Waheedah O. Kosefobamu & Muhammad A. Adedokun

Academic demands are enough as challenge for students, let alone juggling them with other responsibilities such as the demanding nature of leadership roles. In this interview, Abdulbasit Olayinka shares with us how he was able to effectively balance leadership responsibilities with academic workload.

Al-Faaedah Press Organization would love you to introduce yourself to our readers
I am Abdulbasit Olayinka,  a recent graduate of University of Ibadan  from the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Can you please briefly take us through your academic journey as an undergraduate student? Has Electrical Electronics Engineering been your ambition since your secondary school days?
My academic journey as an undergraduate has been one marked by intention, discipline, and steady growth. From the moment I gained admission, I was determined to excel academically. I surrounded myself with like-minded friends who shared similar goals, and together we studied, supported one another, and maintained academic accountability. That environment played a major role in keeping me focused and consistent throughout my university years.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering has been my dream since my secondary school days. My father studied the same course, and I have always looked up to him as a mentor and role model. Seeing his journey inspired me deeply. I also had a strong foundation in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Physics, where I consistently performed well. Knowing that Electrical and Electronics Engineering is one of the most competitive and promising fields further strengthened my decision to pursue it
Beyond academics, I have held leadership positions from my first year through to my final year. While balancing leadership responsibilities with academic demands was sometimes challenging, it strengthened my time management, resilience, and sense of responsibility.
After our first year, we formed a group of Muslim Electrical Engineering students known as Elect Geeks. This initiative became a major pillar in my academic journey. From 200 level to final year, we consistently organized tutorials, shared resources, and ensured that no one was left behind academically. We held ourselves accountable to one another, and that culture of mutual support contributed immensely to my academic success.

What has been the most challenging year for you in school and why? How were you able to cope?
My most challenging year was my final year. It was a period where I was entrusted with two major leadership responsibilities while also preparing for my final academic examinations. I served as the National President of the Association of Muslim Engineers, Technologists and Technicians – Students’ Affiliate (AMETT–SA), as well as the Director of Studies of MSSN Akinyele Area Council Extramural. At the same time, I was determined to finish my academic journey strongly.
There were moments when all three responsibilities demanded my attention simultaneously ; preparing for final year examinations, coordinating activities for the National Convention of AMETT–SA, and ensuring that Extramural tutorials ran smoothly. It was physically and mentally stretching.
However, Alhamdulillāh, I was able to cope through proper delegation and teamwork. I entrusted responsibilities to capable executives within AMETT–SA and to my assistants in the Directorate. That experience taught me that leadership is not about carrying everything alone, but about empowering others.
Academically, I was also supported by sincere friends who ensured I stayed on track. I particularly appreciate a close colleague, Sikirullahi Abdulafeez, who would patiently explain difficult concepts to me, sometimes even a day before examinations through video calls. I do not take such support for granted. Their assistance made the journey lighter.
In all, that year stretched me, but it also strengthened me. It refined my time management, deepened my reliance on Allah, and taught me the value of delegation, teamwork, and gratitude.

When was your first time serving under the umbrella of the MSSN? How did you feel, and what has changed since then up till this moment?
My first time serving under the umbrella of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) was just a few weeks after I resumed physically in 100 Level at the University of Ibadan. I was appointed as the Assistant Director of Studies for the Educational Conference Committee.

It honestly was not an easy ride at the beginning. I was new to the system and still trying to understand how things worked. However, one thing I was intentional about was asking questions whenever I was confused. I sought guidance from experienced people and that helped me grow into the role.

Since then, it has been responsibility upon responsibility and I discovered very early that I genuinely love serving for the sake of Allah. That realization became my motivation.

What has changed from then till now is what I would call massive growth. Growth in interpersonal relationships, leadership, organization, communication, and emotional intelligence. If someone had told me back then that I would become much better at relating with people and managing responsibilities, I might have doubted it.

But Alhamdulillah, Allah has improved me through service. And I’m sincerely grateful for the growth.

You’ve worked in so many committees, including people with different characters and points of view; how has working with others been a challenge to you, and how have you been coping with that?

Working across different committees has been a valuable learning experience. I have had the privilege of working with individuals of great character and diverse perspectives. Each environment presents its own dynamics, and one principle I have adopted is to first observe and understand before attempting to influence.
Whenever I join a team, I take time to study the structure, understand the tasks assigned to me, and carefully observe how members operate. People have different temperaments and sensitivities. What may be acceptable to one person may not be well received by another. Recognizing these individual peculiarities is essential, whether one is serving as a leader or as a member of a committee.
Indeed, this process can be challenging because it requires patience and time to fully understand people. However, once mutual understanding is established, collaboration becomes smoother and more productive, bi idhnillāh.
Regarding differing points of view, I strongly believe that every member deserves to feel valued and heard. I ensure that individuals are given the opportunity to express their opinions. Where a particular suggestion may not be feasible, I explain the reasoning respectfully by outlining the potential limitations or disadvantages. This approach maintains unity while ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the collective goal.

