Resilient Nigerian man, Charles Ikechukwu Fidelis Igboanugo, shares how he overcame multiple admission as rejections and financial challenges to graduate with First Class Honors in History & International Relations from Ritman University, credits his success to his passion for history, perseverance, and faith, winning a N250,000 NYSC grant along the way.


Charles Ikechukwu Fidelis Igboanugo’s journey from multiple admission rejections to graduating with First-Class Honors in History & International Relations at Ritman University is a story of resilience, passion, and determination. Despite financial challenges and setbacks, Charles maintained unwavering faith, consistent effort, and a deep love for history, achieving an impressive 4.56 CGPA.
Charles’s fascination with history began in childhood, fueling his academic pursuits. Speaking to Legit.ng, he said:
“Staying consistent with my grades came from being a pure lover of history and current affairs. Studying history felt like a dream come true. I was eager to learn everything about man—from the cradle of civilization to the globalization of world power.”
Charles’s path was far from easy. After finishing secondary school in 2013 at age 16, he faced repeated admission rejections. His parents initially wanted him to study law, but despite meeting cut-off marks for admission at the University of Calabar, he was denied. Over four years, Charles persevered, writing JAMB exams annually while his family faced financial difficulties.
“When I finally got admission in 2017, I wasn’t going to joke around,” he recalled.
Charles’s dedication paid off, earning him First-Class Honors at Ritman University. Beyond academics, he seized opportunities that came his way, including winning a ₦250,000 business plan competition during his NYSC camp.
Charles encourages younger students to discover their passions early, saying:
“Find what you love, regardless of your academic discipline, and work towards it. This makes the academic journey much easier, even up to the university level and beyond.”
Charles’s inspiring story highlights the transformative power of perseverance, faith, and a clear sense of purpose in achieving success.
READ ALSO: FUTA Graduate Achieves First Class Degree, Maintains 5.0 GPA Five Times
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