* Attributes success to faith, discipline, and family support
A brilliant Muslimah, Umamah Abike Tajudeen, has made her family and the Muslim Ummah proud by graduating with First Class Honours and emerging as the Best Graduating Student of the Department of Insurance at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
She emerged as the overall Best Graduating Student for the 2024/2025 academic session at the 2026 Convocation Ceremony, held on Wednesday, January 21, at the J.F. Ajayi Auditorium, finishing with an outstanding CGPA of 4.90/5.00.
She was accompanied by her niqabi mother, Hajia Monsurat Tajudeen, her father, Alhaji Tajudeen AbdulYaqeen, and other family members, all of whom have been a constant source of inspiration throughout her academic journey.
Discovering a Passion for Insurance
In an exclusive interview with Muslim News shortly after receiving her certificate, Miss Tajudeen revealed that she did not initially choose Insurance. “I stumbled upon the course when it was assigned to me at UNILAG,” she said. However, her interest deepened during her 300-level year when Noor Takaful Insurance visited the department. “Learning about Takaful insurance was a real eye-opener, and it fueled my passion for the field,” she added.
Before joining UNILAG, she completed her ND in Marketing at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), graduating with distinction. She is currently pursuing the final level to become a Chartered Insurer.
Academic Excellence: First Class and Beyond
Graduating with a CGPA of 4.90/5.00 was a “dream come true” for Tajudeen, who said the achievement reflected her personal growth, hard work, and perseverance. “Being named the Best Graduating Student feels surreal, especially given the challenges I overcame along the way,” she noted.
She recounted her struggles in secondary school, including multiple failures in Mathematics and having to take four external exams before passing WAEC in 2016. “These setbacks motivated me to work harder and prove to myself that I was capable,” she said.
Faith as the Foundation
A devoted Muslim and hijabi, Tajudeen emphasized the pivotal role of her faith in her academic journey. “Trusting Allah’s plan helped me navigate moments of doubt and fear. Prayer gave me guidance, clarity, and strength,” she explained.
Her Islamic upbringing, involvement in Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) and its organ at UNILAG, FABAMSA, were central to her growth. “These organizations kept me grounded in my faith while also guiding my academic and personal development,” she added.
Giving Back: Engagement in Muslim Organizations
Tajudeen actively contributed to MSSN and FABAMSA, delivering talks at Freshers’ Orientation and mentoring 300-level students on managing academic challenges. She described these engagements as a way to stay connected to her faith while supporting the academic community.
“Being involved in these groups provided me with purpose and allowed me to grow both personally and academically,” she said.
Family and Friends: Pillars of Support
Her family played a vital role in her success, particularly her mother, who wears the niqab, whose strength and patience inspired her. “My father’s prayers were my shield, my siblings’ belief kept me motivated, and my extended family’s encouragement was crucial,” she noted.
Friends also offered emotional support, providing a constant reminder to persevere. “I couldn’t have made it through without them,” she said.
Study Techniques and Academic Strategies
Consistency, self-discipline, and structured routines were key to Tajudeen’s success. She created balanced schedules, set realistic goals, and dedicated at least 10 hours a day to studying, often in Moremi’s reading room.
“My greatest weapon was prayer, especially Tahajjud. For instance, in Law of Tort, I was the only student to get an A in a particularly difficult course, and I attribute that to Allah’s blessings,” she said.
She also attended tutorials, sought help from coursemates across departments, and broke down complex topics into manageable parts—strategies that helped her maintain excellence despite challenges.
Advice for Muslim Students
Tajudeen urged fellow Muslim students to rely on faith, discipline, and resilience. “Never underestimate the power of prayer, consistency, and determination. Your faith should be your anchor in challenging times,” she advised.
She emphasized the importance of support systems, including family, friends, and community organisations like MSSN. “Even when obstacles seem insurmountable, trust in Allah’s plan. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible,” she concluded.
A Testament to Perseverance and Faith
Umamah Tajudeen’s journey, from secondary school setbacks to becoming UNILAG’s Best Graduating Student in Insurance, illustrates the power of faith, family support, and disciplined effort.
Her story serves as an inspiration to Muslim students, particularly women in hijab, showing that excellence is attainable through resilience, prayer, and determination.
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