Chidiebere Obioha is a First Class graduate of Psychology/Sociology and Anthropology under the Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for the 2020/2021 academic session. In this interview by YUSUF ABDULKADIR, he shares his success story.
How do you feel being a first class graduate?
I feel proud to graduate with a First Class. Attaining this level of academic achievement is not easy, and therefore requires an extra amount of commitment and dedication to one’s studies. It also entails sacrificing a lot of pleasurable activities to be able to create conducive study environments devoid of distractions. The extra steps I took were being resilient, and most importantly, having the hunger to learn.
What is your background like?
I am the only one in my family who attended a university. My parents were not educated, and my siblings stopped at the secondary school level. I’m grateful for the gift of being a first-generation graduate.
Studying Psychology/Sociology and Anthropology seems like studying three courses. How did you go about that?
It was the most difficult thing to do. Many students in a programme like that end up quitting or switching to another programme after the first or second year of their study. I also wanted to quit after my first year, but the fund to buy a change-of-degree form was not available at that moment. It is least expected that someone in a combined programme would make a First Class due to how stressful and disorganised it is. Issues of clash in course lectures and missing results were very common for students in this programme.
But as the Combination Head of my unit, Psychology/Sociology, I worked extremely hard to ensure that we did not miss a class in our minor department because we had a class in our major department at the same time, and vice versa. I also made sure that our results were moved from our minor department to our major department without hesitation. This helped me and other students in my unit to graduate without any problem, unlike other units where no student graduated due to one issue or the other that are being currently looked into.
Did you maintain a high GPA from your first year?
Yes, I maintained a high GPA per semester and a high CGPA per session throughout my studies. Although, I had my lowest grade point in 200 level, where I ended the session with a 4.4 CGPA, which was not up to a First-Class.
Did your friends or family influence your grades in any way?
Yes, and by a lot. I only had a few friends, and they were my study mates. We visited each other primarily for group studies. It helped us tackle the difficulties associated with waking up at night to read. I’m glad our efforts are reflected vividly in our results.
What were your study patterns? Did you have time to socialise?
I was an introvert and had no interest in socialising. I’m the type who has come to face the business of the day (studies). My best study pattern is teaching. I leveraged this pattern as an easy way to internalise the little things I have learned. Another pattern that helped me was group studies because it creates a platform for me to test my knowledge of what I have been able to study.
Was there any time you gave up on graduating with a First Class?
Although I didn’t give up on the struggle to make a First-Class, my second-year results nearly made me lose my grip on the struggle. They often say “GP no dey increase, na only decrease”. So, I was very afraid that getting a second-class CGPA in my second year might mean I can’t make it anymore. But I persevered, and it helped.
What part of the course did you find most interesting?
I find psychology most interesting, and I would be doing my Masters and PhD in Psychology before considering any of my minors.
What motivated you to do exceptionally well?
My family background was my sole motivator. I wanted to put a smile on my dad’s face. He singlehandedly carried the burden of my education. And, as a first-generation graduate, it was the wisest thing to do, to let him know that he did not waste his resources on me.
What would you say about the role that the University of Nigeria played in your academic life?
It helped to cultivate the strength and courage of a lion in me when it comes to studies. As a UNN student, I usually liked to study ahead and get prepared because I knew much is expected of me.
What other factors contributed to your success?
Everything matters, and what’s worth doing is worth doing well. I was resilient, hardworking, not afraid to face challenges, and never shy to ask questions, and I taught myself by making my own notes. I also kept a good relationship with my lecturers and asked questions to clear any ambiguities. I attended several scientific conferences and presented papers at conferences. From there, I always picked up one or two important things.
What challenge(s) did you face in school and how did you overcome them?
The major challenge I faced was being in a combined degree programme, one that was being looked down upon and given less attention. It was difficult because other students in other departments saw us as being inferior and called us confused. Sadly, even some lecturers did the same. But I took my leadership as the Combination Head of my unit beyond what it should be and ensured that combined students in my major at least got the best recognition they required for enhanced self-esteem.
Now, after graduation, what next?
I keep asking myself this question too. It’s not totally answered yet and kicks in post-graduation anxiety. Well, I plan to do my Masters or direct PhD, depending on which works for me.
Do you think the situation of things in Nigeria is hindering young people from optimally exploring their potential?
Yes, I think so. It’s not surprising why there is much brain drain in Nigeria. When the country does not create an enabling environment for its people, especially young people, they look for a way out. I suggest inclusive leadership − this time, not a government. What I mean is that Nigeria needs leaders who embody every characteristic of a leader, and know so well the act of leadership. I believe visionary leaders will work actively to proffer solutions to Nigeria’s problems, including creating an enabling environment for its young people.
Who are your role models?
The seasoned economist, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala; freedom fighters; Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, etc.
What is the one thing you would advise students to do or run away from?
I would advise students to prepare themselves for life after school. They should acquire relevant skills, engage in social-impact activities, attend academic conferences, and build their CV and portfolio. Additionally, they should set aside anything that would come in the way of their academics, be it friendship or pleasure. Lastly, procrastination is the enemy of progress, and they should know this.
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