₦airaland Forum

"The kind of challenge I love. I'm definitely joining this..."

Those were my words on April 1, 2023, during my first semester as a Direct Entry student at the University of Jos. Earlier that day, while scrolling through a Nairaland thread titled "My First Semester University Result", I came across a discussion started by a Law student documenting his journey towards graduating with a First-Class degree.

Original thread (April 2023): https://www.nairaland.com/7634632/first-semester-university-result#122179638⁠�


As I read through the comments, two in particular caught my attention.

"Well done bro, and more power to your elbow. I promise you at least ₦500K (could be way higher) if you graduate with a first class. Please bookmark this post and remind me later. Best wishes." — Yoighaman

Another user added:

"I'll also gift you ₦200K if you make a first class... Mention me then." GeneralPula

Although those comments weren't directed at me, something about them resonated with me.
Without thinking twice, I replied:

"The kind of challenge I love. I'm definitely joining this. Just started my D.E. programme, still awaiting my first semester result."

A few minutes later, another reply came:

"Kindly join the challenge."

I smiled. Little did I know that those few words would become a promise I would carry with me for the next three years.

Before arriving at the University of Jos, I had graduated from the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, where I studied Public Administration and finished with a Distinction (3.95/4.00). Through Direct Entry, I gained admission on merit into the University of Jos to study Political Science. Getting admitted wasn't the challenge.

The challenge was proving that I could leave one institution, switch to a different discipline, adapt to a completely new academic environment, and still compete with the very best. As a Direct Entry student, I was joining a department where many students had already spent years together. They understood the system, knew the lecturers, and had already established themselves academically. Being a non-indigene also meant I often felt I had to work twice as hard just to prove that I belonged. Yet I refused to allow my background to become my limitation. The journey wasn't without its moments of doubt.

One semester in particular my 300 Level, first semester tested me like never before. When the results were released, six out of the seven courses I took came back with exactly the same score: 68. In our grading system, 70 earns an A. I was just two marks short in six different courses.
Ironically, the only A I had that semester came from a course outside my department. I won't pretend that it didn't hurt, seeing six courses stop exactly two marks short of an A was one of the most discouraging moments of my academic journey. For a moment, I questioned everything, I wondered whether I would ever reach the goal I had set for myself, but instead of allowing disappointment to define me, I chose to let it refine me.I became even more determined.

University, for me, was never just about academics. Beyond the classroom, I had the privilege of serving as the Secretary General of the National Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS), University of Jos Chapter. I represented my department at the American Space during the commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, where I delivered a speech inspired by Dr. King's vision and legacy. I worked with classmates on research presentations, supported group members whenever I could, participated in departmental programmes, attended social events, enjoyed sporting activities, and embraced every opportunity to grow beyond the four walls of the classroom. I wanted my transcript to reflect excellence. But I also wanted my leadership, service, relationships, and character to reflect growth.

Balancing academics, leadership, and an active social life wasn't easy.There were demanding lectures, endless assignments, meetings, presentations, deadlines, sleepless nights, and moments of self-doubt. Yet through God's grace, discipline, consistency, resilience, and the support of family, friends, mentors, and colleagues, I kept going.

Fast forward to 2026. By the grace of God, I graduated from the University of Jos with a First-Class degree. The first time was nice, so I had to do it twice. A Distinction in Public Administration from the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi and First-Class Honours degree in Political Science from the University of Jos. Different institutions, different disciplines but the same commitment to excellence.

Today, I remembered that Nairaland thread. Three years ago, I accepted a challenge from strangers on the internet.Today, I'm back to say… Challenge completed. To everyone pursuing a dream whether you're a Direct Entry student, a transfer student, a newcomer, or simply someone trying to prove that you belong, remember this: Your background does not determine your destination. Your environment does not have the final say. Stay disciplined, stay consistent, trust God through the process and when the day finally comes you wouldn't need to convince anyone ...Your results would speak for you.

@Yoighaman
@GeneralPula

@olawalebabs @Richiez @Fynestboi Please help me push to the front page.

That's equivalent of graduating in gender studies or acapella with honours .


You just wasted time and resources acquiring a toilet paper when you could have gotten skills.

