, I myself need advice because it's not easy out here too. May Allah ease our affairs. My message to all: let's prioritize what we love doing, go for it, start now, be disciplined about it, persevere, du'a it, and I know Allah will not let us down. For those who love academics, go for it! If you love business but couldn’t venture into it due to the institution's constraints, start now! May Allah grant us our heart’s desires and guide us to the right path. Ma' Salaam.