I worked as a photographer, home teacher to raise money – Eke, UNN best graduate
Eke Ifeanyichukwu dared the odds that confronted him as an undergraduate, especially as someone from a ‘humble ’ background to still emerge as the best graduate of the University of Nigeria , Nsukka , in the 2015/2016 academic session. In this interview with TUNDE AJAJA, the 22- year- old , who had 4 . 83 in Microbiology , talks about his experience
Can you recall how it felt when you received the news that you were the overall best in your school?
I think it was on a bright Thursday morning when my Head of Department called me into his office and showed me a circular informing the Faculty of Biological Sciences that the overall best graduating student for 2015/ 2016 academic session emerged from the Department of Microbiology and I happened to be the one . I was excited . I was then asked to prepare a valedictory speech. I can ’ t emphatically say the achievement was a surprise . While in school , some of my friends who knew my academic records had sent I might possibly be the best student in our set but I refused to bask in that euphoria or relent in my pursuit . I believe in giving my best and it yielded result . My parents and siblings were equally very excited . They gladly shared the good news with our neighbours, friends and well - wishers . My siblings even took to the social media to celebrate with me . I’ m glad I made them proud.
Did anything spur you to aim for that height?
At the root of success is motivation . During my first year in the university, I had the opportunity to attend the Award Night of students who graduated in the 2011/2012 academic session. I saw how all the students trooped in to celebrate the few students who excelled in their academics . I saw how these few students were called upon to have a handshake with the vice- chancellor and other dignitaries. I was really motivated by that . That same night , I went back to my room and wrote a prayer to God in my diary . So , I see this achievement as a realised dream ; an answered prayer and I return all the glory to God. And that is why my happiest day was my convocation day when my dream of shaking hands with my Vice -Chancellor as the overall best - graduating student was finally realised ; the day my written request to God was answered and I had to deliver a resounding valedictory speech before my lecturers , dignitaries, peers , parents and invitees. It was awesome and I really relish that moment.
With the prayer you wrote and the determination , would you then say it was easy to have first class?
Passion makes seemingly hard courses easier and enjoyable . I don’ t think there is anything like ‘hard ’ courses, be it Microbiology or any other course. Passion and understanding bridge the gap. Prior to our time, microbiology in the university had a campus - wide reputation of being a very ‘ difficult ’ course . In fact , when it was announced that the overall best graduating student of the session emerged from the department , staff and students alike were surprised . I was told that one of the top university staff referred to me as the ‘ young man that de - mystified microbiology’ . That ’ s amazing because the last time a student of microbiology emerged as the overall best graduating student of the university was 25 years ago .
It has been argued that students do well when they study the course of their choice . Was Microbiology your choice ?
Yes, it is my choice. I know some students who go for this course have their eyes on medicine , but truth is I literally didn ’t know the hustle about medicine until I entered the university. I saw how my course mates were taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in order to study medicine and that affected their first year grade . It is hard to believe but it is true . I think microbiology is my passion. I got to know about the course in my secondary school days. I believe that if you locate your passion and pursue it , professionals from other fields will come to consult you . So many things interest me in the course . If you critically examine it , microorganisms rule the world . From their medical importance to their roles in food security , brewery , bio - energy, enzyme production, bioremediation and environmental stability , these ‘little ’ creatures cannot be taken for granted . They can also be used in vaccine production and can be eaten in a form known as probiotics . These are exciting areas of microbiology . I love to go deeper in my study of these organisms for the betterment of humanity.
Some people believe some aspects of the course are abstract. Is that right?
I think every course has some abstract parts . It is that abstractness that makes it a specialisation. So, microbiology is not an exception.
When did you start having first class?
In the first semester of my first year, I was not on a first class grade , though some friends thought I was . It was after compiling my second semester results that I found out that I was in first class grade . It is amazing to recall that I narrowly failed a course in my first year. I got a ‘D’ grade in a three- unit course, but I persisted. I thank God for his mercies. You know , success is a journey, you may encounter challenges on the way but you need consistency and persistency to make it . Since when I was young, I know that the desire to be a success and a well -known voice has been a driving factor .
Could you share your reading schedule with us as some students would think you must have read all the time to be the best in the school?
