Dr. Ijeoma Opara, a distinguished Nigerian-American scientist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale University School of Public Health, was recently awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) by US President Joe Biden for her research in public health, particularly among urban youth.

Here are 7 things to know about Ijeoma Opara:

1. Opara is one of the latest Nigerians including Azeez Butali, Oluwasanmi Koyejo, Oluwatomi Akindele, Eno Ebong and Abidemi Ajiboye to receive the highest honour bestowed by the US government on young scientists and engineers.

Other earlier awards include the NIH Director’s Early Independence Award in 2020 and the NIDA Racial Equity Initiative Visionary Pioneer Award in 2023. She also earlier received the John D. Slade, MD Memorial Advocacy Award and the Woman of Impact Award.

2. Opara lost her parents at a young age due to illness. She lost her mother to diabetes and her father to a heart attack. This painful loss shaped her decision into public health to dismantle the systemic barriers that contribute to poor health with a focus on black girls.

3. Opara is committed to educating and mentoring future researchers by providing lab visits and internships to high school and college students in urban areas.

4. Her study has been crucial in demonstrating how race, as a social construct shaped by white supremacy and anti-black racism, affects health outcomes.

5. Opara holds a PhD in Family Science and Human Development from Montclair State University, a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University, a Master’s degree in Public Health in Epidemiology from New York Medical College, and a Bachelor of Arts’ degree from New Jersey City University.

6. Opara is the founder and director of Stony Brook University’s Substance Abuse and Sexual Health Lab, as well as an associate professor at Yale School of Public Health. She was previously an assistant professor at Stony Brook University and a lecturer at Columbia School of Social Work.

7. She also heads a consulting outfit that provides training to adolescents, community-based groups, businesses and schools on different themes pertaining to substance use prevention and sexual health.

… killed officer recently passed a promotional examination.

One operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was shot dead and another critically injured when suspected internet fraudsters, known as Yahoo Boys, opened fire on them in Anambra State.

The development has raised concerns among anti-graft personnel, who revealed that the agency’s life insurance scheme has been dormant for years.

“We no longer have life insurance. “The last time families of deceased officers received compensation was during Farida Waziri’s tenure,” an official of the graft agency was quoted as saying.

The operatives, who had travelled from their Enugu zonal headquarters, were on a mission to apprehend a cluster of suspected cyber criminals when they encountered deadly resistance.

The attack left one officer dead on the spot and another hospitalized in critical condition by nightfall.

A male suspect was arrested for the murder, but his identity remains undisclosed. Authorities were yet to confirm if he has legal representation.

The slain officer, whose name was withheld, was an assistant superintendent who had recently passed a promotional examination.

American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent, AVID, has warned that Southeast Governors risk a range of US presidential sanctions including travel ban and confiscation of assets on US soil over their alleged complicity in the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The warning is coming on the heels of the alleged reluctance of the Governors to jointly write a joint as demanded by President Bola Ahmed Bola, requesting the release of Kanu to them.

AVID, in a statement by its President, Chief Dr Sylvester Onyia; and Secretary, Dr Godson Obiagwu, expressed displeasure at the reluctance of the Governors to advance to the President the said letter, accusing them of non-committal towards Kanu’s release.

AVID which is a body of retired and serving military officers of Igbo extraction in the North and South American military, reminded the Governors of the grave implication of their lackadaisical attitude towards Kanu’s continued incarceration.

The statement read in part: “According to the information we have, the Governors are supposed to meet with the President and unanimously advocate for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release, which has yet to occur.

“We also know that Mr President has asked the Southeast Governors to write a formal letter seeking the release of their son, which they all find difficult to do.

“We are also aware that all meaningful initiatives, particularly by religious leaders and national and state players, have been frustrated by the same Governors.

“Even after the Nigerian appeals court pronounced Mazi Nnamdi Kanu not guilty, the Governors remained silent, confirming their complicity.

“Your Excellencies, as the USA Military Veterans of Igbo Descent, we must make you aware that the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu mirrors the sort of grave human rights violations sanctionable
by the US government under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which was enacted to punish violators of internationally recognized human rights.

“The Act empowers the President of the United States to impose sanctions against foreign officials complicit in “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights,” against persons for exercising internationally recognized rights to freedom of expression or association, among other things.

“The range of presidential sanctions includes denial of visas, blocking transactions in all property in the United States, and public stigma.

