* Emerges Best Graduating Student in Accounting
* My guiding principle is consistency in Deen, hard work
Despite his busy schedules, Alhaji Malik Muhammad Sidiq, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Joju Oil & Gas, has emerged Best Graduating Student for his Master’s programme in Accounting at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Finishing with distinction; a CGPA of 4.92 of 5.0, the business executive’s feat demonstrates the power of resilience, time management, and genuine passion.
He was among the graduates produced by UNILAG at its 55th Convocation Ceremonies.
Alhaji Malik’s record of excellence dates back to his days at the Federal Polytechnic, Bidda, where he also earned a distinction in Accounting at the Higher National Diploma (HND) level, and was named Best Graduating Student of the institution in the year 2000.
On realising that there was discrimination against HND holders in the labour market, he went on to bag a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Accounting at the University of Lagos with Second Class Upper, through the Distance Learning Institute (DLI), which operates on a part-time schedule.
Recognising the need for greater focus and excellence, Alhaji Malik pursued his master’s degree on a full time basis, which enabled him to bag a distinction.
The CEO of Joju Oil & Gas also has an MBA in Finance and an MSc in Security Management, and he is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA).
Interestingly, he combined these educational achievements with the hustle and bustle of business as an oil and gas executive.
Speaking to Muslim News on his feat, Alhaji Malik expressed excitement about emerging the best graduating student of his MSc Accounting, UNILAG set.
He said his initial plan was to study Medicine and Surgery, but his low mark at the UME/PCE denied him of this dream.
“I’m excited about emerging as the Best Graduating Student for M.Sc in Accounting. My friends would say I emerged as the BGS because I went to the polytechnic, but I tell them I only went to poly because my UME/PCE score was too low for MBBS in UNILAG.
“So, I was advised to write PCE while waiting for the next UTME. The plan was for me to gain admission temporarily before going to the university the following year. I found Accounting seamless, and then ICAN Fellows came to our school and told us about the kind of luxury that accountants dwelled in, which may not be found in other professions. That was how I fell in love with accounting and boycotted MBBS,” he said.
Alhaji Malik explained that his aspiration for excellence was the reason he did his M.Sc on a full-time arrangement.
“I decided to put in for a full-time programme because I didn’t want to give in to distractions from my business. For that reason, I came to the campus to study properly like every regular student. I would have made a 5.0, but I had a B in one course, and it affected my CGPA. I feel greatly accomplished. It’s a form of conviction that even though I’m over 50, I can still do it,” he said.
Alhaji Malik also narrated how his outstanding performance made him friends with a Christian colleague, who later converted to Islam after their relationship deepened.
“It was my performance that attracted a much younger colleague of mine to me. He said he had always topped his class from the outset. So, when he realised that someone was contending with him at the Department, he was eager to know the person. He stayed in a different postgraduate hall.
“He said he wanted to do everything I did. In the long run, he asked if he could pray. Alhamdulillah, today, he’s a Muslim, and we both graduated with a 4.92 CGPA. We’ve retained our room for our PhD programme,” the businessman said.
Alhaji Malik said consistency in deen (religion), fervent prayers, and hard work are his guiding principles.
“In life, consistency is non-negotiable. Success in any field depends on diligence, time management and genuine passion. One should not shy away from seeking help and collaborating with colleagues. Aim for excellence in whatever you do,” he noted.
“Till today, I stay awake every night. I only take a shower after Ishai and begin to read until midnight. Education has never been a scam and it will never be. With dedication and the help of Allah, your life will definitely get better every day. Great opportunities will come your way, but you have to be fit if you’ll take advantage.”
Muslim News gathered that the tireless Alhaji Malik commenced his PhD journey at the Pan Atlantic University in 2024. He is studying Management with a specialisation in Finance.
He also hinted that he has submitted his proposal for a PhD in Accounting at the University of Lagos.
Alhaji Malik extended special appreciation to Prof. Zaid Aderolu, noting that he continuously persuaded him to become a professor, and show great confidence in his abilities.
“He’s a very good friend and mentor. I really appreciate him for being a source of motivation,” he added.
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