Meet UNN Best Graduating Students Who Used Ropes As Belts And Drank Garri Everyday

Eke Ifeanyichukwu Emmanuel has graduated as the 2015/2016 best graduating student of University of
Nigeria, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.83.

Eke Emmanuel He recently had an interview with Vanguard, in which he revealed some. sacrifices he had to make to focus on his studies.

When asked what inspired him, he said:"I feel excited. I see it as a realized dream. During the 2012/2013 award night ceremony, I was opportune to have attended the award night.

"At the ceremony, I was so excited seeing students like me shaking dignitaries and principal officers of the university.

That day, I desired to be like them. I was motivated.

"That same night, I went back to my
room and brought out my diary. I wrote a prayer request to God, that God, I want to be a first class student of Microbiology in my department and in the whole institution; I want to be the best. It is a realized dream."

Speaking on the various challenges, he said:
"I had a whole lot of challenges. One of them was financial challenge. I am from a very humble background. We reside in Aba.

"I remember in my first and second
years, I used to drink garri (cassava
flakes) and eat Fibre active biscuit. It
was a daily ration to me. I also used
ropes as belts as a student.

"I remember then, I had few clothes. No shoes to where, only slippers. Having money to pay my fees was an issue. I stayed in the hostel from first year till I graduated. In my first year, I was having an eye challenge.

"Then, I would be seated in front of the classroom. Yet, I would not see what was written on the board. No money to go to the hospital for check up much less of getting glasses."

Speaking on his love for his course of study, he said: "It was when I got
admission that I started seeing the
whole things about Medicine.

I looked at Microbiology and I said why not study these little creatures that impede the world.

"They control the world. When you look at diseases, micro organisms are the ones controlling the world.

About 70 percents of oxygen available in the world is being contributed by micro organisms.

Studying Microbiology was my passion.

"And studying little creatures gives my joy."

Speaking on the next steps for him, he said: "My dream is to continue giving my best. I see myself as an educationalist. I want to establish schools.

"I want to change the ways our
secondary school students are being
taught.

I want to change the educational
system of Nigeria. I want to bring good methods on how to teach them. But before then, I want to do my postgraduate study.

"I love teaching. I do organize tutorials for fellow students while in school.

During holidays, I do work as a
secondary teacher in schools. I love
teaching and as I teach, I understand
better. I see myself as an upcoming
lecturer and a voice in my field."