“Therefore, when the time comes for it, your inaction in seeking the release of Nnamdi Kanu may make you
complicit and thus subject to the full consequences of this Act should you come in contact with the United
States which you do very often.”

The veterans cautioned the Governors against being passive over matters of importance to the Igbo nation.

“As AVID USA, we cannot stand by and let Southeast Governors devastate Igboland by selfishness and a lack of motivation to advance our region.

” As a group, we attempted multiple times to persuade these Governors that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was justified, in his stands on security and social
economic development of Southeast.

“Keep in mind that you Governors proscribed IPOB, while previous President Buhari labelled this wonderful
organization a terrorist movement due to his enmity with the Igbo people. For this reason, we can’t blame the President for the insecurity in the Southeast region.”

The veterans also urged President Tinubu to stop looking for excuses and release Kanu in compliance with the pact his son Seyi had with Kanu’s family before the 2023 presidential election.

AVID told President Tinubu to honour his promise to release Kanu which he made during the campaigns.

“We, the American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent, (AVID) concur with Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s position on the implementation of the agreement between the family of Nnamdi Kanu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through his son Seyi.

“We also concur with the concerned Igbo Ministers’ Commission over the recent news announcement that:“The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a betrayal of Igbo nation….”

Senator Shehu Sani has expressed disappointment over the rising price of petrol despite expectations that the Dangote refinery would lower costs.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, the former lawmaker stated, “The expectation was that Dangote Refinery will crash the price of petrol; the news that it’s increasing is baffling.”

This follows an announcement by Dangote Petroleum Refinery confirming a price increase for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The refinery now sells PMS at N955 per litre for customers purchasing 2 to 4.99 million litres and N950 per litre for purchases of 5 million litres or more.

This price adjustment reflects a 6.17% increase, or N55.5 per litre, compared to the discounted rate of N899.50 per litre offered during December 2024’s holiday period.

The adjustment has led to a retail price hike, with petrol now selling for between N1,030 and N1,050 per litre across various outlets.

The price increase has sparked public outcry, as many Nigerians hoped that the refinery would reduce fuel prices and ease the burden on citizens.

The Brazilian government has announced the formal admission of Nigeria as a partner country in the multinational bloc known as BRICS.

This was contained in a statement by the Brazil Foreign Ministry on Friday.

According to Brazil, BRICS and Nigeria share common interests, as both actively strive to enhance cooperation among Global South countries and advocate for the reform of international organisations.

“With the world’s sixth-largest population—and Africa’s largest—as well as being one of the continent’s major economies, Nigeria shares convergent interests with other members of BRICS. It plays an active role in strengthening South-South cooperation and in reforming global governance—issues that are top priorities during Brazil’s current presidency,” the statement said.

Brazil currently holds the BRICS presidency for 2025, having taken over from Russia on January 1.

Nigeria has joined Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan as the ninth partner country of BRICS, a category established at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, October 2024.

The Nigeria Police has confirmed that armed internet fraudsters fatally attacked an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Anambra, leaving another critically injured.

Naija News reports that the incident occurred on Friday when the EFCC team came under fire during an operation targeting suspected cybercriminals, commonly referred to as Yahoo Boys. The unexpected gunshots caused the officers to retreat for safety.

The team had traveled from their zonal headquarters in Enugu to carry out the assignment.

The slain officer, identified as an assistant superintendent, had recently passed a promotional examination. Meanwhile, the injured officer remains in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital as of Friday night.

“We no longer have life insurance,” an officer disclosed anonymously, highlighting that compensation for fallen officers’ families had not been issued since the tenure of Farida Waziri.

Another officer lamented the situation, saying, “The families of the officer that died today won’t be getting anything. So can we say he died for nothing?”

Anambra State Police Command Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are underway.

“Investigation into the sad incident is ongoing. The suspect is in custody while the arm has been recovered. Further details shall be communicated, please,” Ikenga told Daily Trust.

Details about the Department of State Services (DSS) operations that led to the arrest of 10 suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) members in Ilesa, Osun State, have emerged.

The raid occurred at an old bungalow near St. Mary Catholic Church in the Ifofin and Ogbon Idio areas of Ilesa-East Local Government Area, Osun State.

According to reports, the operation took place around 1 a.m. on December 16, 2024, involving about 30 DSS operatives.

