Stanley Hannah Levi; 400L; Community Health

Q1: How did you come to BMU?

A: I came into BMU through direct entry. Initially, Community Health Program did not have a degree program and that was a concern to it's Practitioners So when BMU was established in Bayelsa State and i learnt one of my former lecturer, Dr. Doris Dotimi lectures here , i reached out to her, then after , i applied through JAMB direct entry and was admitted into the Bachelor of Community Health Science Program.

Q2: What has been your hardest academic moment?

A: My hardest moment was when we started the Block System and i had a carryover. I didn’t cry because with age and experience, i've develop tough skin. Instead i encouraged myself and kept moving forward.

Q3: Have you ever made a mistake as a student, and what did you learn from it ?

A: Yes, sometimes due to other responsibilities i missed classes, and it affected my performance. The lesson i learnt is to prioritize my studies because every lecture counts.

Q4: How do you define success and failure as a student?

A: Success is determination, perseverance, consistency — doing something persistently, evaluating yourself and improving until you get better results. Failure is only when a student refuses to change. Once you realize a mistake and adjust, you can still succeed.

Q5: Do you believe in God?

A: Absolutely. The beauty of nature, the seas, the mangroves , all point to God’s existence. My life and survival in school are also proofs that God loves me.

Q6: Have you had a personal encounter or testimony you’d like to share?

A: Yes. When I got admitted, I had not saved up for fees. I prayed and told God to provide. To my surprise, I received an alert of ₦300,000, which was enough to pay my school fees. That experience strengthened my faith in God and reminded me that God is truly my provider.

Q7: What do people misunderstand about your course?

A: Many people confuse Community Health with Nursing. But unlike nurses who work under doctors instructions, Community Health Practitioners are licensed and trained to work independently using their “Standing Orders” as a guide. We diagnose, treat, and refer when necessary. Where there's no medical doctor, the Community Health Practitioner is in charge.

Secondly, most people think the Community Health Practitioners are meant to work only in rural areas. But where ever people work and live is actually a Community. So we are everywhere. Though we began from the rural areas when other health personnels refused going then.

Q8: What is the difference between Community Health and Public Health?

A: Public Health Practitioner is more of a whistle blower while the Community Health Practitioner is trained to Prevent, Promote, Cure and Rehabilitate. Serves both in clinics and in the community . We carry out home rounds and home visits to follow up patients / clients. We have our functions where ever people work and live.

Q9: Do you think religion affects academics?

A: Yes, in some ways. For example, in Northern Nigeria and other parts, religious beliefs limit lecturers to impact knowledge eg. Reproductive Health Courses when body parts are mentioned.

Q10: If you were the Vice Chancellor of BMU for one day, what would you do?

A: I’d make sure every student had free lunch that day!

Q11: What would you change about Nigeria’s Educational System if given the opportunity?

A: I would restore practical learnings. In the past, subjects like Agricultural Science had practicals as in planting, weeding, harvesting and selling.Home Economics and Physical Education had real-life applications. Today, most of those have been neglected. i’d also introduce counseling services in schools to guide students in their career choices.

Q12: What has been your greatest struggle as a student?

A: Waking up early enough to attend 8 a.m. classes. Living far from campus makes it difficult to arrive on time sometimes.

Q13: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: Community Health Profession has evolved greatly. With the Bachelor of Community Health Science Program, new opportunities are opening up. In 10 years, i see myself advancing and making significant contributions in various places.

Q14: Who has shaped your academic journey the most ?

A: God is my point one. My lecturers, my children (especially my daughter, Winifred, who often helps me with assignments), Mr E. Richard as well, Mr. Ogugu Diepreye Joseph have all played key roles. I appreciate all of them deeply.

Q15: What’s your opinion about relationships in school?

A: Relationships are beautiful, but they must be clearly defined. Friendship, love, and sex are three different things, but students often times get them mixed up. A healthy relationship should be built on love, understanding, focus, and shared values — not trial and error.

Q16: Are you a Student vendor?

A: Yes I am, but not actively on campus due to a tight schedule. I'm naturally business-minded. I do sales, I farm and I believe in multiple sources of income.

Q17: What’s a big misconception lecturers have about students ?

A: Some lecturers assume a student can’t do well based on appearances or past performance. But i believe any student can turn things around with encouragement and the right mindset.

Q18: Where do you worship?

A: I worship at Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) Akenpai.

Q19: What are your hobbies?

A: I enjoy cooking, singing, traveling and caring for babies.