Boluwatife Awonaike, 22, is a first class graduate of the University of Lagos having finished with a 4.85/5.00 CGPA from the Department of Industrial Chemistry in the 2013/2014 academic session. She tells TUNDE AJAJA how she achieved such feat
How easy was it having a first class?
I would say I found it fairly easy because I had a genuine interest in my course of study.
Chemistry is a course that even science students try to avoid. How did you develop the interest?
When I was in secondary school, I really enjoyed chemistry, and that chapter in Ababio textbook – titled ‘Industrial Chemistry’ was my favourite. I read it over and over, and soon enough, I knew I wanted to acquire more knowledge in that aspect. So, I have always had the interest and I have no regret. Though many people see Organic Chemistry as tedious, I agree because of the numerous chemical structures and formulas involved. Nevertheless, it’s still pretty understandable. Basically, Industrial Chemistry entails the study of chemical principles, including but not limited to reactions, catalysis, separation processes and analytical techniques, and their applications in real-life industries.
But it seems abstract to some people. Could you tell us some of the applications in a country like Nigeria?
I don’t believe Industrial Chemistry is abstract. In fact, there are many of its applications evident in our surroundings. The soft drinks and fruit juices we see and drink are made using applications of industrial chemistry. Other products like sugar, glass, paper, paint, cement, plastics, pharmaceuticals, kerosene, etc are made from industries applying chemical principles. Thankfully, we have many of these industries here in Nigeria, showing that industrial chemistry applications have been in existent for a while and are still being used widely. However, an aspect that I would like to point out, as regards the environmental aspect of industrial chemistry, is the recovery of resources such as energy, water, chemicals, and nutrients from waste. This aspect isn’t hidden, but its application is not widespread in Nigeria. I believe this is something that could be beneficial to industries in the long run.
Did you find any part of the course challenging and which part did you find most interesting?
The most challenging part would definitely be the engineering aspect of the course. I had to take courses from the engineering department as part of my curriculum, and initially, I didn’t find them easy because they were different from what I was used to. Over time, I was able to get the hang of these courses. The course has been very interesting too. I really liked the analytical and environmental aspects of the course, and I was very grateful for the opportunity I got to experience practical applications of these aspects during my Industrial Training at Chevron.
Is the course in line with your dream as a child?
As a child, I had various dreams. At some point, I dreamt of becoming an astronaut and going to space. Becoming a doctor, a pilot and a teacher were also part of my many dreams. I still hope to go to space someday though, and maybe pilot the spaceship. Anything is possible with God.
Could you tell us about your previous academic experience?
My performance in previous schools was well above average. I am very blessed. Thankfully, I was able to pass both the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in one sitting. And I won’t say I have an IQ of 180, so I don’t think I’m a genius. But, I do know that I have a very good memory because I hardly forget anything. I also know that I have to read and work hard to put something in my memory that can remain there. So I’m going to say it’s less genius, more hard work, which was a decision I made. I got admission into the diploma programme in UNILAG immediately after my secondary school education. After the year-long diploma programme, I got into UNILAG through direct entry.
Did you plan to have a first class or was it just hard work?
I always knew I wanted to excel. So, graduating with a first class was definitely in my plans, and I started having first class in my second year with a GPA of 4.62. Interestingly, I didn’t exactly make any sacrifices, but I made sure I did all I was supposed to do as a student, so I wouldn’t necessarily classify the things I did as different from what others did. I read extensively and made sure God was major part of everything I did, just like many other students.
Was there any reward from your parents for good performance?
I received gifts, and I went on vacations. They also threw me a party to celebrate my convocation.
What was your first year like?
Getting used to the university environment wasn’t the easiest of things to do. Also, because I wasn’t staying on campus, and first year classes were always very full, I hardly ever got to hear the lecturers or see the board because I always ended up at the back of the large class. I was happy when I got into 200 Level and the number of students attending same lectures significantly reduced.
What was your typical day like as an undergraduate?
I was an early riser, because I loved to have enough time before lectures to get myself in order and prepare for the day. I attended my classes, and after the last class of the day, I would return to my room and rest for about two hours. Thereafter, I would go to the university library and study till about 9pm. After that, I would go back to my room, and I was done for the day. And on the average, I was sleeping for at least eight hours, which I believed was the required period for sleep. I tried to read for at least four to five hours daily, but that was not always possible. I didn’t believe in sitting in the library and forcing myself to read when I knew it wasn’t getting anywhere. I would rather take a break and return to the books when I felt ready. I always read my notes which I took in class, but I also made sure I read textbooks, to provide myself with a broader knowledge of what was taught in class. I used to go to the library almost every day, primarily to use textbooks and for the serenity of the environment. Due to the nature of the course I studied, which was mainly theory and no calculations, I preferred to read such courses in a quiet environment where I could concentrate. For courses with more numbers and equations than words, I could read those in a not-so-quiet environment.
What was your schedule like during exams?
During exams, I did more of group reading with some of my course mates. We solved past questions together and taught one another. I did this because I saw it as an opportunity to learn from my friends and also to help those that needed my help.
How would you describe your social life in school?
I didn’t really have an active social life, not because of anything; that’s just how I am. I didn’t go out much, and apart from the occasional movie or birthday party, I was always in my room. And in my early years in school, I wasn’t really involved in anything until my final year when I participated in some activities.
Are you worried by the unemployment crisis in Nigeria?
I know it might not be easy, but I’m willing to give it all I have until I get a good job. My sister, who really inspires me, didn’t get a job immediately after her service year. Nonetheless, she was relentless, and today she has a very good job. I try not to be fazed by events around me, because I believe that when the time comes, God-willing, I would get the perfect job.
How did you manage gestures from your male colleagues?
I had many male friends. In fact, there were just two females in my class, and the male students often came to me for help and I always tried to help everyone I could without being condescending or overly familiar. I was able to keep my friends without giving anyone the wrong ideas. And I made sure I kept good friends.
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