Grace Ndidi Anikwe recently set a record by becoming the first graduate to bag a first class, Bachelor of Education, Early Childhood in the University of Jos. In this interview, she explained how she overcame all challenges, including social activities on campus, to achieve this remarkable feat.
As the first student to earn a first-class degree in your course of study, how are you feeling?
I feel excited and satisfied, knowing that my efforts have been crowned with excellence.
However, I have a mixed feeling when I think about the uncertainties that come with having a first class degree; which can be overwhelming, especially when it has to do with getting the right job that would enable one add value. In the society we live in, many people feel that getting employed requires connections. Some people have even told me to go and learn handiwork or a skill as my academic knowledge and superlative result is not enough to get me a job. The questions then are: Why did I acquire this knowledge? What should I do with it? This is where I have a mixed feeling. But overall, I feel satisfied that my hard work paid off.
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How was the academic journey like?
It was not easy at all. Being a student of the Faculty of Education is no joke, to be sincere. The faculty as a whole has academic standards and demanding coursework. I had days I must complete a series of assignments, read for tests, attend lectures and prepare myself for presentations; all in one day. At some point, I could not catch up with my daily studies because the workload was heavy.
What were the challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them?
I had countless challenges. I stayed in Abuja Hostel, where there were many people with different personalities. Many times reading in the comfort of your room may become impossible as your neighbour may feel it is time to listen to music, thereby leaving you with the only option of going to common rooms to read, amid mosquitoes. I had to accept the fact that the only option I had was to read my books, no matter the situation. I was also working at some point to make ends meet. Going to work and attending lectures wasn’t easy. In all, I prioritised attending lectures and taking consistent actions.
Again, during COVID-19, all my properties in the hostel were stolen, including my mattress, yet, I never allowed this to affect my academics. Another horrific incident happened during our examination – my room got burnt as a result of electrical fault. All my reading materials were burnt to ashes. I had to get reading materials from friends, and at some point, we took turns reading a particular material. It was not easy during this period. There were nights I slept in the common room, not because I wanted but because I felt I may inconvenient the girls I was squatting with. At this point, I made up my mind that I would not give up because I had passed through thick and thin. So giving up was not an option. l remained optimistic, and with good cheer, I wrote all my examinations. In fact, the examination I wrote in distress yielded the best result.
Tell us about your course of study and its professional prospects?
Early Childhood Education (ECE) refers to the educational approach and programmes designed for young children from birth to around eight years of age. It encompasses a range of experiences and activities aimed at supporting children’s development in various areas, including cognitive, social, emotional and physical domains.
The course commenced in 2012, that is about 13 years ago. ECE courses do not stand on their own, there are relevant and compulsory courses that had to offer, both general studies and foundational courses from the Faculty of Education. Just like every other course under education, we undergo teaching practice and also go through practical and projects.
So, overall, Early Childhood Education is essential for promoting the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, as well as laying the foundation for lifelong learning and building a strong and thriving society.
Early Childhood Education can open up a wide range of career prospects, such as becoming an early childhood educator/teacher, childcare administrator, early intervention specialist, parents’ coach, curriculum developer, instructional materials designer, early childhood advocate and researcher. These are few amongst many.
It is believed that some departments often try to deny students first class; how would you describe your department’s role in your academic success?
I really can’t say about other departments, but my unit will always stand for what is right. A first class degree should be given to whoever deserves it after a total assessment and careful scrutiny. I must say that my unit played a significant role in my academic success.
What is the particular technique you applied to achieve this feat?
There were many techniques in attaining this feat. The very technique that made me outstanding was the fact that I did everything differently. I tried as much as possible to think outside the box in everything, ranging from my assignments to the way I responded to test and examination questions. Even in class presentations, I rarely did the common norm or the regular. The biggest win for me was my project, which was a field stuff.
Looking at your hard work, did you expect to become the first first class graduate in your course of study?
The very first day I stepped into the University of Jos, I told God that I wanted to graduate excellently. I never desired to graduate with a first class, I just hoped and prayed for a great result.
How have the school, your department, lecturers and fellow students responded to your academic achievement so far?
Sincerely, there were people who responded happily to this news and some people otherwise. To me, it is normal. As far as I am concerned, nobody can curse who God has blessed. But I have been in the pool of positive comments and congratulations from my lecturers and some fellow students as well.
Did you often do group studies or you were doing it personally? How was your relationship with other students – socially, academically and otherwise?
Well, I started my journey with group reading and ended with personal studies. At some point, the group I was in became unintentional about achieving its goal, so I opted out and started personal studies that fit into my schedule.
Overall, I had a strong rapport with some of my classmates who were positive about sharing ideas, collaborating, supporting and working harmoniously, especially on group projects and tasks. But I had challenges with some who felt I was doing too much, thereby making them feel less, to the extent that some people were already calling me a first class holder even before I realised that I was heading towards that direction. Some said it jokingly while some tried to mock me with it.
First class graduates are more often given employment as lecturers. Would you be willing to take up such offer from the university or any other tertiary institution?
Of course, yes. It will be a growing ground for me as I intend to further, as well as add value to the society.
What would this award inspire you to do; what are your future projections?
Adding value is my biggest inspiration from this award. This is an opportunity to give back to the society. I am working on starting with an online literacy club I named a “Book Look Club,” where parents would be taught simple ways to prudently teach their children how to read and write. I also intend to establish a creche where infants will be nurtured academically, as well libraries at specific communities where people can come and read for free.
What is your advice to students aspiring to graduate with such an outstanding result?
My advice to them is to discipline themselves, set goals and achieve them daily or weekly. I always have a goal check card, where I tick my achieved goals daily; and that has helped me tremendously. They should prioritise attending lectures, no matter what, except in a case of ill health. They should do things differently that would make them stand out, get materials, aside what their lecturers have. Most importantly, they should put God first and build their faith in him.
One common feature among female students is social life, which sometimes interferes with their academics. How were you able to overcome this to concentrate on your studies?
Brilliance and beauty are classy. It is always good to be beautiful, but as a young woman I was focused on achieving my goals. It will interest you to know that I wore my very first most expensive wig after I was sure that my head deserved a good hair. But on a serious note, I focused on achieving my goals, and my studies were my primary aim, every other thing was secondary.
What is your advice to University of Jos, in terms of upholding educational excellence?
The University of Jos already has an unbeatable and high standard that makes its students stand out anywhere. However, there’s need to strengthen student support services, including academic advising, counselling, tutoring and career guidance. There’s the need to also embrace technology to enhance flexibility, especially when it has to do with checking of results. Results should be sent to students’ dashboards for easy accessibility, as well as allow lecturers share materials online.
What is your advice to the Nigerian government and education stakeholders on how to develop the education sector?
Government should make education affordable. The increment of school fees has forced some students to drop out. It should allocate sufficient resources and funding to the education sector to address infrastructural needs, improve access to quality education and enhance learning outcomes. Also, the government should embrace digital technologies and online learning platforms to expand access to education, enhance instructional delivery and facilitate lifelong learning opportunities.
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