Abu Joyce Sokoyebom; 300L; Optometry

Q1: How did you get to know about BMU and what brought you here?

A: I first heard about BMU from a friend who was already studying here. She also sent me some flyers, and I decided to apply. I tried it out, and that was how I eventually came here.

Q2: The course you’re studying right now — would you say you’re doing it out of passion, or would you say you’re walking in purpose?

A: Honestly, this wasn’t the course I originally wanted. I applied for medicine and surgery, but I was given optometry instead. I’ve been considering changing, but in the middle of it all, I’ve been praying and asking God where He truly wants me to be. I don’t want to act on selfish desires; I want to be sure I’m aligned with God’s plan. Yes, He says He’ll be with us wherever we go, but I want to know if He deliberately kept me here for a reason.

Q3: You talk a lot about God — why do you believe in Him?

A: Because I’ve experienced Him personally. My faith isn’t just about hearing that God exists — I’ve encountered Him, I’ve seen His saving hand in my life, and that’s why I believe.

Q4: Do you think religion plays a role in academics? For example, do you think the academic success of a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or traditional worshipper is linked to their religion?

A: Yes, I do. In academics, you need a higher backing. You can’t succeed purely by your own strength. There are spiritual battles in school — lecturers, classmates, or unseen forces may work against you. Some people turn to other powers, but I believe having God as your backing is the surest way to survive and succeed.

Q5: What’s the greatest struggle you’ve faced as a student?

A: My biggest struggle has been social interaction. I grew up very reserved and hardly associated with people. Coming to school and meeting people with different characters was tough. Learning to live peacefully with people and relate wisely has been a challenge. It takes wisdom from God.

Q6: What has been your hardest academic semester?

A: 200 level, especially first semester, was the hardest. Year one was manageable because I had done A-Levels before, but 200 level introduced me to new, demanding courses like anatomy, and adjusting was difficult.

Q7: You mentioned A-Levels. I thought A-Level graduates usually enter at 200 level?

A: Yes, but my case was different. I stayed home for several years before gaining admission. During that time, my dad encouraged me to take A-Levels since he had done it before. Unfortunately, I didn’t score enough points to get into MBBS, so I later had to use JAMB.

Q8: Have you ever made mistakes as a student that taught you deep lessons?

A: Yes, several. In 100L, I underestimated the courses because they felt familiar. I wasn’t serious with reading and preferred staying indoors instead of studying elsewhere. That affected my grades. Another mistake I made was in examinations — at times, under pressure, I ignored simple instructions, and I felt it was a mistake before God.

Q9: How do you define success and failure as a student?

A: To me, a successful student is one who studies diligently, writes exams honestly, and earns results they can confidently call their own. A failing student is one who has no clear purpose for being in school, relies on others, and refuses to discover their own path. However, failure in one course doesn’t make you a failure in life — it can be a stepping stone if you learn from it.

Q10: Have you ever failed as a student?

A: Yes, though not in the university. I failed English in WAEC once, and that meant rewriting exams several times. I also wrote JAMB three times and A-Levels twice. It was tough, especially since my twin sister faced the same struggles with me. It was financially and emotionally draining, but I thank God we eventually overcame.

Q11: If you could change one thing about Nigeria’s academic system, what would it be?

A: I’d want the system to be more structured and consistent. There are too many delays, uncertainties, and inefficiencies that frustrate students.

Q12: If you were the VC of BMU for a day, what’s the first thing you would do?

A: I’d listen to students and lecturers. I’d want to know what issues they face, what they dislike, and what could be improved. Only by hearing from them can meaningful changes be made.

Q13: What do people often misunderstand about you or your course?

A: People argue that optometrists shouldn’t be called doctors since we deal only with the eyes. But I believe we deserve the title — we study just as long as medical doctors, and our field is equally important.

Q14: What misconception do lecturers have about students?

A: Some lecturers don’t believe students can succeed honestly. If you pass too well, they may suspect cheating or spiritual help. It’s discouraging, but it happens often.

Q15: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: By God’s grace, I see myself as a doctor, but beyond that, living out God’s purpose for my life.

Q16: Are you interested in politics, like the upcoming SUJ elections?

A: No, not for now. I don’t have an interest in politics at the moment, but who knows about the future?

Q17: Has anyone significantly shaped your academic journey?

A: My parents. They encouraged me when I wanted to give up, especially during the years I stayed at home writing exams. Their sacrifices and encouragement kept me going.

Q18: Would you say coming to BMU is God’s plan for you?

A: Yes, I believe so. Many things happened that I didn’t plan, yet they aligned in ways only God could arrange. That’s why I see it as His plan.

Q19: How did you feel when your sister got into MBBS and you couldn’t?

A: At first, I was happy for her, but deep down I felt pain and bitterness. I even cried because it was what I truly wanted. Eventually, I prayed, opened up to her and a friend, and we resolved it. Today, I’m at peace with it.

Q20: Has BMU ever frustrated you?

A: Yes, many times. The school lacks organisation. Exams get postponed suddenly, leaving students idle for weeks. They also lack adequate facilities, which causes unnecessary delays. It can be very frustrating.

Q21: What are you doing with your time this week of no exam?

A: I plan to read seriously, though I’ve been spending time watching movies, reading my Bible, and relaxing.

Q22: What’s your honest opinion about romantic relationships in school?

A: I believe they’re mostly distractions. Many students date out of peer pressure, social media influence, or material gain. Most of what is called “true love” at that stage is just fleeting emotions. In medical school especially, relationships often derail focus. I believe it’s better to wait until you’re mature and allow God to guide you.

Q23: Do you wish to meet your “Mr. Right” here at BMU?

A: No. If it happens, then fine, but it’s not something I’m wishing for.