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“I Intended to Study Medicine in UI But…” — Primo, Former PRO of MSSNUI

Again, Adh-Dhikr Press Organization brings to you one of MSSNUI scholars who although studied Physiology at the University of Ibadan, was able to hone his Information Technology skills (IT) through his appointment as the Public Relations Officier, PRO of MSSN UI. He revealed how his appointment made him add value to himself and shaped him into a Tech Bro.


Adh Dhikr Press: As Salaam Alaykum. Can we meet you, sir?

Wa Alaykum Salaam. I am Shittu Nasrullahi Olamide PKA Primo, a recent graduate from the Department of Physiology, University of Ibadan. I hail from Ibadan and I am currently undergoing my national youth service at a reputable IT company in Abuja.

Adh Dhikr Press: Could you narrate your academic sojourn at the University of Ibadan?

My academic journey at the University of Ibadan began with the aspiration to pursue Medicine and Surgery, MBBS. Was it a passion? I cannot say for sure. As fate would have it, I did not achieve a high score in my UTME, prompting me to switch my major to Physiology, to change paths after my first year in UI. Unfortunately, my attempt to change my major was unsuccessful, and I found myself firmly rooted in the field of Physiology. Looking back, I believe this was meant to be because I can not imagine myself in any other department. How will I cope? I am grateful for the way things unfolded, Alhamdulillah. Although my academic journey may not be fundamentally different from that of a ‘typical’ UI student. However, I was not a book type but I understood myself and I was able to leave UI in one piece.

Adh Dhikr Press: You were an active member of MSSUI and held many positions. Could you take us through them?

My journey with the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN UI) at the University of Ibadan had a significant impact on my personal growth, and it all began with my appointment in my 100 level. I was appointed as the Public Relations Officer (PRO). At the time, I possessed only basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and rudimentary software installation skills. However, I was driven by a strong passion for IT.

In my role as the PRO, my responsibilities included promoting MSSN UI’s activities on social media platforms and the Society’s website. This posed a challenge, but I embraced it as an opportunity to start my web development journey. I sought mentorship from experienced individuals, including Mr. Ahmed Olanrewaju (known as Abono), Bro Tijani Abdulazeez, and Bro Sanusi AbdulWarith, who had previously served as PRO(s) and had expertise in technology and Bro Alaka Abdul Quadri; I drank from their tech and administrative experience and they are very good friends till date. Additionally, I began attending tech-related events. Although I lacked a clear direction at the time, I absorbed as much knowledge as I could.

In the pursuit of my duties as the PRO, I gained valuable skills in web development and graphic design. During my tenure as PRO, I also successfully assembled a dedicated team to support the office in content creation, design, and website management which stands strong as the IT and Media Committee today. It started as joint efforts of some selfless and dedicated Muslim brothers and sisters like Bro Jadalhaq Taiwo, Bro Ridwan Adeoye, Bro Olasupo Muizz (Olarsh), Bro Muhammed AbdulSemii, and Sister Khadeejah Kolapo who volunteered to take up various training sessions for the member of the committee.

Upon the completion of my first term as PRO, I was reappointed to the same position in my 200 level, continuing the journey of personal and professional growth. This journey, Alhamdulillah, has culminated in a wealth of skills and valuable connections.

In my 300 level, I was appointed the Financial Secretary, which I held until my final year. I also served as the Liaison Officer to the Finalist Forum during this time.

My period of service in MSSN UI would not have been easy if not for the amazing assistants that were appointed alongside me during the administration, Sis Lawal Hameedah, Sis Akinloye Salma (Salma of Sallymally and Sally’s Edible), and Oladokun Zainab in my respective years in office. Also the source of motivation came from the Umaara (plural of Ameer) that I served under, they made sure we were all on our toes to deliver the mandate of MSSN UI, Ameer Abidiin Oladosu (Abiqas), Ameer Abdurrahman Sanni, Ameer Obakemi Ibrahim. I met amazing people and friends during my service with MSSN UI, the likes of Olayiwola Toyyib, Kolawole Ibrahim, AbdulSalam Oladapo, Olajide Muhammad (B’Energy), Fatimah Ajanaku, the list is endless wallahi. Alhamdulillah for the Pano administration, BTCaller administration, and Leveling up administration executive for allowing me to grow and become who I am today. Trust me you would not want to be mediocre amidst these guys. Alhamdulillah today, all of the skills that were picked from MSSN UI paid off and are what I add as extra value anywhere I am today.

Adh Dhikr Press: Looking back at your university sojourn, what is your most rewarding part?

Seeing students who joined the IT and Media committee with zero skills doing great in the skills they learned from the committee. Alhamdulillah for the platform MSSN UI presented to us.

Adh Dhikr Press: How well did you manage your time during your studentship?

Well! I’m continuously working on improving my time management skills, even to this day. I tend to create daily plans/to-do lists on various occasions but I often struggle to adhere to them. I consistently make sacrifices in my schedule to ensure that I fulfill my responsibilities within MSSN UI, both as an executive and a member. Alhamdulillah, this experience has honed my ability to improvise and make necessary compromises today. I just ensured that I did not miss assessments and examinations in my department and I try my best to give it all it takes.

Adh Dhikr Press: How well did you adapt to new situations?

I personally love trying new things and exploring. One time I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine and she said what she does in a new environment or situation she tries to study the environment and see how she can thrive and make an impact there which I think is the best thing for anyone to do in that situation.

Adh Dhikr Press: As a tech guru, what part of the tech sector did you want to venture into?

😂😂 Tech guru keh! I be small boy o.

As I mentioned earlier, during my undergraduate years, I made it a point to absorb all available knowledge and explore various aspects of IT. I dabbled in Android app development, worked with CMS (such as WordPress and Drupal), and delved into software engineering and IT support. This exploration allowed me to make an informed decision about a path that resonated with my nature.
Initially, I was drawn to the idea of becoming a software engineer, enticed by the hype around “Tech bros” and the amount they are paid for remote gigs. However, I discovered another niche that resonated more with my nature – IT support/engineering.

My passion for IT support stemmed from the direct interactions with customers and the satisfaction I derived from resolving their IT issues. Throughout my time in school, I took on various roles in IT support, working directly with my department, faculty, and university as a whole. This gave me a strong foundation for where I find myself today. I am currently interning as a network infrastructure engineer in my place of primary assignment in Abuja.

Adh Dhikr Press: What are the opportunities available for students who are into tech?

The opportunities are limitless, you just have to find what you love to do. IT is a wide field and you can tap into anywhere as long as you have the right information.

Adh Dhikr Press: Where did you see yourself in a few years?

It depends on how soon the next few years are. In the “near future, I envision myself as a husband, a father, and a Certified Network Professional working with multinational companies.
In the future, I would love to see myself doing so well in the cloud infrastructure space bi idhnillah.

Adh Dhikr Press: Which part of tech would you advise students to venture into?

As I said earlier, IT is broad and you just have to find what works for you.
Some people are lucky to tap into a space and do so well at their first attempt, while some would explore various options before finally getting a balance. If you fall in category A, do not think you achieved it by your wisdom or intelligence but rather by Allah’s decree, and do not look down on others who are still struggling.

If you fall into category B, do not give up, keep trying, network, ask questions, and utilize all available resources. We are nothing but what Allah has destined thousands of years before we were born, so be patient with Allah’s plan for your life and always pray to Allah for guidance.

Adh Dhikr Press: JazakumuLlahu khaira, sir ❤️.