(Laughs) I think it is a matter of time management and being focused . It is a matter of prioritisation. That is, knowing the purpose of your academic sojourn ; doing first things first. Studying is an important pathway to academic excellence , but that does not mean you should neglect other important activities in school . I can ’ t explicitly say how long I read each day but I do understand that there is a difference between hard work and diligence. Diligence is the key to efficiency. Diligence simply means skillful hard work . It involves following the advice of the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates: ‘Man , know yourself’. To me , hard work is a matter of longevity , which is how long you study , while diligence does not just imply longevity , but depth, which is how well you have grasped the little you read. I try to be diligent in my studies. Proper use of the library resources can also help in bolstering academic performance. I thank God for my institution. We have one of the biggest libraries in West Africa; that is, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Library . Due to my study principle of knowing the nitty- gritty of a subject , the library was like a second home to me. I enjoyed using the library. It is not a guarantee but it is of high importance in your academic sojourn .
Some other students would have done these same things without having such result . Were there other things you did differently ?
There is a place of God’ s grace in my academic story . I got an important study principle known as in - depth research study from Ben Carson’ s best - selling book ‘Think Big ’. This principle emphasises knowing the nitty - gritty of your course. It really helped me. I try to be fully involved in my studies. A ‘divided ’ mind cannot stand . I had ‘mighty ’ friends like the biblical David. My friends inadvertently challenged me and have major stakes in my academic story . I try to participate in class by asking and answering questions. It is said that asking questions is a key to excelling in life . I don ’t feel comfortable when I don’ t understand a subject . I try to understand by asking my classmates, lecturers or consulting textbooks in the library. Meanwhile, there are a whole lot of reasons students fail . One is fear . In the famous Three Idiots film, I got an anecdote that fear is not good for grades . It can becloud understanding and affect the retentive memory. Another is bad study method or technique . Misplaced priorities and peer pressures are also contributory factors. Some students do face financial and family problems , which could cause them to be emotionally unstable and result in poor academic performance. Also , when there is no passion for a course , poor performance becomes an obtainable result . Students should know there is still room at the top. It is said that a ‘conceivable task is achievable ’. They should be focused and try to grow daily in knowledge. The graph of academic excellence may not be a straight line curve . There may be bumps , challenges and failures on the way. What matters is the way you react to it .
We learnt you had some financial challenges . How serious was it ?
Yes, I did, but I don ’t want people to pity me . However, it could be a message to someone who may be facing difficult times . There is still light at the end of the tunnel . You tell yourself , if this guy could, you can still make it . Things were really hard but not a reason for me to give up .
Did you venture into anything to raise some money, like business or organising tutorials ?
Due to my understanding that teaching is a critical part of academic progress, I was involved in organising tutorials for my peers , but I didn’ t charge fees . Apart from that , I worked as a photographer and home lesson teacher in order to make ends meet . I have loving parents and siblings who were there for me. They gave me a sense of responsibility. I said in my valedictory speech that “ I may not have rich parents but I have parents who were rich in support.” They knew my struggles and always did their best to support me. I am eternally grateful to them .
With your result , did you enjoy any scholarship ?
No, I didn ’t enjoy any scholarship . Most companies or organisations that have scholarship schemes often exclude microbiology and some other ‘non - professional ’ courses. That ’s quite unfortunate . We should imbibe the habit of celebrating excellence , no matter the person ’s background or course of study . More organisations should come up to sponsor students in Nigerian universities . Sometimes , you never can tell how these interventions help to secure the future of some students . And that is a culture obtainable in western countries, why not here?
What are your thoughts about the unemployment crisis in Nigeria ?
Troubled? Yes , but I always remember this biblical saying that a “ man ’s gift makes a way for him and enables him to stand before great men ” . If you distinguish yourself, job offers will surely come. But the government needs to do a lot to tackle the menace of unemployment in the country . The private sector should be properly integrated to solve this national ‘ headache ’ .
People say it ’s incomplete not to be sociable as an undergraduate. What was the experience for you ?
One of my classmates once joked on the social media that ‘Eke had carry - over in his social life ’. I’ m just a reserved person . There are certain environments that you cannot see me . I focused on my academic pursuit but also tried to build valuable networks with people. I also attempted delving into departmental politics where I contested for a position. But my academics was always a priority.
Where would you like to work ?
