How I made First Class in UNILAG –Okinedo

Six years after graduating from Radiance High School, FESTAC Town, Lagos, Miss Okinedo Elizabeth returned recently to her alma mater with a testimony of success. She bagged First Class degree in Cell Biology and Genetics from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka. The 24-year-old lady won the guest speaker’s slot at this year’s graduation ceremony of her alma mater (Radiance School), where she shared the secrets of her academic success.
Speaking on the topic, Soar Like an Eagle, Okinedo recalled her early years in Radiance School, where she graduated among the top students in 2010. She told Campus Sun that she had wanted to study Medicine and Surgery as her first choice but couldn’t scale the rigorous admission process. She opted for a foundation programme in the university, with the intention of going into her dream course.
Sadly, Okinedo’s hope of becoming a medical doctor crashed when she found her name on the admission list of the department of Cell Biology and Genetics. Undeterred by the setback, she embraced the programme, studied diligently and graduated in First Class division.
On the secrets of her success, she said: “As far as hardwork was important, there are other factors that are crucial for success. You should know what you want. I actually wanted to study Medicine and Surgery but I ended up getting admission to study Cell Biology and Genetics. It was my interest in the medical sciences that actually prompted my success. When I was admitted, I focused on the course. I developed interest not because the courses were really interesting, but I loved what I was doing. For one to be successful, one must have love for what one is doing,” she said.
Okinedo urged the graduating students to have a clear vision of what they want in life and work towards it. “Do not allow the present economic recession to discourage you. Renew your strength like an eagle. Always strive to be the best at all times”, she said.
Aside Okinedo, Radiance School also celebrated other outstanding alumni, including, Opara Miracle, who also bagged First Class in Accounting at the Covenant University, Otta, Ogun State.
While commending the students’ outstanding performance, the Chairman of Radiance Schools, Dr Chris Menkiti, urged them to live as worthy ambassadors of the school and carve a niche for themselves in a world full of opportunities.
“The future is bright. Many possibilities exist for you. Be bold and courageous in how you tackle them, being cognisant of the values that the school has imparted on you.”
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the school, Dr Max Menkiti, said the school had become a springboard for young ladies and gentlemen, equipped with practical knowledge and bold spirit to conquer the world. He said the graduating class had been instructed and well prepared, and urged them to invest the knowledge and values acquired in the school in their chosen careers.
The Principal, Mrs Edith Okonkwo, urged the graduating students to imitate their predecessors, with shining academic records in their chosen careers. In attendance at the graduation ceremony were the Proprietress of the school, Mrs Ethel Ifeyinwa Menkiti, members of the Board of Director, Prof Gbabe Sote, his wife, Prof Sote, the PTA Chairman, Onoyima F.F, among other dignitaries.