Fathia Raji: UI Mathematics Graduate Achieves First Class with Five Scholarships
A remarkable Nigerian student, Fathia Raji, has celebrated her graduation from the University of Ibadan with a first-class honors degree in mathematics, supported by an impressive five scholarships. Her inspiring academic journey, shared on social media platforms, highlights perseverance and excellence in higher education.
Overcoming Admission Challenges
Fathia Raji detailed her admission experience, revealing that she left home immediately after secondary school in 2020 to pursue admission at the University of Ibadan. She described starting a new life with minimal resources, relying on tutoring income and family support. Her determination was evident as she lived in modest accommodations, focusing solely on securing a place in the university's mathematics department.
She stated, "I started a completely new life with the little I was given from home and what I earned from tutoring. My rent then was N24,000 per year; you can imagine the kind of room that was. No bed. No nice clothes. Just the vision to not go home until I had secured admission into the University of Ibadan, Mathematics Department."
Academic and Extracurricular Achievements
On January 26, 2026, Fathia completed her undergraduate studies, achieving a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.90 out of 4.00 by the end of her third year. Her academic record includes 34 A grades and 1 B in all mathematics courses. Beyond academics, she earned several honors and engaged in leadership roles:
- Received the Dean's Roll of Honor Award from the Faculty of Science for three consecutive years.
- Awarded a Silver Honour Award from the International Youth Maths Competition (IYMC).
- Served as Vice President of the National Association of Mathematical Science Students of Nigeria at UI during the 2023/2024 session.
- Acted as an Academic Team Member for the Mathematics Department for three consecutive years.
- Mentored over 30 University of Ibadan students.
Her scholarship portfolio includes the MTN Scholarship, Egbe Omo Yoruba of Greater Miami Valley Scholarship, Jim Ovia Scholarship, Opekete Foundation Scholarship, and Afrotech Girls Scholarship. Additionally, she interned at the National Institute of Radiation Protection and Research (NIRPR) and the University of Ibadan Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (UI LISA).
Extracurricular Involvement and Recognition
Fathia also excelled in sports, winning three medals with the Epsilon Ladies Club in football, including two silver and one bronze. She volunteered, spoke at events, and networked with students across various departments, showcasing a well-rounded university experience.
Social Media Reactions
Her story garnered widespread congratulations on social media platform X. Johnpaul Anyanwu commented, "Congratulations Fathia Raji. Super proud of you and your achievements. I really love this." Muhammad Aliyu Auwal added, "This is so inspiring. Congratulations," and Victoria Bejamin simply stated, "Congratulations to you."
This achievement underscores the potential of Nigerian youth in academia, serving as an inspiration to students facing similar challenges. Fathia Raji's journey from admission struggles to academic excellence with multiple scholarships highlights the importance of resilience and dedication in achieving educational goals.
