Scholars’ Roundtable Inspires Freshers at Fountain University’s Orientation Week

By Jimoh Maryam

As part of the ongoing Freshers’ Orientation Week themed “Fresh Start, Faithful Steps and Fearless Future,” the Fountain University Muslim Students’ Society (MSSN) hosted its Scholars’ Roundtable, an engaging and intellectually stimulating forum that brought together exceptional students to share insights on academic excellence, personal development and maintaining Islamic values in a rapidly advancing world.

The event, which followed earlier programmes such as the Welcome Ceremony and Zunayrah’s Hangout, aimed to strengthen the academic and spiritual foundation of new students. It opened with a prayer and Qur’an recitation, after which the panelists’ citations were read to honor their achievements.

The discussion centred on a key question: How can students reconcile academic and technological advancement with timeless Islamic principles? The audience listened attentively as the panelists shared their journeys, struggles, and strategies for success.

When asked about the inspiration behind their academic pursuits, Ibrahim Maryam, one of the panelists, said her driving force was the determination to graduate as the best student in her department. Despite not being the brightest in secondary school, she shifted her mindset and worked consistently until she achieved her goal.

Another panelist, Anifowose Aminah, attributed her motivation to the influence of her parents and her experience with JUPEB. After earning 11 points but failing to secure admission into MBBS, she enrolled in Medical Laboratory Science at Fountain University. She went on to graduate with a First Class degree, becoming the first in her family to achieve such a feat.

For Zakariyyah Bilqees, the refusal to settle for less pushed her toward excellence. Although she initially wanted to study MBBS, she embraced Medical Laboratory Science and set a personal standard to excel.

Responding to a question on the academic habits they built from their first year, the panelists offered varied insights.

Maryam explained that hearing about the high failure rate in 100 level made her develop the habit of reading immediately after each class. Consistent revision, she said, helped her overcome forgetfulness and stay ahead.

While Aminah narrated how a course on reading techniques changed her entire study approach. Realising she had been studying ineffectively, she discovered she was a visual learner and adjusted her methods accordingly.

Bilqees emphasized understanding over memorization. She shared that paying close attention during lectures and seeking explanations from peers helped her retain key concepts.

When asked to give advice to students starting their academic journey, the panelists offered thoughtful guidance.
Maryam encouraged freshers to change their mindset, embrace determination and confidently own their identity as scholars.

Aminah reminded students to balance academics with practical skills, stressing the importance of staying relevant in a dynamic world.

Bilqees advised students to be intentional and specific in their prayers, highlighting the importance of turning sincerely to Allah for guidance and success.

The moderator closed the session with a reminder that prayer must be accompanied by action. A sheikh reinforced this message, saying: “If you pray for something but do not work toward it, you may achieve it only in your dreams.”

The Scholars’ Roundtable ended on a reflective note, leaving freshers with renewed motivation and a clearer sense of purpose as they embark on their university journey.When asked to give advice to students starting their academic journey, the panelists offered thoughtful guidance.
Maryam encouraged freshers to change their mindset, embrace determination and confidently own their identity as scholars.

Aminah reminded students to balance academics with practical skills, stressing the importance of staying relevant in a dynamic world.

Bilqees advised students to be intentional and specific in their prayers, highlighting the importance of turning sincerely to Allah for guidance and success.

The moderator closed the session with a reminder that prayer must be accompanied by action. A sheikh reinforced this message, saying: “If you pray for something but do not work toward it, you may achieve it only in your dreams.”

The Scholars’ Roundtable ended on a reflective note, leaving freshers with renewed motivation and a clearer sense of purpose as they embark on their university journey.