What next after this?

DAAD scholarship?

MSc in Germany?
PhD in Germany?

God has given you an opportunity.

Don't waste it.

Joyful365:
What next after this?

DAAD scholarship?

MSc in Germany?
PhD in Germany?

God has given you an opportunity.

Don't waste it.

Yes, academia has always been my goal, so I’m now looking into scholarship opportunities abroad. I really appreciate the support. Thank you.

Kaczynski:
That's equivalent of graduating in gender studies or acapella with honours .


You just wasted time and resources acquiring a toilet paper when you could have gotten skills.

Thank you so much for your kind words.

The better question might be: did I pick up skills along the way? I think so. While in school I delved into aluminium fabrication and also helped run the family business.

And just to point out, this might not have been the course I set out to study as a kid, life happened at some point but that doesn’t water down the feat. Thank you.

Follow this advice for your own good.

Joyful365:
What next after this?

DAAD scholarship?

MSc in Germany?
PhD in Germany?

God has given you an opportunity.

Don't waste it.

Na everything be joke to you?

Kaczynski:
That's equivalent of graduating in gender studies or acapella with honours .


You just wasted time and resources acquiring a toilet paper when you could have gotten skills.

Congratulations Promise. You could email me let's discuss the way forward for you.

Congratulations to you.
You have done well.
Let God,the Universe and Labour Market favour you and guide your path.

😊🥂

I like your thread, especially your educated response to the person who challenged the usefulness of your education. It seems that people have to live up to their 2023 promises. Before moving on to what's next, take some time to celebrate your current accomplishments. You deserve it.

If you don't celebrate success, it won't celebrate you


Nlfpmod

LordIsaac:
Congratulations Promise. You could email me let's discuss the way forward for you.

Thank you so much. I would do that right away.🙏

poshestmina:
Congratulations to you.
You have done well.
Let God,the Universe and Labour Market favour you and guide your path.

😊🥂

Amen and thank you so much🙏.

SixSeven:
I like your thread, especially your educated response to the person who challenged the usefulness of your education. It seems that people have to live up to their 2023 promises. Before moving on to what's next, take some time to celebrate your current accomplishments. You deserve it.

If you don't celebrate success, it won't celebrate you


Nlfpmod

From his purview, it probably wouldn't have been the best choice, but he forgets to each man, his own battles. One day I would tell the story of how I spent almost 9 years just to get here. But that is a story for another day.

Thank you so much.🙏

kelechi50:
Follow this advice for your own good.

Sure thing Boss. Thank you so much.

Kudos chief, e didn't easy .

Gotocourt:
Kudos chief, e didn't easy .

At all. Thank you Boss🙌.

I also studied POL Science at UNILORIN but na YouTube automation we dey do now. All's good sha. Congratulations brother. I go join you for senate someday.

Those who made promises, made it during Buhari's tenure...since then, Petrol has gone up, house rent has gone up, Nepa bill has gone up, ... People are now selling Akara, Kulikuli and Roasted corn...I hope they will be able to fulfill their promises. Generalpula and co....over to you

This is commendable
Congratulations on your milestone
More achievements and accomplishments in Jesus' name; Amen!

Congratulations op. I celebrate you. Kudos man. Don't expect much from people. I wish you the best in life

Congratulations Promise

What's the importance of this pls in this very country I am only thinking aloud

Congratulations. You tried

Congratulations. Better days ahead !

Please help us appeal to Seun to remove that attachment dat always appear when u open nairaland. It can be attached elsewhere without compelling one to click on it

Congratulations, brother

Congratulations, now you have made a good foundation..

I NEVER MADE ANY PROMISE TO YOU BUT REACH OUT TO ME ILL, ENCOURAGE YOU WITH CERTAIN OPPORTUNITIES

Congratulations.... But please be guided as not to think that First class from a Nigerian university equals success in life.

Try to identify a problem and start solving it in our society, that's the new thrend

Promisesmiling:
"The kind of challenge I love. I'm definitely joining this..."

Those were my words on April 1, 2023, during my first semester as a Direct Entry student at the University of Jos. Earlier that day, while scrolling through a Nairaland thread titled "My First Semester University Result", I came across a discussion started by a Law student documenting his journey towards graduating with a First-Class degree.

