Twenty-two-year-old first class degree holder from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Fatima Sulaimon, tells SUCCESS NWOGU the secret of her success.

Not all young girls in universities easily admit that they have boyfriends. Their male counterparts, many of them claim, are a source of distraction.

Therefore, in the thinking a good number of female undergraduates, there is no need to keep boyfriends on campus. But this is not the thinking of the University of Ilorin 2013/2014 best Anatomy graduating student, Fatima Sulaimon.

The 22-year-old is not just proud of her boyfriend, she is also happy with the relationship.

According to her, her boyfriend is the elixir for her success. She said, "He encouraged, inspired and assisted me to excel in my studies."

Sulaimon, with a Cumulative Grade Average Point of 4.80, not only emerged as one of the 48 first class graduates this year, she is also the first female to obtain that grade in Anatomy in the history of the 29-year-old university.

Claiming however that the relationship with her boyfriend was a 'normal friendship devoid of untoward indulgences', she stated that the young man gave her a lot of psychological support.

The lass added, "He encouraged me. At times, even if I woke up in the night and I felt dizzy, I would just put a call across to him and after discussing with him, I would feel okay. He was more of a friend. He encouraged, inspired and assisted me."

Claiming she was never involved in 'sorting' bribing lecturers for scores – or was never sexually harassed by lecturers and students in the institution, she noted that she read at least six hours daily aside from lectures and other academic engagements.

A Nupe from the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Sulaimon attended Ipakodo Junior Grammar School, Lagos between 2003 and 2006 and Ipakodo Senior Grammar School between 2006 and 2009, posting excellent results in his West African Senior School Certificate Examinations and national Examinations Council.

She explained, "I never did sorting. I never heard of such in the university. I also never suffered sexual harassment or undue overtures from lecturers and even from my colleagues. The lecturers did not know me until 400 levels; even then, they were all nice.

"I thank God for the feat I recorded. I am happy and fulfilled because to make a first class is not an easy feat.

"I did not really have social life. I am not the type that goes out. I like playing games. I sleep reasonably. I read most of the times if I am not in class. I read at least six hours daily outside lectures and other academic engagements.

"Undergraduates should be prayerful in life. They should abide by the rules and regulations of any institution they are. If they obey school regulations, they will not become victims. "

Another graduate, who obtained first class in Electrical Engineering from the university, Ahmed Aleshinloye, said it was not an easy accomplishment for him.

Ahmed, from Ibaja, Ifelodun Council Area, who scored a CPGA of 4.50, stated that he achieved the academic glory through commitment.

The 21-year-old son of a lawyer, Raheem Aleshinloye, said, "I feel great obtaining first class from UNILORIN. Considering the current rating of Nigerian universities today, the institution is the first and it requires diligence and commitment to excel there. When I entered the school five years ago, I was told that it would not be easy, but today I am leaving the ivory tower alongside 47 others with first class."