Cursory: Ifesinachi Okafor is the second best-graduating student of Joseph Ayo Babalola University for the 2021/2022 academic session. She graduated with a CGPA of 4.86 in the Department of Mass Communication. In this interview by YUSUF ABDULKADIR, she speaks about her academic journey and how she achieved the feat.
When you ask every graduate and even undergraduate why they choose their course of study, most of them always sing like a canary, highlighting all the good things about it. But for Ifesinachi Okafor, Joseph Ayo Babalola varsity second best graduating student she simply chose to pursue Mass Communication after initially considering Linguistics and Communications.
Due to personal circumstances, she made the switch and eventually developed a passion for certain aspects of Mass Communication, intending to build her career in those areas.
“I initially wanted to study Linguistics and Communications but had to change to Mass Communication due to some reasons. I eventually fell in love with some areas of Mass Communication and plan to build my career on them”
While achieving the second-best graduating position among thousands of students was a significant accomplishment, Ifesinachi admits that at first she was disappointed and unhappy upon seeing their final CGPA.
Her goal was to be the top graduate in the university. However, on their convocation day, they felt a sense of pride when receiving their awards and expressed gratitude to God.
“To be honest, I wasn’t happy. I cried for days when I saw my final CGPA. My goal was to become the best-graduating student in the university.
“However, I felt proud of myself on my convocation day when I received my awards. I am grateful to God for everything. I believe there is a reason for everything”
She attended Precious Pebbles Schools in Port Harcourt for secondary education and Emmy Noberton School and Glory Land International School in Port Harcourt for primary education.
Her study schedule typically involved reviewing notes after lectures, preferring evening and early-night reading during exams, and revising materials around 4 am before exams.
“I read my notes each day after lectures. During exams, I preferred reading in the evenings and early in the night. I also do revisions around 4am every morning before my exams.”
She also acknowledged the fact that her choice of friends had a definite influence on her exceptional grades. Ifesinachi maintained a close-knit group of friends throughout their four years of studying Mass Communication, motivating each other, studying together, and supporting one another.
Although they were not extensively involved in other school activities, they joined the decorating unit in the university’s chapel.
One of her most unforgettable experiences was achieving their first 5.00 GPA, which brought them great joy, leading them to immediately share the good news with their family.
“My most memorable experience in school was when I made my first 5.00 GPA. I was ecstatic when I saw my result. I called my family immediately to share the good news. It was a wonderful experience.”
The practical nature of Mass Communication, involving fieldwork such as producing documentaries, short films, radio and TV programs, and educational programs, appealed to them. Despite the challenges, her course mates, particularly the male students, brought humor to lighten the atmosphere.
She is an ambivert with a small circle of friends, which had a positive impact on their performance as it allowed more time for assignments and studying.
Joseph Ayo Babalola University played a crucial role in the student’s academic life by revealing their potential. Ifesinachi gained confidence in her intelligence after seeing her first-year results and committed to maintaining a high level of achievement.
The university’s lecturers imparted the necessary knowledge and skills in her field of study, constantly believing in and motivating the student to excel.
Although she faced challenges, particularly during her third year when her CGPA dropped significantly, she regained hope and subsequently achieved consecutive 5.00 GPAs until graduation.
Regarding the challenges facing Nigeria, the brilliant young lady believes that the media, as the Fourth Estate of the realm, has a crucial role to play.
She believes that the media serves as a bridge between the people and the government, and Nigeria faces numerous challenges such as insecurity, a poor economy, bad governance, and corruption.
She sees it as the media’s responsibility to report on all events in the country, gather public opinions, and present findings to prompt actions from the government.
According to the brilliant young lady, she loves writing. She greatly admires Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who is also her role model and whose books inspire them to become a better writer.
Her career goals include furthering their education, becoming a polyglot, and pursuing writing. They believe that their academic achievements will propel them further in life.
“I love writing, and my role model is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I read all of her books and they inspire me to be a better writer
“I plan to further my education. I aspire to become a polyglot and a writer. I have many goals in life and I believe that furthering my education will push me a step ahead in life.”
To students aspiring for academic excellence, she advised them to do their best, embrace their uniqueness, avoid copying others, prioritize healthy eating and rest during exams, start reading at the beginning of the semester, and refrain from late-night cramming.
“I would advise students to do their best and leave the rest for God. Be unique and stand out in the crowd. Never try to copy others. Eat healthy food and rest during exams. Start your reading at the beginning of the semester and avoid reading in the night to the examination. I am confident that anyone who desires academic excellence will achieve it.”
Source: Tribune
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