No regrets!

• Says Chijioke, EBSU overall best graduate, who dumped Medicine for Mathematics

From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo

Twenty-one-year-old Miss Chiamaka Nnenna Chijioke recently graduated with first class in industrial mathematics and applied statistics from the Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

She was the cynosure of all eyes as she bagged various awards during the convocation, including the overall best graduating student (2022), best graduating student in the Department of Industrial Mathematics and Applied Statistics and best graduating student in Faculty of Sciences. 

She spoke with Daily Sun. Excerpts:

Briefly tell us about your educational background

I started school at Holy Ghost Foundation Schools, Abakaliki. I passed out in primary 5 as the best graduating pupil. I gained admission into Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu Local Government, and finished in 2018.

In the 2018/2019 session, I registered for the Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board (JUPEB) in EBSU. I entered the second year of my studies in 2019/2020.

Why did you go for JUPEB?

It helps one to get a certain mark to enable him gain direct entry into 200 level of the university. I did not pause my secondary education. 

What then caused the deficiency in your result?

No, my results were complete. Initially, I registered chemistry, physics and biology in JAMB and got admission to study medicine and surgery. I changed my mind to go for mathematics.

That was what brought about my enrolment into the one-year programme. I did not take mathematics in JAMB and I did not want to lose the session.

If you had gone for medicine, by now you would have been a medical doctor. Are you not regretting your decision?

The answer is simply, no. I am even thanking God extremely over my choice of course, industrial mathematics and applied statistics. I started in 2019 and graduated as the best student in 2022. In short, I would have regretted, if I did not go for this particular calling.

What is industrial mathematics and applied statistics all about?  

The course can be best understood by professionals. In a nutshell, it is all about the study of numbers, shapes, patterns and how they relate to each other. In a layman’s language, the course is generally mathematics.

In addition, atatistics is a branch of mathematics. It is industrial in the sense that it is not only the study of mathematics but also how it will be applied.

What firms or institutions will need your services?

Though I have not stopped my quest for more qualifications, I am planning to go for master’s in data science or data analysis. But, concerning my B.Sc, I can work in banks, institutions, industries and other places.

What is the secret of your success?

I was able to set a goal for myself. That was what made me to remain focused even amid my friends and mates. When I got admission into the university, I had to set a goal to graduate with first class and I worked towards achieving it. However, for the overall best graduating student, I started sensing the possibility in my final year.

What role did your former schools play in your success?  

Holy Ghost Foundation Schools is the foundation of my success. Right from the outset of my education, I was under the tutelage of good teachers. 

I owe all my former teachers appreciation. The further mathematics teacher at FGGC, Ezzamgbo, my project supervisor and my HoD in EBSU, they really encouraged me. 

During my undergraduate studies, I set a timeline that I must understand every lecture before the end of each day. The determination actually helped me. I did reflect on the lecture of each day before going to bed.

Were you provided with private teachers in your school days?

Besides the schools’ teachers, my father was always there for me, right from my pre-nursery. He had been my private teacher because he is extremely good in mathematics, although he did not study the course.

He passed the knowledge down to us.

Every member of my family has fallen in love with the subject, courtesy of my dad. I can boldly describe mathematics as my family’s favourite subject owing to the fact that everybody knows it optimally, starting from myself being the eldest down to the youngest. I can simply say that we do not fidget whenever it is mentioned.

What is your advice to other young ones like you?

They should always work hard. After all, a saying goes that hard work does not kill though it may be painful.

Do you plan to relax before proceeding for further studies?

I will continue in a stretch but in another institution. EBSU does not offer master’s in data science, courtesy of my Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.

He has set the opportunity for me through government’s scholarship.

How did you manoeuvre distractions from the social media?

I did use the applications at my leisure time. Excessive use of social media is a setback to every target. Everything boils down to prioritising one’s goals.

How were you able to reconcile your studies with house chores?

As the first born of my parents dialectically known as Ada, every Igbo man knows the responsibilities associated with the position. Thus, my studies did not downplay my roles in the home.

Are you fluent in your mother tongue as you are in English Language?

Yes, it is possible because my parents are using the two in our family. I can speak Onicha Igboeze as a bona fide indigene, likewise every member of my home.

What’s your relationship with your parents?

They are my best friends and confidants whom I do identify with in every situation. They are the best. I do not wish to have other parents than they in my next world. Some children do feel that they know more than their parents.

They forget that their mothers and fathers were once youths. To some children who usually feel bored over parental advice, I want them to remember that no parent wishes evil to his child. They should always feel loved whenever they are being advised by their mothers and fathers. 

How do you relate with your siblings?

We feel free towards one another. Presently, I am their Mathematics mistress at home. I do coach them in other subjects too. I am glad that all of them are doing well in their various schools. They are always the best in their individual classes.

What do we attribute this to?

 It can be described to natural endowment. But before then, success is always 10 per cent gift and 90 per cent hard work. That is why the Bible says that heaven helps those who help themselves. For instance, can someone pass an examination without reading?

How did you feel as you were bestowed with the award by EBSU management?  

Wow! I was filled with joy and I thank God, my parents, siblings, friends and all my former teachers and lecturers.

What is your advice to the youths especially female scholars?

The youths should remain focused pray and build good foundations for our future. To my fellow girls, they should face academic challenges squarely as these open ways for females naturally.

Finally, where do you come from?

I am from Ezekporoke Village in Onicha Autonomous Community, Onicha Igboeze clan, Onicha LGA of Ebonyi State.