Nigerian Lady Who Rewrote WAEC and JAMB Four Times Fights Back, Graduates With 4.93 First-Class Degree

A Nigerian woman who rewrote WAEC and JAMB four times has finally graduated from Igbinedion University with a remarkable 4.93-point first-class degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies — proving her resilience after years of struggle.

A resilient Nigerian woman, Bliss Celestine, has become an inspiration to many after overcoming years of academic setbacks to graduate with an outstanding 4.93 first-class degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Igbinedion University.

Her story—marked by determination, patience, and unwavering belief—has quickly become a symbol of what persistence can achieve.

Her Seven-Year Struggle Before University

Bliss did not have an easy start. For seven years, she battled repeated exam failures that kept her from gaining admission into a university. She rewrote WAEC four times and took JAMB four times, all because one subject—Literature—continued to stop her progress.

The repeated disappointments left her questioning her abilities and wondering whether her academic dreams had slipped away. Still, she refused to give up.

Her breakthrough finally came in 2018 when she secured admission through Direct Entry. Entering Igbinedion University, she made a promise to herself that her story would change.

“I’m Not Here to Exist. I’m Here to Live.”

On her first day at the university, Bliss boldly told her Head of Department:

“I’m not here to exist. I’m here to live, make a name, and leave with a First Class.”

She kept that promise.

Her very first semester included 18 courses, and she passed every one of them with an A. She maintained that level of excellence throughout her years of study, emerging as:

• Best Student in her Department
• Best Student in her College
• Top student for three consecutive sessions

Leader, Organizer, and Community Builder

Bliss was not only exceptional academically—she was also a dedicated leader. She served first as General Secretary and later as President of her Department. In those roles, she:

• organized departmental workshops,
• strengthened volunteer programs,
• coordinated the Global Understanding Course,
• and even assisted lecturers as a teaching aid.

Outside academics, her foundation led humanitarian projects that mobilized student volunteers and positively impacted communities.

Funding Herself Through a Private University

Despite the high cost of studying in a private institution, Bliss funded her own education. She worked, studied, sacrificed, and often pushed through exhaustion and tears—yet she never stopped striving.

Reflecting on her journey, she said:

“After doubting whether my brain could still perform… today, it all paid off.”

She encouraged other students to stay committed to their dreams:

“If I could rise after seven silent years, so can you.”

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION