From Illegal Miner To KNUST Valedictorian – The Inspiring Journey Of Eliasu Yahaya Bansi

Eliasu Yahaya Bansi, a BSc. Real Estate student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has captivated the hearts of many with his inspiring journey to success. Bansi recently emerged as the best-graduating student at the 58th congregation of the KNUST College of Arts and Built Environment, earning an impressive Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) of 81.04.

His path to academic excellence is filled with challenges and triumphs. As the first person in his family to attend university, Bansi faced financial difficulties and unstable living conditions. To support himself, he resorted to illegal mining, or “galamsey,” during school vacations. Tragically, this risky venture cost him the life of a close friend, Abubakar, who died while attempting to escape from the mining site.

Devastated by the loss, Bansi made a vow to leave illegal mining behind and focus on his education. With the unwavering support of his siblings, lecturers, and friends, he overcame these hardships and excelled academically. In his second year, Bansi received help from fellow students and the KNUST Food Bank to pay his school fees and secure food supplies, which allowed him to continue his studies.

In his valedictory speech, Bansi urged university authorities to support students facing similar struggles, emphasizing the importance of community care. His story is a powerful reminder of resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of support from others in overcoming adversity.

Bansi’s achievement has been celebrated widely, with social media users sharing messages of congratulations and wishing him success in his future endeavors. His journey serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with hard work, perseverance, and the right support, it is possible to rise above challenges and achieve greatness.