News of the arrests surfaced publicly on January 10, 2025, when the DSS sought a Federal High Court order in Abuja to detain the suspects for 60 days. The suspects are identified as Adamu Abubakar (aka Abu Aisha), Babagana Bashuli, Muhammed Adam, Mustapha Abacha, Katuru Muhammed, Babakura Abacha, Muhammed Ciroma, Ali Gambo, Muhammed Umoru, and Muhammed Bundi.

The DSS disclosed that the suspects were arrested while being trained to manufacture and detonate explosives. Preliminary investigations revealed they are members of Boko Haram/ISWAP.

Sources confirmed to The PUNCH that the operation spanned 90 days, with two teams from the DSS headquarters conducting the surveillance.

The first team reportedly arrived in Ilesa in late September, while the second team followed in mid-November 2024.

An insider noted, “The Osun command was excluded from the operation due to concerns that the initial intelligence about ISWAP activities in Ilesa had been compromised.”

An undercover officer revealed that agents infiltrated the community in September 2024, blending in with locals to pinpoint the suspects’ exact location.

After confirming their findings, a tactical team conducted the operation without gunfire, preventing public attention. The suspects were found with ISWAP materials and bomb-making equipment.

Following the arrests, the DSS reassigned senior officers and transferred over 150 personnel from Osun to northern states, including Benue, Jigawa, and Bauchi. Intelligence reports indicated the suspects had been under surveillance since 2023, after an alleged plan to attack a church in Ilesa was uncovered.

It was also revealed that ISWAP members were involved in bank robberies in Iree and Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area, in 2021. Previous DSS operations in Osun State included arrests in Ile-Ife in 2022, involving suspected terrorists from Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Local residents expressed shock and concern about the arrests.

A community leader, Mohammed Borni, stated, “It’s been two months since their arrest, and we’ve had no contact with them. We never suspected them of criminal activities—they sold wristwatches and MP3 players.”

The incident has heightened security awareness in the area, with residents expressing fear about living alongside suspected terrorists.

One tailor, Bimpe Olaiwola, said, “We’ve lived peacefully with them, but this news has made everyone more cautious. I hope the authorities ensure our safety.”

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed dismay over the vandalism of Abuja transmission lines.

Naija News reported that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced on Friday that vandals have again attacked, stolen, and damaged the electricity lines supplying power to various parts of Abuja.

The development comes less than one month after vandals attacked, stole and damaged TCN’s 330 kilovolts (kV) Shiroro-Katampe transmission line.

Speaking at the inauguration of a 100MVA power transformer at the 132/33 kV transmission substation in Isolo, Lagos, on Friday, Adelabu wondered why people always frustrate the government’s effort to stabilise energy transmission in the country.

Adelabu described the act as a significant setback to the nation’s energy sector, stressing that the vandalism has thrown the Central Area in Abuja, Maitama, including his own office in Garki Area, into darkness.

The minister called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities, to collaborate in ensuring the sustainability and security of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

He said, “It can be depressing when we have just completed a transformer installation and few weeks after, they are brought down by vandals.

“This shows that we don’t love ourselves, this does not happen in many other parts of the world.

“A lot of places are in darkness because of these acts of vandalism.

“For four months, Bayelsa state was in darkness because of local vandalism.

“This act has thrown the Central Area in Abuja, Maitama which includes my own office in Garki Area into darkness.

“Why do we hate this our country so much for us to engage in this kind of negative activity which does nothing but draw the country backwards?

“As we are struggling to stabilise energy power transmission in the country, some people are hiding somewhere to frustrate this effort and draw the country backwards.”

Adelabu commended TCN for its commitment and diligence in completing the new transformer project, noting that it would bolster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), reduce operational challenges, and foster economic growth beyond improving electricity supply.

He added, “This is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda which recognises that energy is not merely a commodity; it is the backbone of economic growth and job creation.” 

The Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate for the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, on Friday, opened his case at the election petition tribunal, tendering vital documents used in the election to support their allegations of rigging.

Ighodalo told the tribunal that the election was marred by widespread irregularities which made the Independent National Electoral Commission declare the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Monday Okpehbolo, the winner of the poll.

He told the panel that he scored the highest valid votes cast at the election, wondering why INEC would declare Okpehbolo the winner, despite the alleged noncompliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 as amended.

At the resumption of hearing of the case, lead counsel to the petitioners, Adetunji Oyeyipo, SAN, tendered from the bar Certified True Copy of Form EC8E (INEC final declaration result sheet of the poll) in support of the petitioners’ case.

