Faith Onyinyechukwu; 400L; MBBS

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

A1: I got to know about BMU through a family friend. The entire process was quite unexpected, considering BMU wasn’t even part of my initial plans. I had no idea there was a medical university in Bayelsa State, and studying here was never something I imagined.

When my previous admission plans fell through, that family friend suggested BMU. Everything happened in a rush—I received my admission just as my JAMB result was about to expire. Within a week, I was in Bayelsa. It all felt sudden and unexpected, but that’s how my journey here began.

Q2: Are you studying medicine out of passion and do you feel you’re walking in purpose?

A2: Yes, I’m studying medicine out of passion. I’ve always loved the field, but compassion is what truly drives me. What keeps me going is the vision of the person I want to become through this journey.

I believe I’m meant to do something remarkable in medicine. I’m the first in my family to study it, which gives me a deeper sense of purpose. However, I can’t say I fully understand my life’s purpose yet—medicine might be a part of it or simply a means to express it.

Sometimes the workload makes me feel drained and frustrated, but I keep pushing because of that bigger picture—the version of myself I’m becoming. If this path leads me there, I’ll keep giving it my all.

Q3: Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

A3: In ten years, I plan to specialize in a field of medicine. After completing my studies and NYSC, I hope to pursue residency, likely in cardiothoracic surgery, which currently fascinates me.

I’m also drawn to emergency medicine—it feels like the heart and soul of medical practice. I see myself thriving in that intersection between cardiothoracic surgery, emergency medicine, and trauma care.

Above all, I envision a fulfilled and impactful life. I’ve learned not to say “never”—life can evolve. For now, medicine is my focus and my path, though I believe it could also be a stepping stone toward a broader purpose that God will unfold in time.

Q4: If not medicine, what would have been your second option?

A4: Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. I chose science because I loved chemistry in secondary school. I hated physics which made medicine an easy choice because I was told you had to be good in physics and maths to become an engineer. At one point, I considered pharmacy and even explored the different courses in it. Though, currently pharmacology has shown me how tough it could have been.

I once dreamed of being an astronomer or astronaut because of my fascination with space. I remember reading a book about the Cosmo's, and even learning more about Einstein’s work and other great physicists. It's a bit contradictory right? Hating physics and reading about physicists.

Outside academics, I’ve always loved singing, even if I don’t sing well. . Oh yes before I forget, I did love architecture one time.

I believe there were definitely many paths I could have explored.

Q5: You’re currently in 400 level. Were there times you felt like giving up and were there moments you felt, “Yes, this is what I was meant to do”?

A5: Honestly, right now, it’s more of a “What am I doing here?” phase. There have been many moments of exhaustion and frustration. I once made a TikTok video calling 400 level a “soul-sucking demon,” and it went a bit viral for a reason—it truly felt like that.

I’ve always valued good grades, but this level tested me. I studied hard yet sometimes entered tests feeling blank. It was discouraging, but I keep reminding myself that God is helping me—I won’t fail.

My self-esteem took a hit because academics mean a lot to me. But honestly the best moments of year 4 were during clinical postings, I often felt revived—being in the hospital, interacting with patients, and being like “Yes, this is what I’m meant to do.”

Q6: What has been your hardest academic moment this semester and were there times you cried?

A6: The real question is, “How many times have I cried?” because honestly, countless times.

Before our Intro to Medicine and Surgery exam, I was overwhelmed by endless slides and broke down the night before—but it turned out to be my easiest exam in 400L. Later, there was a young male patient I got attached I cried when I heard he died. He wanted to be a sailor you know. Then my last call for the level, a pregnant lady who had eclampsia(pregnancy induced hypertension) convulsed and went brain dead with her not being to give birth. It was really painful. My phone got stolen one time. I also remember getting poor feedback from my consultant after a presentation I made during that period. I cried too.

I’ve cried before and after every pharmacology test—almost every single one except one(the first one I wrote). This level has drained me mentally, emotionally, and physically. Still, I keep going.

Q7: How do you define failure and success as a student?

A7: Traditionally, success is seen as having the best grades. But in medical school, success is surviving—staying resilient, consistent, and not quitting even when it gets unbearable.

Medicine humbles everyone. Even top students struggle sometimes. To me, success is growth—doing better than before. A student moving from 45 to 55 has succeeded.

Success also means balance. I once focused so much on academics that the other parts of my life were suffering. But then again medicine is like a jealous partner. Now, I understand that rest, relationships, and spirituality matter too. True success is balance—being grounded academically, spiritually, mentally, and socially.

Failure, on the other hand, is refusing to learn or grow from mistakes.

Q8: Have you ever made mistakes as a student, and what’s one major lesson you’ve learned?

A8: Definitely. One big mistake was ignoring my instincts before tests. I’d feel led to study certain topics but wouldn’t—and those exact topics would appear. Now, I trust my intuition more and have even become good at predicting what might come out. The main lesson: always trust your instincts and learn from every mistake.

