Ayodele Esther; 300L; Physiotherapy

Q1: How did you come to BMU?

A: BMU wasn’t part of my original plans. I first applied to Rivers State University twice but didn’t get in. My uncle later told me about BMU, and I decided to give it a try. I went to a JAMB CBT Centre, changed my institution choice, and that same week, I was offered admission to study Physiotherapy. I finished secondary school in 2022 and got admission in 2023, so I only stayed home for one year.

Q2: What was your hardest academic moment this semester, and were there times you cried?

A: My hardest moment was during exams. My first paper went well, but I still cried afterward because I was scared. The pressure and anxiety hit me all at once, so I’d say that was my toughest point.

Q3: How do you define failure and success as a student?

A: A successful student is one with good results. Personally, I’ll consider myself successful when I make a first-class CGPA. That’s when I’ll proudly say I’m doing well. However, I don’t think it’s easy to identify a failing student because many people wear smiles that hide their struggles. You can’t always tell who’s going through a rough academic season just by looking at them. Even carryovers don’t always mean failure. Sometimes, they result from personal struggles or distractions, not laziness.

Q4: Have you ever made any mistakes as a student that's taught you a major lesson?

A: My biggest mistake has been waiting until exams are near before I start reading seriously. It leaves me mentally and emotionally exhausted. I’ve learned that consistency is key. Reading only when exams are close is never a good idea. It affects your health and performance badly.

Q5: What do people misunderstand most about your course?

A: Many people think Physiotherapy is just about giving massages. It’s annoying because they don’t realize how deep and demanding the course is. Physiotherapy is a six-year medical course that deals with rehabilitation, movement science, and restoring function not just massage.

Q6: Do you believe in God and why?

A: I believe in God because He loves me deeply. I’ve experienced His love through many near-death escapes. Once, a bike hit me while I was crossing the road, but thankfully no car or truck followed behind, it could have been fatal. Another time, I narrowly avoided an armed robbery because I felt led to go inside the house moments before it happened. Those experiences remind me that His hand is always on me.

Q7: What’s your honest opinion about relationships in school?

A: Relationships will drain you. In school, your focus should be on God and your books, don’t add a third distraction. Even if you’ve known the person for years, people change, and it can affect your peace of mind. From what I’ve seen, relationships can take a toll mentally and emotionally. Personally, I’m not looking for “Mr. Right” in school.

Q8: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

A: In 10 years, I see myself as a licensed physiotherapist and a bold woman with a “loud voice". Someone making an impact both professionally and spiritually. I want to be a social media evangelist, spreading the gospel across online platforms and inspiring people through my faith and purpose.

Q9: What’s the biggest misconception lecturers have about students?

A: Some lecturers think we already know everything from secondary school, so they just write on the board without explaining. They assume we understand, but most times, we’re still trying to figure it out. It makes learning harder when they rush through topics or skip foundational explanations.