Original thread (April 2023): https://www.nairaland.com/7634632/first-semester-university-result#122179638⁠�


As I read through the comments, two in particular caught my attention.

"Well done bro, and more power to your elbow. I promise you at least ₦500K (could be way higher) if you graduate with a first class. Please bookmark this post and remind me later. Best wishes." — Yoighaman

Another user added:

"I'll also gift you ₦200K if you make a first class... Mention me then." GeneralPula

Although those comments weren't directed at me, something about them resonated with me.
Without thinking twice, I replied:

"The kind of challenge I love. I'm definitely joining this. Just started my D.E. programme, still awaiting my first semester result."

A few minutes later, another reply came:

"Kindly join the challenge."

I smiled. Little did I know that those few words would become a promise I would carry with me for the next three years.

Before arriving at the University of Jos, I had graduated from the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, where I studied Public Administration and finished with a Distinction (3.95/4.00). Through Direct Entry, I gained admission on merit into the University of Jos to study Political Science. Getting admitted wasn't the challenge.

The challenge was proving that I could leave one institution, switch to a different discipline, adapt to a completely new academic environment, and still compete with the very best. As a Direct Entry student, I was joining a department where many students had already spent years together. They understood the system, knew the lecturers, and had already established themselves academically. Being a non-indigene also meant I often felt I had to work twice as hard just to prove that I belonged. Yet I refused to allow my background to become my limitation. The journey wasn't without its moments of doubt.

One semester in particular my 300 Level, first semester tested me like never before. When the results were released, six out of the seven courses I took came back with exactly the same score: 68. In our grading system, 70 earns an A. I was just two marks short in six different courses.
Ironically, the only A I had that semester came from a course outside my department. I won't pretend that it didn't hurt, seeing six courses stop exactly two marks short of an A was one of the most discouraging moments of my academic journey. For a moment, I questioned everything, I wondered whether I would ever reach the goal I had set for myself, but instead of allowing disappointment to define me, I chose to let it refine me.I became even more determined.

University, for me, was never just about academics. Beyond the classroom, I had the privilege of serving as the Secretary General of the National Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS), University of Jos Chapter. I represented my department at the American Space during the commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, where I delivered a speech inspired by Dr. King's vision and legacy. I worked with classmates on research presentations, supported group members whenever I could, participated in departmental programmes, attended social events, enjoyed sporting activities, and embraced every opportunity to grow beyond the four walls of the classroom. I wanted my transcript to reflect excellence. But I also wanted my leadership, service, relationships, and character to reflect growth.

Balancing academics, leadership, and an active social life wasn't easy.There were demanding lectures, endless assignments, meetings, presentations, deadlines, sleepless nights, and moments of self-doubt. Yet through God's grace, discipline, consistency, resilience, and the support of family, friends, mentors, and colleagues, I kept going.

Fast forward to 2026. By the grace of God, I graduated from the University of Jos with a First-Class degree. The first time was nice, so I had to do it twice. A Distinction in Public Administration from the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi and First-Class Honours degree in Political Science from the University of Jos. Different institutions, different disciplines but the same commitment to excellence.

Today, I remembered that Nairaland thread. Three years ago, I accepted a challenge from strangers on the internet.Today, I'm back to say… Challenge completed. To everyone pursuing a dream whether you're a Direct Entry student, a transfer student, a newcomer, or simply someone trying to prove that you belong, remember this: Your background does not determine your destination. Your environment does not have the final say. Stay disciplined, stay consistent, trust God through the process and when the day finally comes you wouldn't need to convince anyone ...Your results would speak for you.

@Yoighaman
@GeneralPula

@olawalebabs @Richiez @Fynestboi Please help me push to the front page.

Just seeing your message.

Congratulations! Nice one for sticking it out!

Please allow some time for proper investigation and verification.

Will revert.

Cheers.

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Keep excelling in Jesus name. Amen.
I tap this excellence for my children.

Reading.

Very inspiring story (worthy of emulation you have there young man. May The Lord blees your effort and The Universe continue to favor you.

NB: Try as much as you can for your name to be on a stable sequence.