₦airaland Forum

Promisesmiling:
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.

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.

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.

Promisesmiling:
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.

Promisesmiling:
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.

MarketDispatch:
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

TONYE001:
Importantly, think widely and smartly.

If this is not the course you had originally wanted, you can still pursue your desire. I don't know your age, and your situation. But my life is testament that you can pursue your desire.

Just have the will, and see it happen.

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.

bigdammyj:
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.

Yoighaman:
Just seeing your message.

Congratulations! Nice one for sticking it out!

Please allow sometime for proper investigation and verification.

Will revert.

Cheers.

Promisesmiling:
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.

gassbee:
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

kelechi50:
Follow this advice for your own good.

SixSeven:
What I like is that in today's world, I've noticed that content creation likes challenge games. This is the kind of challenge I want to see as content because the outcome is for his own good not just for views. I'm very happy for him and tempted to add my 2cents to his success because this are the people worth celebrating and encouraging. We have over the years celebrated mediocrity and crass, that's why the worst of us are making headlines. If OP has a donation scheme, after verification by the others I will not mind because someone like this is likely to pass the baton to another one. This is the kind of stuff I want to see on social media and Nairaland should feature more of this for our youth who get distracted with short term nonsense

Promisesmiling:
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.

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.

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.

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.

Promisesmiling:
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.🙏