BSU First Class Graduate Says To His Parents, Being the Best Wasn’t an Option

Alex Iyaji, 24, made first class at the Department of Biological Science, Benue State University, with 4.53 CGPA in the 2014/2015 academic session. In this interview with TUNDE AJAJA, he speaks on life after school.

According to him, he grew up in a home where being the best wasn’t an option; it was a necessity. In his own words:

“In fact, I can recall my dad telling us that anyone who didn’t top their class would be taken to the mechanic workshop to start learning how to fix vehicles and that whatever we become in life is first and foremost for our satisfaction. He implored us to learn to make ourselves proud first, and that they would share in our glory as parents. I think that formed the basic framework of my being serious and it helped me till date.”

He also said that making a first class wasn’t easy at all. In his own words:

“It wasn’t easy at all, considering the enormous responsibility that comes with being the best in your class; the sleepless nights to get things done, the moments of tears for fear of uncertainty, the extreme reading measures adopted, the indirect burden for you not to fail and the effects of hatred and jealousy that sometimes come from sources unknown made graduating with a first class very difficult. Stories of how first class doesn’t come to those who deserve it but those who find favour in the sight of their lecturers was another challenge to overcome. I was even told how impossible it was for a student that wasn’t a native to make a first class in the school, but I didn’t let the stories deter me because I believed there is always a first time for every impossible situation and I proved it to the Glory of God at the end. The moment I saw my admission letter, I proposed in my heart to graduate with a first class.”