Kenneth Mozia, SAN, who represented Oyeyipo, conducted the presentations and also tendered CTC of Form EC8D (summary of results from local government areas collation).

Other documents tendered before the tribunal by counsel to the petitioners are CTCs of form EC8Cs, covering the 18 local government areas in the state, forms EC8B (wards results sheets) used for the conduct of the election in the 192 wards in the state, 320 CTC Form EC8A documents (polling units results sheets), CTCs of INEC’s polling units booklets, each containing  Form EC25D, and CTCs of Form EC8A (IREV).

Lead counsel to INEC, Okpebholo and APC (1st to 3rd respondents), Kanu Agabi, SAN, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, and D.C. Denwigwe, SAN, who held the brief of Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, objected to the admissibility of the documents.

The respondents’ counsels told the panel that they would adduce reasons for their objections to the petitioners’ CTC documents at the final address stage of the petition.

In response, Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led Tribunal, provisionally admitted all the documents tendered in evidence and marked them as exhibits.

“Learned counsel to the respondents shall state their reasons for their objections at the address stage”, Justice Kpochi held.

Hearing on the petition continues today (Saturday), as the petitioners are expected to tender more documents in support of their petitions.

In a petition marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, Ighodalo and PDP are contesting INEC’s declaration of Governor Okpebholo as winner of the election.

Determination, discipline helped me make first class— Oyindamola Arikawe

In what ways did your background mould you into the kind of student you were?

My parents were a great influence. My mum owns a school and my dad is a preacher of excellence, so I always knew that I had to be excellent at whatever I did. My parents used to give us (children) gifts if we came tops in our class to encourage us to keep aiming high.

Were you intentional about graduating with a first class?

Yes, it was very intentional. My goal was to excel, and I achieved that. I did not just graduate with a first class but as the second best graduating student in the department.

What were the challenges you faced in the course of your educational pursuit?

They were majorly personal— procrastination and having to balance my academics with other commitments. But, I later learnt to prioritise and do the right things at the right time.

What are your secrets of success?

My relationship with God aided me through different phases in school. Determination, diligence and discipline also helped me.

What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?

They should give their best and trust God. They should not limit themselves, and be willing to volunteer and participate in other activities.

First class had always been my goal— Temiloluwa Igbinlade

Did you consciously set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, first-class had always been the goal. Excelling exceptionally was just the grace of God. When I first got a perfect 5.0 GP in 100 level first semester, I desired to finish with it as my CGPA.

Why did you decide to study Mass Communication in the first place?

At first, it was my love for talking, writing and wanting a platform to impact lives. As I studied the various beautiful aspects of the course, I fell in love with film and production, and a script I wrote was even chosen for production coursework.

What are your secrets of success?

God is all there is to me.

What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?

Take it one at a time, set targets and trust God with your life. He can never mismanage it.

Did you have a social life while in school?

Yes, I did. Being committed to fellowship helped me a lot. I hosted and facilitated a few programmes, and acted in a few stage plays.

I combined hard work with prayers— Ifedayo Ayilaran

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, I did. For me, it was a clear goal from the start. I entered university with a lot of motivation and enthusiasm from high school. While it wasn’t as easy as I initially thought, I stayed focused on that goal. I made an effort to go above and beyond in everything—doing just the usual wasn’t enough to earn an A, and I knew those A’s were key to a first-class degree. Most importantly, I combined my hard work with consistent prayers, and by God’s grace, it all paid off in the end.

What are your secrets of success?

At the risk of sounding cliché, God. God has helped me, and grace has brought me this far. Hard work is great, but He who blesses the hard work is greater.

What are your career plans?

During my final year of university, I developed a strong interest in finance. I was fortunate to secure a summer internship with a bank abroad, which eventually led to a full-time job offer. The skills I gained from my mass communication degree are incredibly transferable and have been invaluable in this new path. I’m excited for the future and eager to see where this journey takes me.

I’ve always wanted to excel — Ifeoma Iwelunmor

In what ways did your childhood inspire you to take your academics seriously?

While growing up, I was not particularly good at academics. I have a twin sister who was very smart, and it was hard keeping up with her. Everyone in my family were school prefects except me. However, in primary six, I won the “Most Improved Student” award after moving from 18th to fifth position. That moment marked a turning point for me. From then on, I made it a mission to excel academically.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, I always wanted to excel, even when I was not entirely sure what I was doing. In my first semester as a diploma student, I had the highest grade point. That achievement reassured me that I was on the right track.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

My biggest challenges were anxiety, insomnia and having a short attention span.

