The overall best graduate of the Imo State University, Owerri in the
2012/2013 academic session, Dr. Ekenze Chigozie, finished from the
Department of Optometry with a 4.71 CGPA.
In this interview with Punch’s Tunde Ajaja, he shares some of the activities that characterised his days in school.
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| See the Success Story of IMSU Best Graduating Student, He Almost Dropped Out Of School |
Why were you the only one who was rewarded with a car gift at the
combined convocation of seven academic sessions which held in your
school recently?
It was because I was the overall best the school has produced between that 2009 and now.
It was because I was the overall best the school has produced between that 2009 and now.
I had the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average and that was the
person the Chancellor of the school, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, the owner of
Innoson Motors, chose to reward with the gift. That was how I became
the recipient of the car.
Did you see it coming?
No, I didn’t. It came as a surprise. I was shocked, likewise my mum.
In fact, I didn’t know I would be the overall best until I was called a
few days to the programme. When I was called, I was excited, jumping up
and down and people around me knew something was happening; I couldn’t
hide it. It is more heartwarming for me because I never even planned to
be the best in my set. If it was something I had envisioned, and this
happened, I would see it as a great reward for a good plan that
materialised, but to be the overall best was not in my plan. All I
wanted was to be the best in my department and faculty. I didn’t know
all I did to achieve those two targets was enough to emerge as the
overall best. So, beyond the car gift, which I’m grateful for, it’s a
thing of joy for me to be the best in the school for the past seven
years.
Have you started using the car now?
Not yet, I don’t know how to drive, but I’m planning to go to a driving school soon.
What were the decision(s) you made when you got to school that helped you eventually?
I was determined not to relate with people who could distract me. One
of the things I later learnt about life as an undergraduate was how
easy it could be to be distracted, usually in the name of freedom. So, I
was careful with my choice of friends. Also, I made sure I had no
relationship throughout, which is another distraction many students
face. I started leading my class from 100 Level first semester and my
least score was a 50C.
What drove you to study Optometry?
From time, I had always wanted to study medicine and surgery because I
have the passion to be of help to people, especially when it has to do
with their well being. Coupled with the fact that I ultimately want to
save lives, medicine is a profession that is so much in demand. But I
couldn’t get the course. I was offered Optometry and since it is
something that has to do with health and solving people’s problems, I
accepted it and it’s been a pleasant experience. I enjoyed Optometry,
especially the externship programme, because it exposed me to the
practicality of the profession. Physical optics was, however, somehow
tasking, but it was worth it.
How was your experience as a fresh student in your 100L?
It wasn’t really easy. We had to attend tutorials very early in the
morning and it was then that I lost my dad. I almost dropped out because
of financial challenges. It affected me in all areas of my life. In
fact, it was in that same session that I had my least grade in school. I
was emotionally unstable because I was always thinking of him. And I
would always remember him anytime I had financial challenge. It got to a
point that I couldn’t afford my books. I had to borrow from colleagues
but when I saw that some were not willing to release their books to me, I
had to engage in tutorial classes for fresh students and 200 Level
students to raise some money, and it worked. It didn’t only help me
financially, it also helped me academically. It made me to be more
disciplined with the way I used my time, so it was either I was
studying, or I was at the tutorial centre.
Were you social at all?
Yes, I was. I used to go out with friends, occasionally, and I was
active in sports, especially before my 500 Level. At my leisure, I used
to play and watch football, among other games. Meanwhile, my favourite
social gathering was campus fellowship; I was a member of Watchman
Catholic Charismatic Campus Fellowship.
Did your mother reward you for good performance?
Yes, she would buy me a soft drink (her widow’s mite) and prepare my
favourite meal every semester I came back home with the best grades.
How did you cope with possible gestures from ladies?
Yes, there were such gestures but I chose my female friends
carefully. I related well with everybody and helped as much as I could
but I was only close to those who were hardworking and godly.
Could you recall your happiest and most embarrassing moments in school?
My best moment was my final year when I made ‘A’ in all my courses
and I had 5.00 GPA. It was a dream come true. But losing in my
departmental election was most disappointing.
What are your future plans?
I want to be a professor before I’m 40, and I want to be married before my 31st birthday.
What would be your advice to students?
My advice to students is that they should aim at the best, believe
they can achieve it, work hard, manage their time well, be contented
with what they have and make God the ultimate in their lives.
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