Sumayyah Olamide Otun, a distinguished ex-pupil of Al-Qalam Schools, Ibadan, has once again brought pride to the Ummah and her alma mater by graduating with First Class Honours (GPA 4.60 out 5.0) from the prestigious Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, Republic of Ireland.
Sumayyah began her educational journey at Al-Qalam Schools, Ibadan, where she was nurtured in both moral and academic excellence. Her strong values, discipline, and dedication to learning set her apart from her peers from a young age.
Her exceptional academic record later earned her the position of Deputy Head Girl at Command Secondary School, Mokola, Ibadan. Upon completing her secondary education, she participated in the Academic Excellence Initiative (AEi) Scholarship Competition, where she emerged among the top scholars and received an Award of Excellence for her outstanding performance.
Sumayyah’s path to international success began with her Cambridge A-Level Examinations, where she recorded excellent grades that earned her a £12,000 scholarship to study at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, Republic of Ireland.
At ATU, Sumayyah’s intellectual brilliance, leadership qualities, and commitment to community development earned her an appointment as a Student Global Ambassador representing Nigeria. Despite the rigour of studying Applied Biology and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, she excelled both academically and professionally — receiving several recognitions, including the Best Staff of the Month Award during her part-time employment.
Her scholarly pursuits also led her to the SURE24 Network Conference in Ireland, where she presented a research paper titled “Identification of Solid Powders and Quantification of an API (Aspirin) in a Model Excipient Matrix (Cellulose) Using FTIR-ATR Spectroscopy.”
Culminating her remarkable journey, Sumayyah graduated with First Class Honours — a clear reflection of her diligence, determination, and the strong foundation laid during her formative years at Al-Qalam Schools.
Currently, Sumayyah is advancing her academic career with a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, continuing her pursuit of excellence and innovation in the life sciences.
“At Al-Qalam Schools, we are proud to see our students excel globally — not just in academics, but also in character and leadership. Sumayyah’s achievement reflects the essence of our vision: nurturing morally upright, disciplined, and globally competitive learners,” said the Management.
The entire Muslim community at Atlantic Technological University, Galway, is proud of her exceptional accomplishments.
Sumayyah’s Personal Reflection on Her Journey Abroad:
“Leaving home was a moment of promise, filled with big dreams and faith in Allah’s plan. A girl unafraid to start her uni journey anew, with fresh hopes and aspirations. But what I didn’t know then was that I possessed a strength and determination that would carry me through the toughest of times, shaping me into the person I’m today.”
“Here is a little throwback on how that journey went for me:
Reflecting on how our voices can benefit the Ummah, I’ve learned that impact can be made in every environment. My first year of uni was a challenge — navigating a new setting, adapting to the culture, and missing the familiar comforts of home. Without a masjid on campus, I had to pray in empty classrooms, quiet spots, and even the library, always with a hint of anxiety about being caught.
But everything changed in my second year. I met a fellow black hijabi, and it was a relief to connect with someone who shared my values. We bonded over the struggles of maintaining our salah in a challenging environment. That chance meeting sparked a purpose — we decided to take action. We approached the chaplain’s office, requesting a dedicated prayer space for Muslim students. After several meetings and follow-ups, our efforts paid off. We secured a room for prayer, and it was a powerful reminder that our voices matter.
Today, I’m proud to say that Muslim students at ATU have a dedicated space for salah and Jumuah services. It was our right, and all it took was a voice to make it happen. Alhamdulillah, our small initiative has made a lasting impact on our community.”
“My schedule was a juggling act — five days of uni from 9 am to 6 pm, plus weekend shifts from 7:30 am to 7 pm. Balancing academics and work was a massive challenge, with assessments and studying constantly on my mind. Sacrifices were inevitable, and my social life was the first to go. But I was driven to make every hour count, pouring my heart and soul into acing my exams and assessments. Focus was key — every moment was dedicated to achieving my goals.
Don’t even get me started on the long fasting hours during summer! Subhanallah, waking up for suhoor at 2–3 am and waiting until 9–10 pm for iftar was no joke. But that didn’t stop me from bringing my A-game to academics. The grind had to continue, no matter what. It was intense, but the sense of accomplishment at the end made it all worth it. Alhamdulillah!”
“The fruits of my labour were worth it. Earning a first-class honours degree was a testament to Allah’s favour and guidance throughout my journey. He was with me through the toughest moments, granting me the strength and resilience to push through. Alhamdulillah, I’m grateful for the good health and determination that saw me through. This achievement wasn’t just about the grade; it validated my dedication, commitment, and perseverance. It was a journey that tested my limits, but with faith and perseverance, I emerged stronger and more determined than ever.
I was constantly sleep deprived and exhausted, to be honest. My tight schedule meant late nights were spent doing school work, and during the day, I was glued to the library, studying during every spare moment. I relied on short naps to recharge and avoid burnout. No matter what happens, the show must continue, they say.”
“There was a point shaytan thought it had the upper hand, leaving me drained and unmotivated in the first few weeks of my final semester. But I knew I had to snap out of it — we had a goal to achieve, and all the hard work I’d put in over the years couldn’t be for nothing. I’d tell myself, ‘Sumayyah, get it together! You’ve come too far to give up now.’
It’s a reminder that even when exhaustion hits and pushing forward feels impossible, giving up is never an option. And it’s true what they say — when you’re running on empty, you’ve just got to dig deep and keep going.
And yes, my worst nightmare did come true — falling ill during exam season. I remember writing some exams in pain, tears streaming down my face. The fear of not being adequately prepared by my own high standards was overwhelming, and the thought of resits was daunting. But Allah’s plan is always better than mine. Despite the challenges, I was blessed to excel beyond my expectations. All praise is due to Him.”
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