What are your secrets of success?

I made sure to read, pray and also take time to relax.

What are your career plans?

I want to become a successful public relations professional and content marketer.

I made first class to prove people wrong— Chelsea Jegede

In what ways did your background shape your educational sojourn?

My parents invested so much in my siblings and I, and I felt the best way to repay them was to excel in everything I did. I wanted to make them proud by being at the top of my class. Even though there was never any pressure from them, seeing the joy on their faces when I succeeded made me feel like I was giving something back.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, because I have always been ambitious. I also didn’t appreciate it when people said I couldn’t do something. So, when I was told that getting a first-class in the department was almost impossible, I decided that was exactly what I wanted and I was going to make it happen.

What are your secrets of success?

It is Jesus Christ. I work extremely hard, and I am very disciplined and ambitious, but it was grace that got me here.

I’ll be getting more degrees— Opeyemi Kareem

Briefly describe your routine as a student.

My routine varied depending on the academic calendar. On typical lecture days, I’d attend classes, then return to the hostel. However, during exam periods, I’d wake up really early because I had to get a seat at the library. I would read for eight hours, go back to the hostel to rest for two hours. Then, I’d go back out in the evening to read for four to five hours before finally retiring for the night.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

I did, actually. Being the valedictorian of my class in secondary school, I knew that I had to continue in that path of greatness.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

The learning environment which included learning with such a large class population was a great challenge. The strikes, which happened too frequently and spanned for too long, were another challenge.

What are your secrets of success?

My not-so-secret secret of success is God. I have never regretted trusting Him.

What are your career plans?

I will be getting more degrees to solidify my career projection. I like school so, I intend to get a PhD. I also want to establish myself as a professional and specialist in the field of communication.

I almost gave up — Feranmi Abiola

How would you describe your routine as a student?

A typical day in my life involved waking up late after a night of editing, rushing to class, grabbing a late meal, and heading back to my apartment to work again. On some days, I had shoots that forced me to miss classes. As for the studying part, that usually happened when exams were near. I was well known for last-minute cramming.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

It was incredibly difficult to keep going. Over the years, my willpower kept fading, and I often felt like giving up. While I grew and thrived in my career as a cinematographer and editor, juggling two full-time jobs and freelance gigs, school became a burden. I even considered dropping out because I hated it so much. I should have graduated in 2022 but finally finished in 2025.

What are your secrets of success?

I have no secrets; just God and determination. It was tough but I kept going, always reminding myself of how far I’d come and refusing to drop the ball. Also, having supportive people around one makes all the difference. They fuelled my fire on days I felt burnt out and kept me informed when I couldn’t be present.

Many people are of the opinion that first class students are usually boring. Did you have a social life while in school?

I was actually one of the most social people in school, so that’s far from true. I was always out working, attending parties, clubs and staying active in various activities like sports and politics.

One can excel academically, socially — Ahuruele Akani

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

Oh, where do I begin? A system that lacks accountability, group projects where half the team disappears, and that one lecturer who seemed to enjoy making things unnecessarily hard? It wasn’t easy, but it definitely made for a good plot twist!

Why did you decide to study Mass Communication in the first place?

I didn’t start out wanting Mass Communication. I was actually gunning for Economics. But when I realised I hadn’t taken Mathematics, Mass Comm became my next best option. And, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I had ever made. Looking back, I don’t even know why I considered Economics, because I don’t like it.

What are your secrets of success?

Consistency over intensity is the mantra. Also, I pray like it depends on God, but work like it depends on me. I am forever grateful to my amazing family and friends who constantly pushed me to aim higher.

Many people are of the opinion that first-class students are usually “too serious”. Did you have a social life while in school?

I had a blast in school; from parties to business fairs, conferences and networking events, I did it all. Balance is everything, and one can excel academically and socially.

Health challenges didn’t stop me from excelling— Eniola Daramola

In what ways did your childhood inspire you to take your academics seriously?

