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•Omorinsola with 10 distinctions gives insight into her success story
A whiz kid from Kogi State, Omorinsola Esther Tope-Awe, was the star attraction at the induction of 70 new medical doctors of the Babcock University (BU), Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. She obtained 10 distinctions, equalling the record set last year by Chisom Emmanuella Okafor. He had broken the BU Benjamin S. Carson College of Health and Medical Sciences record.
She shared her experience with the Daily Sun:
Tell us your journey from nursery, primary to secondary school?
I attended The Redeemed Cornerstone
School, Lagos, for both my Nursery and Primary school education from 2007 to 2014 and attended Faith Academy Canaanland from 2014 to 2020.
How about your admission into BU?
I got admission through JAMB registration. The whole admission process happened during the COVID 19 pandemic, so I didn’t sit for post UTME.
Why Babcock university?
Babcock University wasn’t my only choice. I had planned to go to a Federal University still keeping Babcock at the back of my mind. But eventually, the thought of Babcock flew out the window the more I thought about the life of freedom in Federal University. However, my Dad weighed the pros and cons of a federal university and decided Babcock University was a better option for me
Did anybody influence your choice of course?
I wouldn’t say so. I’ve always had interest in science subjects. When I entered science class in my Senior secondary School, I was able to streamline the courses I would be open to in university. Through the subjects I was most interested in and they all revolved around the medical field. I decided to stick to Medicine as my choice.
How was your six years journey in BU?
I would say my six years had lots of ups and downs that I kept mostly to myself honestly. I’m also a bit of a homebody but I did try to plan and participate in outreaches and other social programmes. However, I still made a lot of wonderful memories and had a splendid time in BU.
Were you under pressure at any time and you felt like abandoning the programme?
There was never a point in my journey that I felt that. I had really good support system. And whatever pressure I was under was self-imposed, I just had to remind myself to breathe and stop worrying whenever I felt that.
I’m also able to cope with stress pretty well. The thought of abandoning the programme never came to my mind. Although I won’t lie, I did find myself questioning my choice of course during those back-to-back in-courses and exams.
How do you feel about equalling the medical college record of 10 distinctions?
It was a feat I never saw was impossible to achieve to be honest. I remember when I heard about the last person getting 10 distinctions. I was so shocked and couldn’t fathom how someone could achieve that. To be able to follow in the same footsteps seems surreal
Community Health is one of the toughest courses, how did you achieve distinction?
I didn’t do anything extra regarding this. I addressed it the same as my other courses. I would say that’s how I achieved a good result, by giving it as much thought as the other courses and putting in your best.
Are you a bookworm without a social life on campus?
I wouldn’t say I’m a bookworm. I do not enjoy immersing myself in books every minute. But I won’t say I have that much of a social life either. However, my books and studies have nothing to do with that.
How can government tackle the Japa syndrome in the medical profession?
Excluding the poor work environment, unfavourable pay, the healthcare system in Nigeria isn’t the best, the insecurity in Nigeria is also contributing to the Japa syndrome. If government can address these factors perhaps the Japa syndrome can be tackled, even if it’s just by a little.
If you are appointed Minister of Health, what will be your priorities?
There are so many things wrong with the healthcare system in Nigeria. Several people can’t access basic healthcare needs due to several reasons. My main priorities will definitely be to provide basic infrastructure needed in hospitals, proper training of all staffs involved in healthcare of the patients and make healthcare is more affordable for people through any means I can.
Tell us about yourself.
I hail from Kogi State, Yagba West Local Government. I was born and raised in Lagos State same with my siblings. I have a range of interests but I particularly enjoy learning new skills as I’m good at picking up things quickly.