You served as the Director of Studies, making tutors available to handle tutorials in a community where everyone wants to face their business may be very tedious. How have you been able to convince tutors and manage them to ensure the smooth running of the tutorials?
I sincerely appreciate all the tutors who have consistently supported the Extramural tutorial . Their commitment has been truly commendable. Most times, I do little persuasion and more coordination because they already understand the importance of the responsibility placed on them. The tutorials are voluntary, and they see it as service for the sake of Allah and for the academic growth of Muslim students.
The tutors are always willing to help unless they have serious personal or academic engagements. Their dedication and sense of responsibility  made the work easier.
One of the main challenges, however, is getting new tutors so that the existing ones are not overworked. For the system to continue smoothly, we need more capable and willing volunteers, and that requires constant effort.
May Allah reward them all and ease their affairs.

How has holding tutorial classes contributed to your personal development?
Holding tutorial classes or more accurately, coordinating them has greatly contributed to my personal development..
Naturally, I am a very gentle person. However, working with students taught me that being too gentle can sometimes make coordination difficult. There were moments when students took advantage of that, and I had to learn to be firm when necessary.It helped me learn how to remain calm while also being firm and setting clear boundaries when necessary.
The role also improved my coordination and organizational skills. I learned how to plan properly, manage time effectively, and keep track of multiple tasks at once.
Overall, the experience has truly built me and helped me grow both as a leader and as a person.

During your year of service, how has combining being the president of the Association of Muslim Engineers, Technologists, and Technicians – Student Affiliate (AMETT–SA) with being the Director of Studies at MSSN AAC, as well as academics, been an interesting and challenging experience?
Balancing my roles as President of AMETT–SA, Director of Studies at MSSN AAC, and my academic work was both interesting and challenging. It was interesting because I was able to handle many responsibilities at the same time and still see positive results in all areas, by the grace of Allah.
The challenging part was the heavy workload and trying to manage everything effectively. Finding balance was not always easy. Alhamdulillāh, through discipline, proper planning, and reliance on Allah, I was able to handle these responsibilities to the best of my ability

What skill(s) can you say really help you a lot in dealing with people, especially those under your leadership and those you’re to give account to?
The skills that have helped me most in dealing with people, both those under my leadership and those I report to, are understanding, respect, and effective communication.
I have learned that people come from different backgrounds and have different opinions and ways of doing things. Taking time to understand them first makes everything easier. I always try to study the environment, know the people I am working with, and understand their  likes and dislikes.
Respect is also very important. When people feel respected and valued, they are more willing to cooperate and give their best.
Another key skill is knowing the right time and manner to correct others. Correction should not embarrass but improve. This has helped me maintain good relationships while still ensuring that tasks are done properly.
These skills have made leadership smoother  for me.

What advice do you have for students in leadership positions, having commitments, or who are willing to hold one?
Leadership is about sacrifice. Without sacrifice, there is no true leadership. Anyone who desires to lead must be ready to give up comfort and time for the sake of those they serve. Patience is equally essential, because leadership comes with pressure, criticism, and moments of difficulty.
A good student leader must always be ready to listen to followers, making them feel important and valued at all times. People give their best when they know they are respected and appreciated.
Sincerity is also key. Leaders should be sincere in the roles entrusted to them, remembering that leadership is a responsibility and a trust.
Planning is very important. Student leaders must intentionally strike a balance between their administrative duties and academics. They should remember that they are not ordinary students; they are students with added responsibilities. However, their leadership roles should never negatively affect their academic excellence or the well-being of others. As Muslims, we are expected to excel in all areas of life. This aligns with the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ: “Verily, Allah loves that when one of you undertakes a task, he perfects it.”

What can you say about your thirst for Islamic knowledge?
As we know, the essence of our creation is to worship Allah, and we cannot truly worship Him without knowing Him. That understanding has always fueled my thirst for Islamic knowledge.

My journey at the University of Ibadan was not only academic but also geared towards islamic knowledge. Alongside my studies, I was privileged to be a student at the Circle of Learning (COL), and later at Arabic School of Civilization (Ath-Thaqoofiy) in Agbowo.

Presently, I am on the journey of completing the memorization of the Noble Qur’an. It is a lifelong aspiration for me, and I pray that Allah, in His mercy, grants me ease in this pursuit.

What can you say about having good friends or companies around and how has it helped you?
I have come to deeply appreciate the importance of keeping good friends and company. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “A man is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends” . This reminds me that the people we surround ourselves with have a direct influence on our character, decisions, and growth.
Alhamdulillāh, I have been blessed with friends who are supportive, sincere, and focused on personal and spiritual growth. Their encouragement has helped me stay accountable academically, spiritually, and in leadership roles. Being in such company not only motivates me to improve but also reinforces the importance of patience, understanding, and collaboration. Good companions are a source of guidance and comfort, and I am grateful to Allah for placing such people around me.