Though I was born into a privileged family and lacked nothing, my drive to excel came from the people around me. I also drew inspiration from my family members, who are all achievers. My dad and brother are lawyers, while my mum is a medical expert. I knew I had to raise the bar even higher, and that inspired me to take my education seriously.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

One major challenge I faced was health-related. I had a severe ulcer, which was worsened by the demands of my studies and responsibilities. To manage it, I adopted healthier eating habits, stayed hydrated, and relied on regular medical advice. Through God’s help and my perseverance, I was able to balance my health and academics.

What are your secrets to success?

The number one factor is God. He carried me through every challenge. My parents have also been incredibly supportive throughout my journey. Finally, I drew motivation from those who looked up to me and those I looked up to. I earned the nickname ‘Mummy Mass Communication’ among my peers, and that title reminded me that I couldn’t afford to fail.

Family issues almost distracted me — Peace Onuoha

Were your parents instrumental to you making a first class?

I grew up in a home where my parents were very keen on education as there had never been a university graduate in the family. They wanted me to take this seriously, so they gave me the best education they could. Knowing that no one in my family ever went to a university and graduated was enough reason for me to take it seriously and ensure I came out with a first class to break that record.

Did you consciously set out to graduate with a first class?

I consciously ensured I made a first class because I wanted to study law initially but after four attempts, it didn’t work out. I tried Mass Communication once and it worked, so I promised myself that I was going to graduate with a first class.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

I dealt with lots of family issues and they almost got me distracted. During one exam period, my sister was hypnotised and almost kidnapped. Also, while in my final year, another sister had some birth complications and was hospitalised for four months. I almost deferred the semester just so I could be with her and help out, because I couldn’t concentrate. I also had issues juggling photography, clothing and my corporate job with school.

What are your secrets of success?

They include God, grace, great relationships, consistency, tenacity, prayer and strength.

I was intentional about making first class — Funmilola Onabanjo

How did you parents contribute to you making a first class?

My parents, especially my mum, made me take my academics seriously. She wasn’t able to attend a secondary school or university because of certain circumstances. When she told me the story, I made a deep resolve in my heart to excel in academics, so I can make her and my dad proud.

What motivated you to graduate with a first class?

At first, having a first class was so UNILAG could pay me the N50,000 that first class students were usually paid. But, by the second semester of my second year, I became more intentional about graduating with a first class.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

I struggled with time management at first but along the line, I found a system that worked for me.

What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?

Figure out a system that works for you. Don’t try to copy what’s working for others.  Always ask for help when you need it; but let it be from people who have overcome or achieved the results you want. And most importantly, trust God.

Did you have a social life while in school?

I had an active social life. I joined the sport team and won the Dean’s Cup twice for female football on behalf of my department. I also attended lots of events while I was working as a content creator for a PR and event management company. I play a lot actually.

Making first class was non-negotiable — Olaide Bankole

Did you intentionally/consciously set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes I did. My dad always said that “first class is non-negotiable”, so I was determined to do well in school, and God helped me.

What are your secrets of success?

I don’t think it’s a secret, but God will always be the backbone of what I define as success. Something else I might chip in is to do everything with a mindset of excellence. I don’t think the direct focus should be on getting the highest grades in every course, but more about doing each test and assignment with excellence.

What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?

First, there is no pressure. We all have our individual strengths and weaknesses; and it’s important to know yours. Harness your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Take it a day at a time. Define what excellence means for you and stick to it. You have to approach academics from beyond the standpoint of high grades, but as a personal commitment to put in the effort do it with excellence.

My brother’s first class motivated me— Faith Enang

Did you consciously set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, I came to UNILAG intending to graduate with a first-class. My elder brother did and it spurred me to dream big too. Also, we heard stories of first class students getting N50,000 at the end of each session, so that encouraged me too. We never got the prize though.

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

The major challenge I faced was combining my academics and extra-curricular activities. Aside from being involved in UnilagSun, I was a member of my department’s blog team where I wrote periodic articles, tutored younger colleagues, and was always interning or volunteering as a campus ambassador for one company or the other.

What are your secrets of success?

God, consistency and hard work. I believe that God’s hands are at work in my life, hence the spirit of excellence. On the flip side, I live by a Robin Sharma mantra which says, “Show up, work hard, repeat”.

I had uncompromising desire for success — Tekevwe Odogu

In what ways did your background inspire you to take your education seriously?

