Ogunkoya Opeyemi, 20, is a first-class Biochemistry graduate of Covenant University, but she is currently undergoing the National Youth Service Corps programme, where she was deployed in a secondary school to teach. Interestingly, Opeyemi, who had 4.70 CGPA in the 2014/2015 academic session, tells TUNDE AJAJA she is enjoying the experience. She shares more about her experience in this interview
You graduated last year, what have you been doing since then?
I’m currently undergoing my National Youth Service Corps programme. I’m teaching in a public school and the experience has not been bad at all.
It must have been a lot of work to graduate with a first class. Was it?
Earning a first class in Biochemistry wasn’t an easy task. It took a lot of hard work, dedication, commitment and sacrifices. In all, it wasn’t my efforts that counted, only God’s grace did.
Apart from God’s grace, were there other things you did differently to be better?
It was my decision from the start to put my very best into all my endeavours while in school. But there is more to success than determination. So, I ensured I attended all classes, did all assignments and committed two hours to study every day. I was always time conscious, I organised my activities and prioritised effectively. I read for minimum of two hours daily, but during tests and exams, I studied for as long as it took. Sleep was not very important to me during examinations; I only ensured that I fed well. Also, I borrowed books from the library but I preferred to read in a well-ventilated classroom, especially on top floors where I could have a view of a beautiful landscape.
Was having a first class a do-or-die affair for you?
The most important thing would be that I put in my very best in earning whatever result I had, but if I didn’t graduate with a first class, I would have been disappointed but accept it as the will of God. The motivation during my 100 level orientation programme was one of the things that fuelled my desire to graduate with a first class. Some staff and senior students motivated us and that was helpful. So, right from my first semester in school, I made up my mind to graduate with a first class, coupled with the huge financial investments my parents put into my education. I wanted to justify their investment, and I felt that would be the least way to appreciate their sacrifices. I mean it’s only fair to make our parents feel good and put smiles on their faces for their unalloyed support. In return, they threw a graduation party for me and I got several cash gifts from other family members and friends. Meanwhile, I had the most amazing lecturers. They were bright and profound in their various fields. Their primary concern was to impart students with knowledge and to raise global leaders. They were not only lecturers but also parent figures, so they helped too. There are many factors that influence success in academics. Apart from hard work, fantastic lecturers, people need to have passion for what they do, because passion is what drives one to success. Choosing a course you have interest in matters.
What attracted you to Biochemistry?
As a child, I wanted to be a space explorer, but I later found Biochemistry interesting, being a very broad field in natural sciences. I chose to study Biochemistry because of my interest in natural systems and the diverse fields in which the principles of Biochemistry can be applied. Being a very broad course, it required constant reading, ability to understand complex systems, critical reasoning and research skills. Although these skills are required to successfully study the course, anyone lacking in any of them will definitely have the skills imparted by the end of the programme. It’s also a course that has a lot to do with practicals and I enjoyed the practical classes, especially those pertaining to molecular biology, because some things that people see as abstract are simplified and you witness these things yourself during practicals. The knowledge you get from that enhances your understanding of the subject because you have seen things for yourself. The only occasions I got tired of practicals were the times I had to work till about 3am, and that was during my final year project. However, I’m particularly interested in environmental toxicology and the effect of toxic pollutants on human health.
Why the interest in that aspect?
I had observed with serious concern the impact of pollution in the world right now, and one very important aspect of that is climate change. I’m really interested in the effect of human pollution on the climate and the environment, especially in Nigeria; talking about the effect of toxins on human health, in terms of air pollution, water pollution and land pollution. The harmful effect of these things on humans can be severe, and I think we should pay attention to it. So, I’ll do a study on it.
What are the most common human activities that aggravate these issues?
We have issues of oil spillage, burning of fossil fuel, improper sewage treatment, and many others. Looking at Lagos as an example, some industries channel their effluents into the lagoon, which pollutes the water. That affects people in areas like Makoko, Oko Baba and other areas, in terms of the quality of the water, the survival of aquatic animals and even access to healthy food. It’s those effects that I want to work on, so that people’s lives can be better protected. I’m passionate about this and God will help me to see it through.
Did you participate in any competition or receive any award as an undergraduate?
I participated in the 2015 campus competition hosted by Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In my first semester in 400 level, I got an award from my department as the best student in Biochemistry. I started having first class since my first semester in 100 level and it was just five of us in the department. I was the second highest in the class.
Do you have role models?
Yes. My role models are Condoleezza Rice, Justice Jumoke Pedro and my lovely mum, Mrs. A. A. Ogunkoya.
Is your performance traceable to how you fared in your primary and secondary schools?
In primary school, I recall taking the first position several times. If I wasn’t the first, I was always one of the top five in my class. I also recall receiving awards of excellence in sciences twice in the primary school. My performance in the secondary school was equally outstanding. There was a system in my secondary school that selected the top 50 students in the set into a class (special class). I maintained the special class all through my stay in school. I would also like to add that I got all A’s in the JSS3 examination organised by the National Examination Council. I had similar performance when I sat for the Senior School Certificate Examination. I took extra tutorial classes and sleepless nights and all glory to God, it was a success. I made all my papers in one sitting with three A’s, three B2’s, two B3’s and one C4. I scored 260 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, which was good but not quite what I expected.
What were you expecting?
My target was to score like 320, but I thank God for what I had. That is why it is good to set a high standard for yourself so that even if you don’t meet up, you would still be above average. It took extensive study to succeed in those exams, which shows that success cannot be accidental. You work your way to it and that was what I did. So, the result is expected. Even if you are intellectually gifted, nothing manifests without a push. And that required push is hard work.
During exams, were there times you went into secluded places?
Yes, there were times I went to secluded places like classes on the topmost floor of very distant college buildings where most people would be too lazy to go. I remember, once I locked myself in a deserted common room so no one would interrupt my reading.
What were your memorable moments while in school?
I remember a time when the sole of my heeled shoe pulled out on my way to Faith Tabernacle on a Sunday morning. I had to walk on bare feet despite my gorgeous dressing. It was quite embarrassing. However, I enjoyed the moments I spent with my friends.
Were you a sociable student or you were always reading when others had gone to have fun?
I wasn’t the sociable butterfly but I had a circle of close friends. I had many acquaintances too. I loved meeting new people, hanging out and doing fun things with my friends. At my leisure, I watched movies, read my anthropology books and spent time hanging out with friends. I spent part of my money on fashion, especially on weaves, clothes and wristwatches, though I saved some part of the money.
Is there anything you wish you had done as a student that you could not do?
I wish I had applied for scholarships to fund my university education but I was never exposed to such opportunities.
Would you want to work based on what you learnt in school or you have interest in other things?
Yes, I would definitely work with my degree in Biochemistry. However, to achieve my career goals, I would need an advanced degree in the environmental sciences but my degree in Biochemistry is the perfect springboard in launching me into a career as an environmental toxicologist and consultant. It will be fulfilling to proffer practical solutions to pressing environmental challenges facing the world today. I’m not limited to any company or organisation, I would like to work in any organisation where I would be relevant in effecting these positive changes.
What should students do to be excellent in the higher institution?
Whatever the situation you find yourself, put in your best, give thanks to God and your reward will surely come. Always remember, you are the architect of your destiny. Also worthy of note is that students should know what time is best for them to read. That works and helps to be in charge of your schedule.
