By Olakunle Agboola – Ajayi Lois Nifemi recently graduated with a first-class degree in Accounting from Osun State University and is the best graduating student in the Department of Accounting. The young lady who hails from Osun, in this interview with OLAKUNLE AGBOOLA, stressed the need to review the curriculum of Nigerian universities to align them with global trends. She also gave reasons why most students fail, saying their inability to prioritize learning was responsible.
What came to your mind when you learned you were going to graduate with a first-class?
I am aware I am going to graduate with a first-class because I started with a CGPA of 4.86 in 100 level and I sustained it to my final year. Prayer was a key for me, trusting God not to lose focus in coming out with a first-class.
Did you set a target for yourself to achieve this feat?
Yes, I had targeted, I set goals, each semester with its own goals, there were days I felt tired of reading but remembering the goals triggered my reading and would always bring me back on my feet. I made the picture of first-class plain on the wall and I promised myself not to settle for less. It worked for me.
What were some of the challenges you faced in the course of pursuing your degree program?
I faced so many challenges in the course of pursuing my degree program even outside my academics like money management, sleepless nights, fear of having poor results, combining leadership responsibilities with my academics, relating with people of different personalities but most of these things shaped me and made me become a better version of myself. I was able to see through those challenges and I am better off today.
What were those factors that assisted you to accomplish the feat?
God is the number one factor that assisted me to accomplish this feat because without God I am nothing, I am what I am today by his grace, Despite how demanding my academics might be, I was always involved in the things of God, I attend fellowships, I worked for God, I won’t make reading an excuse for not serving God and God paid me and I am grateful.
On the other hand, Perseverance, hard work, commitment, consistent effort, focus, effective time management, making friends with those that have goals and aspirations all helped me to achieve this great feat.
Why do you think many students are not doing excellently in their studies?
Comparison as they say is a thief of joy. So many students are fond of comparing themselves with others, thereby not discovering who exactly they are and what they can do. I am a type that doesn’t like reading at night, I was aware of this and so I had to make maximum use of my day, I wouldn’t compare myself to a friend who prefers reading at night and plays all day. You have to know what works for you. It’s not just all about reading, understanding, being able to recall and write something meaningful is what makes reading effective which can be done by repetition.
Also, a lot of people believe that distinction is for a particular set of people. This mentality is wrong! You can achieve anything you want as long as you put your mind to it. Focus and determination can’t be left behind going into the house of success.
What are the problems still confronting the nation’s education sector?
I think the major problem confronting the Nation’s education sector is Unemployment because the truth is there are so many Education institutions in the country likewise many scholarship opportunities available but poor employment opportunities have not but destroyed the enthusiasm to read, learn and do well in academics.
Students are no longer encouraged to read, some just go to school for the certificate, some don’t even want to go because with all the sacrifices, struggles, and the readings, you will end up being unemployed and someone who never goes to school becomes your boss.
There are a lot of first-class graduates out there but what have they become? You have to find your way out of the country to make your first class worthwhile but how many people can afford to travel out of the country unless you get a full scholarship for a master’s or Ph.D.
What are the things other students should do to replicate your level of success?
Others who want to replicate my level of success should aim high, be determined, be diligent, work smart and be ready to go the extra mile.
Also, there is a necessity to make good friends, set goals, and believe in yourself.
What is your advice to students?
My advice is that student should always remember that there is time for everything, remember God in the days of your youth and serve him, Put God first and he will put you first, set your priorities right. Don’t allow temporary pleasures to distract you from excelling, look beyond the present because the future holds greater and beautiful things, learn skills, grab every opportunity that comes your way, gather experience, make friends with those who want to succeed, enjoy life, and have fun
What is next for you now as a fresh graduate?
As a fresh graduate, I want to pursue professional qualifications, gather weighty experience, be a practicing accountant who will leave a footprint in the field of accounting likewise being involved in other activities that I am passionate about to effect a change in the lives of people and Nigeria and the rest of the world.
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