My parents have always encouraged me to be the best I can be wherever I find myself. I caught on to this very quickly right from when I was a little child. Since then, no graduation has ever ended without me being called up for recognition and for prizes. The teachings of my parents and my decision to be exceptional at everything I do pushed me to take my academics seriously, and to stay focused on always being at the top.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

When I got into school, I just wanted to be excellent. However, when I started my first year one with a 4.89 GPA (first class), I desired to maintain it, and to the glory of God, I was able to do that.

What are your secrets of success?

Jesus, razor-sharp focus, committed friends, and an uncompromising desire for success and excellence are the secrets of my success.

What advice do you have for students as regards excelling in their studies?

Stay focused on why you are in school, don’t compromise on excellence, push yourself, choose the right company of success-minded people, and draw close to Jesus.

I surrounded myself with friends who motivated me — Demilade Bankole

In what ways did your background inspire you to take your academics seriously?

I will make reference to my secondary school— Preston International School— where I learnt time management and how to be responsible.

Also, I learnt to study from my mum. I saw her burn midnight candles while being active in every other thing.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, I intentionally worked to get a first class. Initially, I was almost discouraged but I knew I didn’t want to be an average student.

I intentionally surrounded myself with like-minded friends who motivated me whenever I felt discouraged. I’m glad to see a good number of them also at the top.

Also, I heard that UNILAG often rewarded each first-class student with N50,000. I’m not sure if this rule still applies but it really motivated me.

What are your secrets of success?

I took every step knowing that God was with me, and I also put in the work. God can give you a vision but if you’re lazy, you’ll find it hard to execute. I ensured I put in the work and trusted God to do His part. Also, I read early before exams and tests.

Having priorities helped in achieving academic excellence — Eunice Obidi

In what ways did your background inspire you to take your education seriously?

I grew up with parents that are go-getters, so it was difficult to just do the bare minimum and be happy with yourself. They were particular about the fact that we had to study hard if we wanted to go far.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, I did. From year one, it was first class or nothing for me.

 What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

A major challenge I faced was distractions. I get distracted very easily. Not by social activities on campus, because I’m an introvert, but by my hobbies. I love reading quality novels and watching movies with strong plots, so my major challenge was learning to say “no” to those. Another major difficulty I had was “academic closure”. I was usually bothered whenever I didn’t do well in a course (like when I got a C).

What are your secrets of success?

My first secret is God. Not to sound too spiritual, but I’m serious when I say reading the Bible taught me things about discipline. God doesn’t condone laziness and anything that distracts you from purpose can’t survive in your relationship with Him. Another secret is prioritisation. Many people idolise balance in school, but you can’t always find balance. My trick was to identify what was most important to me every year and give that top priority on my list of things to do.

I embraced challenges — Mofesola Olanrewaju

What were the major challenges you faced in the course of your educational sojourn?

I did not really face challenges. I loved reading and learning, meeting people and doing assignments. I embraced everything thrown my way like a challenge that could be overcome because I enjoyed it.

However, one thing that stood out was balancing being a very devout and high-ranking official in church and being a top student. It was a stretch that I was willing to take.

What are your secrets of success?

God, family, friends and constant study. I also watched movies and read good novels to feel alive.

Did you have a social life while in school?

My friends and I who graduated with first class in Mass Communication are about the most fun and lively bunch you could ever come across. We had fun while working and studying. The beauty is in the art of balancing and maintaining good relationships that make doing great things and staying a success the most fun thing one can do in life.

I did have a social life and I attended some parties. I had friends from church who had fun outings outside of church, and I participated in some of them.

Making first class wasn’t by accident — Joy Imanah

In what ways did your background inspire you to take your education seriously?

My background definitely inspired me, because I grew up in a rural area where people did not tend to advance their education and young girls were getting married. I told myself that I did not want to be like those people. Rather, I wanted to be better. That influenced my choice of university, because I wanted to experience the city. Also, I had heard stories about great people whose backgrounds were tied to UNILAG.  I wanted a change in mindset; a mentality that there was more to life than my present environment.

Did you intentionally set out to graduate with a first class?

Yes, I did. It was non-negotiable for me. It was planned, prepared and rehearsed for; and not by accident. In fact, I would panic whenever I was getting B grades. One time, a family friend promised to give me capital to start a make-up business if I made a 5.0 GPA. And, I made it. My goal every semester was to have a first class GPA.

What are your secrets of success?

My secret is not so much of a secret. First, it is God. He carried me, made a way, and answered my prayers all the time. Second, I knew what I wanted and I didn’t let anything steer me away from that focus.