Meet the 24-Year-Old Mother Who Ended a 35-Year First-Class Drought at BUK Law Faculty

Aisha Widad Yahaya

At just 24 years old, Aisha Widad Yahaya has etched her name into the history books of Bayero University Kano (BUK) by becoming the first law student in 35 years to graduate with First Class honours. A mother, a wife, and the 18th of 25 children, Aisha's journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

An Unlikely Path to Law

Born on July 3, 2001, in Ungoggo Local Government Area of Kano State, Aisha’s academic foundation was laid at Al-Azhar Primary School, followed by Musa Ilyasu College for secondary education. Her journey into law began with a simple conversation with her late father, Professor Dahiru Yahaya, a renowned historian and BUK lecturer.

“I wasn’t planning on studying law,” she recalls. “But when I asked my father for guidance, he said, ‘If you’re going for sciences, be ready to become a doctor. If you pick arts, go for law.’ I chose arts—and the rest is history.”

Balancing Books, Marriage, and Motherhood

Unlike most students, Aisha's university experience was defined by dual roles—attending lectures while fulfilling her duties as a wife and mother. Every day, she commuted from Ungoggo to BUK for 8 a.m. lectures, a routine that demanded physical and mental endurance.

During her fourth year, Aisha got married, and shortly after, welcomed her first child. The challenge of combining academic excellence with family responsibilities was immense.

“There were moments I truly felt overwhelmed,” she shares. “But my husband, family, and mentors never let me give up.”

Shattering a 35-Year Ceiling

The Faculty of Law at BUK hadn’t produced a First Class graduate in over three decades. But Aisha, unknowingly at first, was on a path to change that.

“I wasn’t aiming for First Class initially,” she says. “But in my second year, I scored a 5.0 GPA—that’s when I realized I could actually do it.”

She doubled down with fierce determination, her ambition now clear. With consistent hard work and an unwavering support system, she reached her goal.

The Power Behind Her Success

Aisha credits her husband, a lecturer at BUK, as one of her biggest cheerleaders. “He kept reminding me that I could do it—even when I doubted myself,” she says.

Her siblings, two of whom are also law graduates, along with her lecturers and faculty mentors, formed the backbone of her support system. Their encouragement gave her the strength to push through tough times.

Mentors and Milestones

One of Aisha’s key mentors, Barrister Abba Hikima, met her during her internship in her second year.

“She walked into my office and her academic record stunned me—it was even better than mine,” he says. “I told her, ‘If you make First Class, I owe you a gift.’ From that day, we had a shared mission.”

Though he didn’t tutor her, he offered moral support and motivation throughout her journey.

A Voice for Women, A Symbol of Hope

Aisha’s Level Coordinator, Asma’u Aminu Sani, describes her as a model of strength and grace.

“She didn’t just pursue her dreams—she carried the weight of motherhood, marriage, and academic excellence all at once,” Asma’u says. “Her story is a testament to what women can achieve when given the right support and opportunity.”

Beyond the Grade: A Legacy of Inspiration

For Aisha, the First Class degree is more than a personal milestone—it’s a beacon of hope for other women.

“This isn’t just about me,” she says with pride. “It’s about every girl who dares to dream big, even when the odds are stacked against her.”

Her achievement is already inspiring a new generation of young women who now see that it’s possible to balance ambition with family, and still rise to the top.

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