Abadah Jesuovie P; 300L; Microbiology

Q1: How did you get to know about BMU and how did you come here?

A: I originally intended to go to DELSU, but it didn't work out. In a search for another school, my dad found out about BMU through his friend. Though they didn't have the course I wanted, we came here with the hope of doing a transfer later.

Q2: The course you're studying right now; would you say you're doing it out of passion, and would you say that you're walking in purpose?

A: Studying this course has helped to shape the career I want to major in as a scientist. It reminded me of my childhood dreams, one of which was to find the cure for HIV. Apparently, Microbiology is deeply involved with working with microbes, and that experience has actually proven that I’m walking on the path of purpose.

Q3: What's the greatest struggle you've ever faced as a student?

A: I would say the greatest struggle I’ve faced was making the choice of this course. It’s my second time choosing a course here. I was initially in Human Anatomy, but some things happened along the line and I had to change. I was given very limited options. I chose Microbiology after much deliberation and prayer.

Q4: What was the hardest academic semester you've ever faced and were there times you cried?

A: I have cried once when I had a major academic setback.

Q5: Have you made any mistake as a student that has taught you a deep lesson, and have you ever failed as a student? How did you handle it?

A: I’ve failed many times before and even had to carry over courses.

How I handled them?Firstly, I intentionally made sure I had the right attitude. I gave the failed courses my own narrative. I didn’t allow other people’s opinions to define how I saw my experience. One of those narratives was that I was only experiencing failure as an event. I am not a failure. My conviction about who I am is strong. I know I have the potential to be excellent academically. Regardless of the setbacks, I never stopped believing that.

Secondly, I usually go back in my quiet time to reflect on how I handled those tests or exams to pinpoint what went wrong. I write it down and intentionally look for ways not to repeat those mistakes again.

For the first part of your question, yes, I’ve made a mistake as a student that taught me a deep lesson. My first mistake was being unintentional. Though I did well in 100L, I wasn’t deliberate in how I approached my academics, and it showed in 200L. I wasn’t reading consistently or as much as I should have, and I allowed other things to overshadow my commitment. I was imbalanced.

The lesson I learned was that there’s wisdom that regulates every area of life. It’s possible to be successful in one area and fail in another because wisdom is not just knowledge or understanding; it’s the application of the right principles. There are principles that regulate success as a student. What really matters is knowing and applying them.

No matter how I feel or what people say, as long as I want to be successful academically, I have to find ways to incorporate those principles into my daily, weekly, and yearly routines.

Q6: What do you think people misunderstand about your course?

A: People think it’s for those who couldn’t get their preferred course. They believe it’s something to pass time before switching to another course. Many don’t think it provides value to society or that the knowledge gained here can be applied in real life. So you’ll often see unserious people in the department.

Q7: Do you believe in God and why?

A: Yes, I believe in God with all my heart because He is who He is. I believe in Him because I know He exists. It’s very logical to. When we observe the principles that regulate life, nature, and its powerful designs, it screams the fact that behind all these things is a Creator who designed them. Nothing just comes out by itself. That Creator, from whom all of creation proceeded, is whom we call God, the Supreme Being.

Q8: Do you think religion plays a role in academics?

A: The principles that regulate academics are principles that work irrespective of whatever religion you belong to. They don’t select religion. Although, your religion could present challenges that are unique to that group which can resist your application of those principles or your success in general. It’s important to be aware of them and know how to overcome those resistances.

Q9: Would God EQUALLY help students who are always diligent in their commitment to Him and their studies, students who only go to Him during exam or test periods, and students who stray away from Him during exams or tests?

A: Like I said before, there are principles that regulate academic success. God will help the first group because they’re engaging the principles. He can also help the second group, as long as they’re engaging those same principles.

I understand you’re referring to church people. The truth is, serious believers often struggle academically, and I’ve discovered it’s because they haven’t been taught academic success principles.

Also, the average serious church person hasn’t been taught how to overcome the resistances peculiar to them. Some of these resistances come through ideology and ignorance. A serious believer must learn to identify and overcome those resistances so they can freely apply academic principles and get the same results as others.

Q10: Are there people or experiences you’ve had that confirmed or indicated that you’re meant to be here?

A: First of all, I’m not here by my intelligence. I believe God navigated me here, and I’m grateful for that. I’m walking in purpose being here. I'm within my sphere of influence.

I’ve met people here who I see in my future. They’ve been of immense blessing to me. I believe God brought me here to meet them. I’ve built relationships beyond academics. Some where I’m doing life with them, others where I’m doing God’s work or helping them build something.

My failures were also major confirmations. I see failure, whether caused by negligence or not, as one of God’s ways of schooling us. God is the potter, and we are the clay. Sometimes He prunes us through failure, just like a gardener prunes a plant to make it more fruitful.

From my failures, I’ve learned valuable lessons, discovered principles, and uncovered things about myself I might never have known elsewhere.

Q11: If I ask you if there’s anyone that’s majorly shaped your academic journey, does anyone come to mind?

A: Yes. A lady who met me when I was at a very low point. Our conversation really helped me. Then, Dr. Chuks. He has an unwavering belief in me.

Q12: Are there any faults in the Nigerian educational system that you’d like to change?

A: I would love to make the interaction between the administrative offices and students easier. In most schools in Nigeria, it’s so uneasy. When you’re trying to get something from them, the process is slow and stressful. Sometimes, certain people take advantage of their offices to extort resources from students or exploit females.

Also, I’d make the system more efficient, digitalized, and accountable. Students should be able to interact with the school through their phones or laptops.

Also, I’d change how the system glorifies grades. It’s not creativity or innovation-driven. Nobody really cares as long as you get good grades. I’ll change that narrative.

Q13: Has the Nigerian educational system ever harmed you?

A: Actually, I’ve written all my external exams more than once.

Q14: How did you feel during all those periods?

A: It was frustrating at some point. I wanted to enter university early. I love doing things ahead of time. Having to write those exams more than once made me feel like that dream was slipping away.

Q15: Right now, do you think there was a reason why all those things happened?

A: Yes. In one simple sentence: “It takes all of us to be great, but most times we don’t realize that one of the principles of greatness is process. And sometimes, even when we know, we don’t recognize that process takes time.” True greatness takes time. The time it took for me to get where I am now was worth it.

Q16: If you’re currently or were previously a student vendor, what’s the greatest struggle you’ve had balancing academics, business, and other aspects of life?

A: The work I was doing then was very time and energy-demanding. I didn’t have many gadgets. It was a cleaning business, so I did most of the work manually. Managing my energy between washing or ironing clothes and reading was a real struggle.

Q17: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

A: I see myself in wonderful places; furthering my career, married, and speaking on several platforms across industries. I also have an interest in entrepreneurship.

Q18: What's your honest opinion about romantic relationships in school?

A: I think the major issue isn’t relationships themselves, but the romance that comes with them. Many people get distracted because they’re not disciplined or ready enough to balance it. A relationship can work if both people are mature and focused, but if you’re not ready, it’s better not to get into one at all.

Q19: When would you say you’re ready for one?

A: When I intend to get married;in the next seven to eight years.

Q20: Do you wish to find your Mrs. Right here if you haven’t already found her?

A: I’m not particular about the place I’ll find her. If I find her here, good. If not, that’s okay. What matters to me is character, not place.

Q21: Is there any question you would have wanted me to ask you or any question you’d have wanted to ask me?

A: “Have you eaten?”