I would like to practise as a professional in microbial biotechnology. Teaching others gives me profuse joy, so I also see myself as an educationalist . I would like to be a lecturer and probably own a research institute for investigation of microbiology - related issues .
Copyright PUNCH.
Can you recall how it felt when you received the news that you were the overall best in your school?
I think it was on a bright Thursday morning when my Head of Department called me into his office and showed me a circular informing the Faculty of Biological Sciences that the overall best graduating student for 2015/ 2016 academic session emerged from the Department of Microbiology and I happened to be the one . I was excited . I was then asked to prepare a valedictory speech. I can ’ t emphatically say the achievement was a surprise . While in school , some of my friends who knew my academic records had sent I might possibly be the best student in our set but I refused to bask in that euphoria or relent in my pursuit . I believe in giving my best and it yielded result . My parents and siblings were equally very excited . They gladly shared the good news with our neighbours, friends and well - wishers . My siblings even took to the social media to celebrate with me . I’ m glad I made them proud.
Did anything spur you to aim for that height?
At the root of success is motivation . During my first year in the university, I had the opportunity to attend the Award Night of students who graduated in the 2011/2012 academic session. I saw how all the students trooped in to celebrate the few students who excelled in their academics . I saw how these few students were called upon to have a handshake with the vice- chancellor and other dignitaries. I was really motivated by that . That same night , I went back to my room and wrote a prayer to God in my diary . So , I see this achievement as a realised dream ; an answered prayer and I return all the glory to God. And that is why my happiest day was my convocation day when my dream of shaking hands with my Vice -Chancellor as the overall best - graduating student was finally realised ; the day my written request to God was answered and I had to deliver a resounding valedictory speech before my lecturers , dignitaries, peers , parents and invitees. It was awesome and I really relish that moment.
With the prayer you wrote and the determination , would you then say it was easy to have first class?
Passion makes seemingly hard courses easier and enjoyable . I don’ t think there is anything like ‘hard ’ courses, be it Microbiology or any other course. Passion and understanding bridge the gap. Prior to our time, microbiology in the university had a campus - wide reputation of being a very ‘ difficult ’ course . In fact , when it was announced that the overall best graduating student of the session emerged from the department , staff and students alike were surprised . I was told that one of the top university staff referred to me as the ‘ young man that de - mystified microbiology’ . That ’ s amazing because the last time a student of microbiology emerged as the overall best graduating student of the university was 25 years ago .
It has been argued that students do well when they study the course of their choice . Was Microbiology your choice ?
Yes, it is my choice. I know some students who go for this course have their eyes on medicine , but truth is I literally didn ’t know the hustle about medicine until I entered the university. I saw how my course mates were taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in order to study medicine and that affected their first year grade . It is hard to believe but it is true . I think microbiology is my passion. I got to know about the course in my secondary school days. I believe that if you locate your passion and pursue it , professionals from other fields will come to consult you . So many things interest me in the course . If you critically examine it , microorganisms rule the world . From their medical importance to their roles in food security , brewery , bio - energy, enzyme production, bioremediation and environmental stability , these ‘little ’ creatures cannot be taken for granted . They can also be used in vaccine production and can be eaten in a form known as probiotics . These are exciting areas of microbiology . I love to go deeper in my study of these organisms for the betterment of humanity.
Some people believe some aspects of the course are abstract. Is that right?
I think every course has some abstract parts . It is that abstractness that makes it a specialisation. So, microbiology is not an exception.
When did you start having first class?
In the first semester of my first year, I was not on a first class grade , though some friends thought I was . It was after compiling my second semester results that I found out that I was in first class grade . It is amazing to recall that I narrowly failed a course in my first year. I got a ‘D’ grade in a three- unit course, but I persisted. I thank God for his mercies. You know , success is a journey, you may encounter challenges on the way but you need consistency and persistency to make it . Since when I was young, I know that the desire to be a success and a well -known voice has been a driving factor .
Could you share your reading schedule with us as some students would think you must have read all the time to be the best in the school?
