₦airaland Forum

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.

Omoawoke:
Mbappe now has the highest goals ever in World Cup history

Thank you Mbappe for sending Messi’s record parking

Wotowotoman:
This match don show say an attack with Saka and Rashford is more effective than one with that big headed penalty taker called Harry Kane

dominique:
France players ar demoralised, they don't want to play in this match at all

Horus:
They should alert environmental protection agencies or emergency services so they can collect samples to pinpoint the exact source

Peacecore:
You're very bias and very hypocritical

seunmsg:
You are just a presidential candidate and not a real contender. The contest in 2023 was between Tinubu and Atiku and the contest in 2027 will still be between Tinubu and Atiku. If you want a presidential debate so badly, go and debate Sowore of AAC and Gbenga Olawepo of Accord party candidate. Those are the presidential candidates in your cycle of presidential wannabes.

Dreal1247:
We should all be praying for President Donald Trump. That man is God sent. These beasts don't regard agreement once they are advantaged. They have no pardon or mercy in their dictionary. This is the set of people that Nigerian Government is admitting into the Nigerian Military. Little wonder the security system in Nigeria is declining on daily basis. I pray that they don't kidnap our president one day. All those speaking for terrorists in Nigeria should be arrested and be compelled to give a detailed account on their dealings with the terrorists. A particular former governor made it clear that they are the ones that eliminated late.President Yar Adua.
TERRORISTS SHOULD BE SENT BACK TO THEIR CREATOR ONCE CAPTURED.

Kog45:
I see pain

nedekid:
Abi ohh, OBJ once said failure should not be rewarded, first thing he learnt when he joined the army.
But alas naija people will never learn. We complained about buhari and apc that nothing good will ever come out. Despite all the shenanigans Nigerians rewarded the despot with a second term, we all agreed he finally failed, but what will naija people still do, they brought in the current characters, a bunch of life long shady folks, today the country is where it is, the country breaking records for poverty, the award for lowerst life expectancy in the world, as in Sudan, Somalia, Niger, Chad has higher life expectancy than Nigerians.
Imagine me complaining in year 2020, not knowing it could get worse and worse.

Lithiumite:
Obi should show us the o es he built in anambra or the mega schools in his 8 yeras as gov..... his deranged followers will shamelessly cone out and start telling us he save money in a bank he has personal interests in,used the money to recapitalise is bank and earn undeclared interests while the state was in dire need of insfrastructure,doctors were on strike for 13 months,he was busy firing non anambra indigenes from the public service,not a single mechanised farm or agro processing hub but he was keeping the people's money.....is that how he will come and be keeping nigerias money when the country badly needs govt to spend us out of this recession.

omoredia:
Who cares what a patron of boko haram is saying?