* Sets up first Muslim prayer space at Atlantic Technological University
A distinguished Nigerian Muslimah, Miss Sumayyah Otun, has brought great honour to Nigeria and the global Muslim Ummah with her outstanding academic record and transformative impact at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, Republic of Ireland.
During her academic journey, she successfully championed and secured a dedicated Muslim prayer room on campus, an essential facility that did not exist before her arrival. This landmark achievement, accomplished in her second year, stands as a lasting legacy for future Muslim students at ATU.
Her graduation ceremony, held on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, was a moment of joy and gratitude, attended by loved ones who celebrated her success. 
A Journey Rooted in Excellence and Determination
Sumayyah’s academic path began at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), where she was admitted to study Pharmacy through UTME. In the same year, her exceptional performance in Cambridge A-Level earned her direct entry into 200 level Pharmacy at the University of Ibadan.
Midway into the academic year, her brilliance was again recognised when she won a competitive €12,000 scholarship to study abroad. This marked the beginning of her journey to ATU in Ireland—one that would later redefine her academic and personal growth.
At ATU, she excelled remarkably, distinguishing herself through:
Exceptional academic performance,
Strong leadership and community service,
Service as a Student Global Ambassador representing Nigeria, and
Professional excellence, culminating in a Best Staff of the Month Award at her workplace.
Her research competence further earned her a place at the prestigious SURE24 Network Conference, where she presented a paper titled: “Identification of Solid Powders and Quantification of an API (Aspirin) in a Model Excipient Matrix (Cellulose) Using FTIR-ATR Spectroscopy.” 
Crowning her efforts, she graduated with First Class Honours in Applied Biology and Biopharmaceutical Sciences—a success she attributes to hard work, resilience, and the strong academic foundation laid at Al-Qalam Schools, Ibadan.
She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, advancing her ambition to contribute meaningfully to innovation in life sciences.
A Mother’s Gratitude and Pride
Her mother expressed gratitude to Allah and immense pride in her daughter’s journey:
“Sumayyah has been a goal-getter from her primary school days; she never settles for anything less than excellence. I thank Allah for granting her wishes—not by her doing but by His grace. I am super proud of her.”
The Muslim community at ATU likewise celebrates her achievements and the positive change she brought to campus life.
Sumayyah’s Personal Reflection: A Journey of Faith, Courage, and Impact
Sumayyah described leaving home as a leap of faith—one filled with dreams and reliance on Allah’s plan.
Her first year in Ireland came with enormous challenges: adjusting to a new culture, battling loneliness, and struggling to find private spaces to perform Salah. She often prayed in empty classrooms, libraries, and quiet corners, constantly fearing interruptions.
That changed when she met another Black hijabi student experiencing similar difficulties. Together, they engaged the school’s chaplaincy, and through persistence and confidence, they secured the university’s first official Muslim prayer room.
“It was our right, and all it took was a voice. Alhamdulillah, our small initiative created lasting impact.”
Balancing a Demanding Academic and Work Schedule
Her academic schedule was rigorous:
9am–6pm classes, Monday to Friday,
Weekend part-time job from 7:30am–7pm,
Long fasting hours in summer (2–3am until 9–10pm).
Despite exhaustion, she remained committed:
“I poured my heart into acing my exams. Focus was key—every moment mattered.”
She also endured emotional lows, burnout, and illness during exam season:
“I wrote some exams in pain with tears in my eyes. But Allah’s plan is always better. Despite everything, He granted me success.”
Her First Class Honours became a powerful symbol of her perseverance and Allah’s mercy.
A Beacon of Faith, Excellence, and Resilience
Miss Sumayyah Otun’s story reflects unwavering faith, academic brilliance, and the courage to create meaningful change. Her achievement stands as an inspiring model for young Nigerian Muslims—both at home and in the diaspora—proving that with determination, purpose, and trust in Allah, success is limitless.
Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Global Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
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