Nigerian Lady Who Has Masters Degree, Goes to US Varsity to Study Nursing, Emerges Best Student

Adejoke Moronkola, a 26-year-old Nigerian Lady With Masters Degree in Public Health has surprised many as she goes back to school to study Nursing and graduates in grand style.

In 2011, Adojoke started her higher institution journey by doing a 1-year diploma program at the University of Lagos, UNILAG.

After successfully completing the programme she was given full-time admission into the school to study Pharmacology & Toxicology. She graduated in 2015.

In 2018, Adojoke went to a US Varsity, East Tennessee State University (ETSU), to run her Masters degree in Public health, and graduated in 2020 as one of the best students.

In same 2020, she took the brave step of pursuing her dream career, Nursing. She enrolled in an undergraduate Nursing program at ETSU despite having Masters degree.

In 2022, She did what she knows how to do best, graduating as the overall best Nursing student and also emerging as the first Nigerian undergraduate commencement speaker.

Celebrating her success on LinkedIn, she wrote:

“On May 7th of this year, the young girl who came to the United States (U.S.) 4 years ago with big dreams fulfilled one of those dreams – she graduated with a nursing degree, and, on June 27th, she became a licensed registered nurse in the U.S.

“I am sharing my story here to encourage every young lady with big dreams that seem almost impossible. Growing up, I never witnessed what great success was; still, I dared to dream big.”

“My going back to nursing school after my BSc in Pharmacology and Master’s in Public Health shocked many. I had so many discouragements and just a few encouragements. “

“I started my nursing school journey during the Covid-19 pandemic, but that didn’t stop me from doing my best and learning how to be a great nurse. “

I graduated with a summa cum laude (3.91/4.00) and achieved the following;

✅ First Nigerian undergraduate commencement speaker (CON, ETSU)

✅ Dean’s list every semester

✅Multicultural diversity scholar every semester

✅Honors graduate (summa cum laude)

✅Accelerated cohort executive representative

✅College of nursing peer ambassador

✅ Mentor in the mentee-mentor program

✅CFAA advisory board member

“Also, within a semester, I rose from a facility assistant to a facility supervisor at ETSU’s Center of Physical Activity. I won an award for the most improved worker of the year.

I also got nine (9) intensive care unit offers in several prestigious hospitals across the United States. “

“This success came at a huge cost. I experienced failure, loneliness, and financial hardship, and I had to quit my job to focus on school.”

“I owe everything I am today to God, who strengthened and reassured me many times with His word: “For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

I appreciate those who supported and encouraged me every step of the way. Thank you, Dr. Wilsie Bishop, former senior vice president for academic and interim provost of ETSU and first mentor.

Thank you, Mrs. Christina Dean, for your support. I also appreciate Edwin Aroke, PhD, CRNA, FAAN, my mentor throughout nursing school. He continues to inspire me to become a CRNA. Adewale Adeluyi, MPH, PhD thank you for your guidance and mentorship.

Lastly, I am super thankful to my friend, who has encouraged me and supported my dreams, Olamide Asifat.

I have started my journey in the medical ICU, and I plan to apply to CRNA programs in the nearest future. I would like to shadow and be mentored by CRNAs across the country. I am interested in collaborating and contributing to the field of cardiovascular research.

“To every young lady who dares to dream big, I hope I have inspired you.

Please, like and share so it can get to everyone who needs inspiration. Adejoke Moronkola BSc. MPH, BSN-RN”.

Watch and listen to her commencement speach below: