AdminVictor Chizoba Ejiofor, the best graduating student for 2022 set in the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), has revealed how he emerged the overall best with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93.
EJiofor, who studied Pharmacy, said setting specific goals such as a target of 5.0 CGPA every semester was the best strategy that enabled him to sail through and come out with the best result not just in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, but the entire school.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn this interview with Prime Business Africa’s JUBILATE ESOGWA, Ejiofor, who Hails from Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, reveals more about his secret to success, the challenges he faced and how he overcame them to achieve this feat.
Here is the excerpt of the interview:
How does it feel bagging a distinction and being UNN’s Best graduating student?
First and foremost, I am grateful to God Almighty for the provision of life and good health in order to witness this season of my life. Becoming the best graduating student of UNN is never an easy achievement. Without mincing words, my joy knows no limit. I can attest to the fact that it has been a feeling of self-fulfilment and a sense of pride. The respect that comes with this feat is encouraging. I’m deeply honoured.
How did you cope with demands of the Pharmacy Facility and was able to get first-class?
Pharmacy is a multi-department faculty. We have seven independent departments. Each of the departments operates differently. It’s a great deal of work.
I developed self-discipline in order to avoid the lure of excuses. By constantly demanding more from myself every day of the week I was able to rise beyond the pace my natural intelligence could reach. I hanged out with friends that inspired me to consistently work hard in the den. I would always set specific goals for myself every semester like I will get a CGPA of 5.0 or nothing. The habit of setting specific goals formed the vehicle that navigated me through the Pharmacy Department.
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It is worthy of note that I never for once ignored the importance of my mental health. Therefore I managed stress and slept properly. One thing that helped me is starting early to prepare for every semester and for exams as usual. This always helped me to sidestep exam stress and tension, as I am always ready for actions.
Looking back, are there things you wish you had done differently as a student?
I will pay more attention to networking. Building and maintaining relationships with friends and colleagues. It is very important. Most of the things I struggle to get now would have been easier if I had connected more with friends who have some privileges at their beck and call. I will not limit my friends to only those that can read very well. If you know you know!
I will also engage more in volunteering opportunities such as outreaches, and conferences. These are good avenues to learn and connect with pace-setters. The world now is controlled by connectors.
Would you want to specialise in Pharmacy?
Yes, of course
What is your idea of excellence?
Excellence is tantamount to success. I believe it is being able to live my life in my own choice, doing only those things that I want to do, with the people I choose to. Whenever I see myself following this pattern, then I am excelling.
Looking at the degrading value of our education system in our nation. Who is to be blamed, the government, lecturers or students? And what do you think the government should do to salvage the situation?
Education is one of the basic criteria to measure the growth and development of any nation. If you want to destroy a nation, kill their Education. At this critical stage in the history of Nigeria, we have surpassed the era of blame game. Our education system should be of ultimate concern to all stakeholders in our economic system.
Howbeit, the first step forward towards reviving the educational system lies in the hands of the government. The government should prioritise education in her policies. The right investments need to be put in place in order to get the desired results. Adequate funding with good management will provide high-quality education in Nigeria. The level of corruption in education ministries and regulatory bodies needs to be taken seriously and tackled. The teaching curriculum needs to be reviewed and updated. It needs to be more practical and research based.
Fair wages will also motivate teachers to do their job on a high-quality level. This will attract qualified and dedicated teachers to public schools and will change the attitude of young people towards the teaching profession. If we do not get it right now, and invest decisively in education, we may not afford the demeaning prize for ignorance in the nearest future.
What were your major challenges in school?
Lack of funds. I come from a low-income earning family. My parents managed to put my siblings and I through school. Unfortunately, I lost both parents to the cold hands of death while I was in school, after a brief illness. Money to offset some of my bills in school was a major challenge. But to cut a long story short, I got supports from my elder siblings, and well wishers. Thanks to them.
What skills did you acquire as a student of UNN and as a student of Pharmacy Department? What did you add to your portfolio?
I learnt photography and videography after my parent’s demise. I attended many certification trainings while in school, such as: Human resources and management, Research techniques and writing, Data Analysis and Visualization, project management, infographics design and presentations, etc. I also pioneered health outreaches within and outside UNN campus.
Were there any special thing(s) that the first-class honour came with?
Yes, in the past awards night, there were series of cash awards from the school to first-class students. I’m grateful to the university for their support of hard work. I urge them to extend their support in recommending their first-class graduates for internship opportunities.
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What are your plans for the future in terms of career specialisation?
I am currently looking for where to do my one year mandatory internship programme. My preference has been in NAFDAC or Teaching Hospitals. After my internship, I intend to further my career in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
I also want to get a degree in public health. This degree will give me the opportunity to engage in translating laboratory bench discoveries into public health recommendations and policies.
What advice would you give to current students?
My candid advice is to never give up on your dreams of pursuing higher education. Hold onto your own definition of success as you navigate the corridors of the university. The good news is that everything is achievable. To become what you have not been before, you must do what you have not done before. Always Imbibe the principle of self discipline in all you do within the walls of UNN. Above all, trust in God Almighty for divine guidance that will lead to good success. Thank you.
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