Q9: Have you ever failed as a student and what lesson did it teach you?

A9: Yes. I failed almost all my tests in year 2. The worst was Gross Anatomy, and it broke me. My tests scores were the lowest I’d ever seen. Later on, I did realise that my academic grades shouldn't define me. Yes, it's part of me but it shouldn't define me.

Medical school isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about endurance. It built resilience in me. Failure isn’t final; what matters is rising again.

I once held onto a quote made by uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender: “Sometimes, life is like this dark tunnel. You may not see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving, you’ll come to a better place.”

That mindset—and my experience with Path n Pharm so far taught me resilience. Failure will come, but it’s how you respond that counts. You can’t dwell too long on frustration; you must rise, rethink, and move forward.

Q10: Do you believe in God and why?

A10: Yes, I do.

I was raised in a Christian home where my mom emphasized prayer and faith. Initially, I believed in God because of her testimonies. But in BMU, I began seeking Him personally.

During my first year, I joined a small prayer group where I truly encountered God. That was even how I started speaking in tongues. I’ve seen His hand in the smallest details—guiding, comforting, and teaching me daily.

If I were to summarize it, I’d say: I’m knowing Him more every day.

Q11: Do you think religion affects academic performance?

A11: No. People often assume Christian students perform poorly because of church activities, but that’s not true. Many are excellent academically. It’s about balance and priorities, not religion.

There was a time I was overly active in church—attending services almost daily because I wasn't really doing anything in school. We were still waiting for accreditation that time. When our MB date was finally fixed, I know I had to reduce activities (non church and church included) so I could really prepare for the exams. At the end of the day, it's all about balance. After all let's say I was pressing my phone all day and then someone went to church all day. At the end of the day we both didn't read our books. I'm sorry to digress but that's another misconception about church activities I've noticed.

Now, I pray for wisdom, balance and discipline rather than shortcuts.

Q12: If you were the VC of the school for one day, what's the first thing you would do?

A12: I’d first review the school fee structure, especially the high fees for non-indigenous students. Then I’d focus on improving hostel conditions, water supply, and academic resources, ensuring students have a more comfortable and fair learning environment.

The students' population drives the need for expansion in infrastructure and welfare. The university’s growth revolves around its students—without them, there’s no institution.

There are still other things like successful accreditation, teaching standards all all that. But I do believe adding all these with students welfare and success as the key vision, the university can move to much greater heights.

Q13: Are you a student vendor or do you plan to be one?

A13: I’ve tried small ventures like Oriflame and selling to friends, and I used to teach 100L students chemistry. But currently, I’m not involved in any business or tutoring.

Q14: Who has majorly shaped your academic journey?

A14: My mother, sister, friends, lecturers, and even people I don't know personally have all played key roles. People have even supported me financially when I needed help continuing school. I’m truly grateful for every one of them.

Q15: What do people commonly misunderstand about medicine as a course?

A15:

1. People think medical students exaggerate their stress—it’s real.

2. They romanticize the field, seeing only the glamorous side.

3. They assume secondary school brilliance guarantees medical success.

4. It’s also a common misconception that doctors automatically become wealthy here in Nigeria which isn’t true.

Some are comfortable, but most Nigerian doctors, even Consultants and Senior Registrars, still struggle financially.

Q16: What's the biggest misconception lecturers have about students?

A16: Some lecturers assume students don’t study enough, when in reality, many put in effort but still struggle. Sometimes, our performance doesn’t reflect how hard we’ve tried. That misunderstanding can be discouraging.

Q17: What faults would you change in Nigeria’s education system if given the opportunity?

A17: JAMB is a major flaw—it limits students’ options. Students should be allowed to apply to multiple schools freely.

Also, many university projects lack real-world application, and some courses don’t teach usable skills. Education should focus more on practical experience and less on theoretical aspects.

If we're being honest, Nigeria's educational system needs a complete overhaul. There are so many things wrong with it.

Q18: If you held a position in BMU SUG, what would you do differently; what's one thing we'll know Faith for?

A18: I’d focus on improving the student's lives—electricity, environment, communication, fumigation, and general welfare. My goal would be to make their lives easier and more comfortable. After all, it's a student union government. Also, I really want the university's advancement in terms of teaching, accreditation, labs and many more.

Q19: What’s your greatest struggle as a student?

A19: Both academic and financial struggles. Struggling to read and cover as much as possible and retain the information can be very challenging. Then striving for excellence is hard when finances are tight. Those are my two biggest challenges.

Q20: What’s your honest opinion about relationships in school?

A20: It depends on the individuals. Relationships can either be supportive or distracting. Some succeed academically while dating; others lose focus or get heartbroken. It’s not one-size-fits-all.

Q21: Do you wish to find your Mr. Right in this university?

A21: Honestly, no. I really don't think so.

Q22: What’s one question you wish I had asked?

A22: “Why do you talk a lot?”—because I feel I don’t give straight answers. I may come to the final destination but I take a lot of detours before I get there.