Ubochi Joy Chidinma; 200L; MBBS

Q1: How did you come to BMU?

A: My mum saw an advertisement online, and we applied. Thankfully, I got in. It was that simple.

Q2: Has BMU ever annoyed or frustrated you?

A: Yes, almost every day. From little inconveniences to bigger frustrations, there’s always something. But I’ve learned to adapt.

Q3: Who are the people that make your experience here worthwhile?

A: My friends — Precious, Ifeanyi, and my roommates. They’ve all been really supportive and kind, making life here easier.

Q4: What has been your greatest struggle as a student?

A: Trying to stay up late to read. I often get very sleepy and end up giving in, which makes it hard to keep up sometimes.

Q5: Has the Nigerian education system affected you negatively?

A: Yes. JAMB “jammed” me multiple times. I graduated in 2021, but my first JAMB score wasn’t good enough for Medicine. I tried again and scored about 280, but I still wasn’t given Medicine. Instead, I was offered another course because of the system and, I believe, tribalism. I accepted it out of frustration. Eventually, after my third or fourth attempt, I finally got into Medicine at BMU.

Q6: If you could change something instantly about Nigeria’s education system, what would it be?

A: I would remove tribalism. Where you come from should never determine whether you get admission into your desired course. Everyone deserves a fair chance.

Q7: Do you believe in God?

A: Yes, because He’s real. Even when it feels like He’s not there, He always proves Himself. Science confirms His existence, and I’ve seen His hand in my life.

Q8: Would you say coming to BMU is part of God’s plan?

A: Yes. If it wasn’t God’s plan, I wouldn’t be here. Everything — including provision of funds — aligned for me to study Medicine here.

Q9: Are you studying out of passion or purpose?

A: Both. Initially, frustration almost made me give up, but passion drove me to try again after leaving Veterinary Medicine. Now, I believe it’s also God’s purpose for me to be here.

Q10: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: By God’s grace, I’ll have graduated, pursued a Master’s degree, and hopefully be married.

Q11: What are some of your most memorable academic moments?

A: Last semester, I wasn’t sure I’d get an A in some courses, but when I saw my results, I was overjoyed. On the other hand, Biology this semester has been my toughest challenge. I feel like the lecturer is “out to get me,” but I’m trusting God to come through again.

Q12: If you were VC of BMU for a day, what would you do?

A: I’d fix the portal system. Students should be able to pay fees and access results easily online instead of going through endless paperwork and clearance processes. It’s basic, but it would make life easier.

Q13: How do you define failure and success as a student?

A: Failure is when you stop trying. Even if you get a poor grade, what matters is picking yourself back up and trying again. Success, for me, is that I never gave up despite setbacks.

Q14: Have you made any mistakes that taught you lessons?

A: Yes. One big lesson is to start studying on time. If I had begun preparing earlier for my SS3 exams, I could have done much better and maybe gotten Medicine earlier.

Q15: Do you believe your academic delays were part of God’s plan?

A: Possibly. Looking back, if I had been admitted earlier, finances at home might have made it impossible to continue. But when I finally got in, everything fell into place easily. That was God’s timing.

Q16: Do you think religion plays a role in academics?

A: I don’t think success depends only on religion. Hard work is essential. But pairing hard work with God makes you unstoppable. It has to be both.

Q17: Would you ever run for a student leadership position?

A: No, I don’t think so. But if I did, I’d make sure student complaints reached management and push for real changes.

Q18: What’s your view on relationships in school?

A: I don’t see relationships as a distraction. Everyone’s journey is different — some people find true love early, others face heartbreaks first. For me, it’s about balance and growth.

Q19: Do you hope to find your “Mr. Right” here at BMU?

A: No, not necessarily. If it happens, it happens, but I’m not actively looking.

Q20: What do you want to specialize in?

A: Obstetrics and Gynecology.