Congratulations on your achievement! Can you tell us about your academic journey and what motivated you to excel?
It was an unspoken rule
in my family that every child should study a professional course. So, in spite of getting numerous academic offers from other courses of study and universities, the desire to be a professional made me patient and endure well enough to write UTME four times until I got Pharmacy. On getting admission, I was motivated by my numerous trials. Understanding how hard it was for me to get this opportunity was my driving force towards excellence.
How did you balance your academic responsibilities with other aspects of your life, such as extracurricular activities or part-time jobs?
In my time in school, I dabbled into various activities. I was involved in politics, leadership positions, and being a Christian with my love for God, I was saddled with responsibilities in my local fellowship (Chapel of Abundant Life) and Faculty fellowship (Pharmacy Fellowship). I was also a member of the Millennium Fellow Class of 2023. A United Nations organised non-governmental organisation with the sole aim of developing the society. And many other activities.
Hence, balance was a key thing. Academics was seen as my primary assignment. And the earlier I recognised this, it was easy for me to set priorities. Basically, it is rare for all these engagements to require equal attention at the same time. For me, the key is to start early when necessary and know when and how to prioritize every activity that comes my way. For example, I start my academic engagements early in the semester before other activities surfaces. So I know that when other activities require attention rises, my academics are not lagging, and they are in such a safe space that I can allow other responsibilities to take centre stage.
It basically involves deciding what is a priority to you and what time or period in the semester that activity must be done.
What drives your passion for learning and academic success?
Naturally, I am a hard worker. I put in the work into anything and everything I do. Secondly, which is also important, I love reading. From novels to newspapers, to biographies to handouts, I loved anything that would increase my knowledge level. Hence, it was easy for me to be eager to understand the things that I am being taught. And I would stop at nothing and ask questions until I understand. Besides, I always feel that if being the best is possible, why not be the best? And being the kind of person that I am, sometimes, aiming high and accomplishing high grades is non negotiable because of the kind of lifestyle and commitment I put into the things I do, including my academics. Finally, I detest the myth that being a dedicated Christian is a disadvantage academically. I always longed to prove that I could be a staunch Christian and excel.
Can you describe a particularly challenging academic project or assignment that you excelled in?
Most notably, it was in 300 Level, with Pharmaceutical Microbiology, where I had 13/30 in my Continuous Accessment. And I had to put in so much work for the exams and I targets 60+ in the exams. I ended up having 81 in the exams, meaning I had 68/70. I was driven by the desire to maintain A's. So, I did my best to get all I could.
How do you stay motivated and focused throughout your studies?
I believe it has to do with me as a person. There was no way I would not go to class when there was one, and there was no way I would not read when there was an exam, etc. These innate tendencies in me were what kept me going every time, aside from the fact that I had a desire to be the best. I was also motivated by the numerous stories of rejection I had faced before getting this opportunity that I now have.
What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
I would say that I have had the goal to go into academia and research. This would enable me to teach the coming generation and impart them with knowledge that I have accrued over time, and also discover means and chemical systems that would enable the health care system to get better. By providing solutions to help humanity at large.
How does your academic achievement align with your career aspirations?
Sincerely speaking, my grades put me in a strong bargaining seat for postgraduate opportunities and other grants. Also, excelling at practicals and theoretical aspects of school made me well suited for both academia and research. Also, my experience as the Chairlady of the PANSOOU Research Hub, gave me further experience and insight into research writing and further studying.
What skills or knowledge do you think are essential for success in your chosen field?
Diligence and Hardwork will enable one to continue with one's goal irrespective of possible hindrances.
Tenacity will aid one to be an avid reader and learner without being afraid to know more and ask questions where necessary in order to improve ones current status of knowledge.
What are some of the most important lessons you learned during your academic journey?
1. It can be too late to start, and in other times, it can never be too late to start. This makes us understand that it is important to know the right time to start making plans and schedules. However, even when such plans do not start early enough, we can always still put in the effort.
2. You are absolutely responsible for your failure and your success. Not your lecturer, or the course or your friends. I learnt during the time I was battling with my health and also undergoing therapy.
3. Surround yourself with good friends. Friends can actually be the difference in your story. They can support you at the time when it matters most.
Can you describe a time when you received feedback or criticism that helped you grow?
In my second year in pharmacy school, I was called by a lecturer for my good performances in academics. Also, I and some few other students got a letter of recommendation from the Faculty stating our academic prowess and hardworking nature. These gestures only motivated me to do better. They made me understand that my efforts were not wasted.
What advice would you give to students who aspire to achieve academic excellence?
The God factor is the most important factor in your academic endeavour because I believe God is interested in every aspect of your life.
Also, do not be content with less. The best possible mark obtainable should be targeted as if it's your pass mark.
Do not give yourself options. Let your goal be focused as though there is only thing that you want and you must achieve.
Looking back what would you do differently if you had the chance?
I can't think of anything because every choice I've made is what got me to where I am. Everything works together.
How do you think your academic achievement will impact your future, and what are you most proud of accomplishing?
I believe the entire journey in school has made me develop some skin and tenacity. It has made me more capable of withstanding stress. Giving me high levels of endurance. So it was more about that process than it was about the destination.
My proudest achievement personally was the fact that I was not recognised solely based on my academics. Every area where I put my hands into, my impact was felt. From politics (PANS) to leadership (class coordinator), to NGOs volunteering, Church Fellowship--all that I did excelled.
Interview Conducted by Seun Ogun and Divine-Favour Balogun for the VSS Team
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