(Laughs) I think it is a matter of time management and being focused . It is a matter of prioritisation. That is, knowing the purpose of your academic sojourn ; doing first things first. Studying is an important pathway to academic excellence , but that does not mean you should neglect other important activities in school . I can ’ t explicitly say how long I read each day but I do understand that there is a difference between hard work and diligence. Diligence is the key to efficiency. Diligence simply means skillful hard work . It involves following the advice of the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates: ‘Man , know yourself’. To me , hard work is a matter of longevity , which is how long you study , while diligence does not just imply longevity , but depth, which is how well you have grasped the little you read. I try to be diligent in my studies. Proper use of the library resources can also help in bolstering academic performance. I thank God for my institution. We have one of the biggest libraries in West Africa; that is, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Library . Due to my study principle of knowing the nitty- gritty of a subject , the library was like a second home to me. I enjoyed using the library. It is not a guarantee but it is of high importance in your academic sojourn .
Some other students would have done these same things without having such result . Were there other things you did differently ?
There is a place of God’ s grace in my academic story . I got an important study principle known as in - depth research study from Ben Carson’ s best - selling book ‘Think Big ’. This principle emphasises knowing the nitty - gritty of your course. It really helped me. I try to be fully involved in my studies. A ‘divided ’ mind cannot stand . I had ‘mighty ’ friends like the biblical David. My friends inadvertently challenged me and have major stakes in my academic story . I try to participate in class by asking and answering questions. It is said that asking questions is a key to excelling in life . I don ’t feel comfortable when I don’ t understand a subject . I try to understand by asking my classmates, lecturers or consulting textbooks in the library. Meanwhile, there are a whole lot of reasons students fail . One is fear . In the famous Three Idiots film, I got an anecdote that fear is not good for grades . It can becloud understanding and affect the retentive memory. Another is bad study method or technique . Misplaced priorities and peer pressures are also contributory factors. Some students do face financial and family problems , which could cause them to be emotionally unstable and result in poor academic performance. Also , when there is no passion for a course , poor performance becomes an obtainable result . Students should know there is still room at the top. It is said that a ‘conceivable task is achievable ’. They should be focused and try to grow daily in knowledge. The graph of academic excellence may not be a straight line curve . There may be bumps , challenges and failures on the way. What matters is the way you react to it .
We learnt you had some financial challenges . How serious was it ?
Yes, I did, but I don ’t want people to pity me . However, it could be a message to someone who may be facing difficult times . There is still light at the end of the tunnel . You tell yourself , if this guy could, you can still make it . Things were really hard but not a reason for me to give up .
Did you venture into anything to raise some money, like business or organising tutorials ?
Due to my understanding that teaching is a critical part of academic progress, I was involved in organising tutorials for my peers , but I didn’ t charge fees . Apart from that , I worked as a photographer and home lesson teacher in order to make ends meet . I have loving parents and siblings who were there for me. They gave me a sense of responsibility. I said in my valedictory speech that “ I may not have rich parents but I have parents who were rich in support.” They knew my struggles and always did their best to support me. I am eternally grateful to them .
With your result , did you enjoy any scholarship ?
No, I didn ’t enjoy any scholarship . Most companies or organisations that have scholarship schemes often exclude microbiology and some other ‘non - professional ’ courses. That ’s quite unfortunate . We should imbibe the habit of celebrating excellence , no matter the person ’s background or course of study . More organisations should come up to sponsor students in Nigerian universities . Sometimes , you never can tell how these interventions help to secure the future of some students . And that is a culture obtainable in western countries, why not here?
What are your thoughts about the unemployment crisis in Nigeria ?
Troubled? Yes , but I always remember this biblical saying that a “ man ’s gift makes a way for him and enables him to stand before great men ” . If you distinguish yourself, job offers will surely come. But the government needs to do a lot to tackle the menace of unemployment in the country . The private sector should be properly integrated to solve this national ‘ headache ’ .
People say it ’s incomplete not to be sociable as an undergraduate. What was the experience for you ?
One of my classmates once joked on the social media that ‘Eke had carry - over in his social life ’. I’ m just a reserved person . There are certain environments that you cannot see me . I focused on my academic pursuit but also tried to build valuable networks with people. I also attempted delving into departmental politics where I contested for a position. But my academics was always a priority.
Where would you like to work ?
I would like to practise as a professional in microbial biotechnology. Teaching others gives me profuse joy, so I also see myself as an educationalist . I would like to be a lecturer and probably own a research institute for investigation of microbiology - related issues .
Copyright PUNCH.
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