A brilliant Nigerian woman named Jeminat Musa, has inspired many with her remarkable story of perseverance and determination.
Despite working night shifts cleaning airplanes, she emerged as the valedictorian of Kean University, United States, after graduating with a perfect 4.00/4.00 grade point average in Accounting.
Jeminat's Story and How She Did It
Jeminat’s higher academic journey began in Nigeria, where she first earned a National Diploma in Accounting from Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, in 2005.
She then proceeded to the University of Benin, where she graduated with a Second-Class Upper Division in Accounting in 2009.
Driven by her passion for finance, she went further to earn a Master’s degree in Finance and Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 2012, graduating with distinction.
In 2020, Jeminat relocated to the United States to begin a new chapter of her life. Determined not to let her dreams fade, she enrolled for a Master of Science in Accounting at Kean University.
Despite the challenges of adapting and surviving in a new country, she persevered and graduated in 2021 with the highest grade point average in her class.
Recalling her journey during her commencement speech, Jeminat revealed how she juggled school and work while adjusting to life in the United States, working night shifts to earn and support her studies.
“During the day, I was focusing on school, then at night, I was cleaning planes at the airport. I won’t lie — it was not easy,” she said.
Jeminat stated that it was her husband who encouraged her to pursue an American degree, and after attending a Graduate Open House, she chose Kean University because of its diversity and inclusiveness.
Beyond her academic achievements, Jeminat credits her growth at Kean for shaping her into a more confident and bold professional.
“One major thing I have learned at Kean is being confident, believing in myself, being bold, and speaking up. Professors push you to present your papers to classmates — now, giving a presentation to the board of directors is no big deal,” she said.
After graduation, Jeminat began working with the Financial Intelligence Unit at a company in the United States while preparing for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam, another step toward professional excellence.
Reflecting on her journey, she offered words of encouragement to everyone who is aiming towards her kind of achievement.
“What I’ve learned from this experience is that success and excellence don’t happen by chance. It takes intention. If I had accepted defeat, I would not be here today, being celebrated like this,” Jeminat said.
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