"I TEACH IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL AND I LIKE IT" - 20 YRS OLD CONVENANT UNIVERSITY FIRST CLASS GRADUATE SPEAKS.

Ogunkoya Opeyemi, 20, is a first-class Biochemistry graduate of Covenant University, but she is currently
undergoing the National Youth Service Corps programme, where she was deployed in a secondary school to teach. Interestingly, Opeyemi, who had 4.70 CGPA in the 2014/2015 academic session, says she's enjoying the experience. She shares more about her experience in this interview

You graduated last year, what have you been doing since then?

I’m currently undergoing my National Youth Service Corps programme. I’m teaching in a public school and the experience has not been bad at all.

It must have been a lot of work to graduate with a first class. Was it?

Earning a first class in Biochemistry wasn’t an easy task. It took a lot of hard work, dedication, commitment and sacrifices. In all, it wasn’t my efforts that counted, only God’s grace did.

Apart from God’s grace, were there other things you did differently to be better?

It was my decision from the start to put my very best into all my endeavours while in school. But there is more to success than determination. So, I ensured I attended all classes, did all assignments and committed two hours to study every day. I was always time conscious, I organised my activities and prioritised effectively. I read for minimum of two hours daily, but during tests and exams, I studied for as long as it took. Sleep was not very important to me during examinations; I only ensured that I fed well. Also, I borrowed books from the library but I preferred to read in a well-ventilated classroom, especially on top floors where I could have a view of a beautiful landscape.

Ogunkoya Opeyemi, 20, is a first-class Biochemistry graduate of Covenant University, but she is currently undergoing the National Youth Service Corps programme, where she was deployed in a secondary school to teach. Interestingly, Opeyemi, who had 4.70 CGPA in the 2014/2015 academic session, says she's enjoying the experience. She shares more about her experience in this interview

You graduated last year, what have you been doing since then?

I’m currently undergoing my National Youth Service Corps programme. I’m teaching in a public school and the experience has not been bad at all.

It must have been a lot of work to graduate with a first class. Was it?

Earning a first class in Biochemistry wasn’t an easy task. It took a lot of hard work, dedication, commitment and sacrifices. In all, it wasn’t my efforts that counted, only God’s grace did.

Apart from God’s grace, were there other things you did differently to be better?

It was my decision from the start to put my very best into all my endeavours while in school. But there is more to success than determination. So, I ensured I attended all classes, did all assignments and committed two hours to study every day. I was always time conscious, I organised my activities and prioritised effectively. I read for minimum of two hours daily, but during tests and exams, I studied for as long as it took. Sleep was not very important to me during examinations; I only ensured that I fed well. Also, I borrowed books from the library but I preferred to read in a well-ventilated classroom, especially on top floors where I could have a view of a beautiful landscape.

What were your memorable moments while in school?

I remember a time when the sole of my heeled shoe pulled out on my way to Faith Tabernacle on a Sunday morning. I had to walk on bare feet despite my gorgeous dressing. It was quite embarrassing. However, I enjoyed the moments I spent with my friends.

Were you a sociable student or you were always reading when others had gone to have fun?

I wasn’t the sociable butterfly but I had a circle of close friends. I had many acquaintances too. I loved meeting new people, hanging out and doing fun things with my friends. At my leisure, I watched movies, read my anthropology books and spent time hanging out with friends. I spent part of my money on fashion, especially on weaves, clothes and wristwatches, though I saved some part of the money.

Is there anything you wish you had done as a student that you could not do?

I wish I had applied for scholarships to fund my university education but I was never exposed to such opportunities.

Do you have role models?

Yes. My role models are Condoleezza Rice, Justice Jumoke Pedro and my lovely mum, Mrs. A. A. Ogunkoya.