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Interview: "I didn't sleep in my room for a single night" – Bello Abdulrasheed, Former MSSNUI PRO

In this exclusive interview, Bello Abdulrasheed, a recent first-class graduate of Islamic Studies and former Public Relations Officer of the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, University of Ibadan (MSSNUI), reflects on his academic journey, leadership experiences, and personal growth. He shares insights into his passion for learning and offers valuable advice to incoming students and fellow graduates.

Congratulations on your first-class degree! What motivated you to strive for academic excellence throughout your time at the University of Ibadan?

Thank you. During my 100 level days, my mom instilled a fear in me that UI gives students who fail woefully advice to withdraw. So I did TDB to the peak and had a 3.93 GPA in my first year. I was celebrated by people, my department, and MSSNUI. I was motivated and promised myself to maintain this until I graduated.

Rewinding to the beginning of your journey, what sparked your interest in pursuing a degree in Islamic Studies?

Alright, my mom brought me to the department when I was in JSS 2 and told me that I would be coming back to this department. I was so happy, and I wished I could be here already. I had been the best student in IRS at my secondary school. I always scored 90 and above. Then, in SSS 2, I decided to study Islamic Studies at UI. I researched about the course and saw that our notable alumni were doing fine. So, I developed a passion for the course and told people authoritatively that I would study Islamic Studies. Alhamdulillah, I came, I saw, and I conquered.

How do you think your degree in Islamic Studies has prepared you for your future career goals?

Hmmm, Islamic Studies is so encompassing. It's like a constitution and a map. I'm so prepared because the course has trained me ahead for the future. Alhamdulillah, my future career is related to what I studied and have a passion for. I pray Allah ease the journey.

Mallam Sodiq Musa, the immediate past Ameer of MSSNUI, in a recent status update, noted your deep love for books and even joked that you might complete a Master’s or PhD before marriage. So, are you going for the books or the bride first?

Currently, I'm definitely going for the books first. The bride will be included later on.

Where does this passion for learning come from?

When you're learning what you love and you also have a plan to achieve something tangible, you will definitely develop a passion for it.

You served as the Public Relations Officer of MSSNUI during your final year; describe your experiences.

Hmmm, it was not really easy. I had to strive for myself and for the ummah. There were many activities and engagements that definitely affected my academics, but I maintained balance. The first semester was really tough, but I covered it in one and a half months; I read day and night. The second semester was tougher. I only started reading after the transition, from January 12 to February 20. I didn't sleep in my room for a single night; I stayed in the department library all through. Alhamdulillah.

Building on your earlier experiences as an Editorial Board member of Halqah Press and publicity head of Indy Hall Ummah, how did those roles influence your subsequent performance as the PRO of MSSNUI?

The experience gathered from those former roles also helped me, actually. I was able to navigate content writing with my pressman skills, and my experience in publicity, such as being Indy Hall Ummah Publicity Head and OWC Publicity Head, also influenced my effectiveness as the PRO.

It's clear you had a lot on your plate as a leader and scholar. How did you balance your academic pursuit, leadership responsibilities, and personal growth during your time at UI?

Alhamdulillah. As I said, it was not easy balancing everything. I was able to do so with a proper schedule and timing. I quit a lot of things. I focused on academics and society as an extracurricular activity, but overall, I really prioritized my academic life.

How do you think your leadership roles, particularly in MSSNUI, prepared you for life after university?

MSSNUI is a training ground for everyone. What I learned during my tenure as an exco will definitely be useful forever: leadership, diplomacy, welfarism, spiritual upliftment, academic excellence, and more. What I learned in those 11 months will stay with me forever. MSSNUI keeps you prepared for the battle and life after school. The finalist forum is designed to serve as an eye-opener to the life. May Allah bless the society.

Looking back on your time in school, what stands out as a particularly rewarding experience, and what was one of the toughest challenges you faced?

Looking back on my time in school, what stands out as a particularly rewarding experience was my association with the society (MSSNUI) and the press (UCJUI, Halqah PRESS). As for challenges, I don't think I experienced any notable ones.

What advice would you give to incoming students who want to make the most of their time at the University of Ibadan?

Prioritize your academics and join societies that will have a positive impact on you, such as MSSNUI, UCJUI, and others. However, avoid engaging in time-consuming extracurricular activities that may distract you from your main focus. Work hard and smart, and always remember to pray, pray, and pray to Allah for assistance in everything you do. Most importantly, guard your religion, Al-Islam, and keep it at the forefront of your endeavours.

What message would you like to share with your fellow graduates and the wider university community as you move forward into the next chapter of your life?

Dear fellow graduates, first of all, I congratulate everyone on this remarkable achievement and wish you all success ahead. I want to encourage you to pursue what you love after leaving this institution, so that you can gain fulfillment and happiness. Make sure to earn a living through legal means; it's extremely important. Treat everyone with kindness, remain humble, and continue learning.