I Wrote JAMB Five Times Before Securing Admission – Nasarawa Varsity Distinction Graduate

Rindap T. Yero graduated with distinction from the Medical Laboratory Science Department of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, in 2025. In this interview with AHMED TAHIR, he speaks on how he nearly gave up on university education, battled a life-threatening illness at a critical point in his journey, and overcame the odds to emerge top of his class.

Congratulations on your feat. Can you tell us about yourself?

My name is Rindap T. Yero. I was born on August 1, 1997, and I am from Pilgani village in Langtang North local government area of Plateau State. I gained admission into the Federal University of Lafia in 2019 and graduated in 2025.

What course did you study, and what inspired you to choose it?

I studied Medical Laboratory Science, a field I grew to deeply love over time. My interest in the medical field started early, and Medical Laboratory Science gave me the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for science with my desire to help people. Over time, my training and experiences strengthened my commitment and gave me a deeper appreciation of the critical role laboratory science plays in accurate diagnosis and patient care.There is something truly fulfilling about being part of the process that uncovers what is happening inside the human body and contributes to saving lives. It also inspires me to keep improving myself, knowing that precision and excellence in this field can directly affect outcomes and save lives.

What went through your mind when you realised you had graduated with a Distinction?

Honestly, I didn’t see it coming at the start of my journey. But standing at the finish line with a Distinction, I feel deeply grateful, fulfilled, and proud. It’s a feeling that’s hard to fully describe, a mix of joy, relief, and quiet satisfaction. All the long hours of study, the sacrifices, and the moments of doubt suddenly felt worth it. This achievement has strengthened my confidence and motivated me to continue striving for excellence in everything I do.

So you didn’t expect to graduate with a Distinction?

Not initially. After my 100-level result of 4.17, I realised I had to step up. I made a conscious decision to push myself harder, stay disciplined, and remain focused. By the time I reached 400 level, I had built confidence in my ability to finish strong. One strategy that really helped me was tutoring my classmates; it reinforced my understanding, kept me consistent, and taught me to approach problems from different perspectives. Looking back, I can say that every challenge and setback along the way prepared me for this achievement.

What initial steps did you take that helped build the confidence behind such an impressive outcome?

I developed a solid study routine, stayed focused, and wasn’t afraid to ask for help when I needed it. I also learned how to manage my time effectively, balancing academics with life outside school. One of the most impactful strategies was tutoring my classmates, it not only reinforced my understanding but also became my most powerful tool for staying consistent and confident throughout my journey.

Did you ever face a moment so tough that you considered giving up?

Yes. One of the toughest moments came during my 500-level first semester. I faced serious health issues that led to hospitalisation and surgery, causing me to miss an entire semester of lectures. As a result, my CGPA dropped slightly, from 4.77 to 4.73. That period was physically exhausting and emotionally draining, and at times it tested my resolve. But it also taught me resilience. I had to push through the setback, refocus on my goals, and remind myself why I started this journey in the first place.

How did you manage to overcome that challenging period?

I overcame it through soul-searching and reflecting on how far I had already come, and how much effort I had invested to reach that stage. I realised I had to recommit to pushing forward, not just to make up for the grades I had lost, but to perform even better. I dedicated myself fully in the final semester, worked tirelessly, and was able to recover and finish strong. That experience taught me the importance of resilience, focus, and never losing sight of your goals, no matter the obstacles.

What was your family background like financially, and did you have everything you needed while growing up?

I didn’t come from affluence. Life was generally tough. I grew up in a complex but resilient family. My father had two wives, and my mother is the younger one. They are now divorced, and my mother has remarried, while I live with my dad and stepmother. My father is a retired primary school teacher, and my mother never had formal education. Life wasn’t always easy, but through it all, my family did their best to support me, and that encouragement and care meant everything to me.

Did your family fund your education, or did you support yourself through other means?

I was largely self-sponsored throughout university. I earned stipends from printing and tutoring my fellow students, which helped sustain me. I was also fortunate to receive a Federal Government scholarship that covered my tuition. That support was a huge relief, and I remain deeply grateful for it.

What excites you most about working in Medical Laboratory Science?

What excites me most is the opportunity to work behind the scenes in healthcare, uncovering hidden conditions and contributing to accurate diagnoses. It feels like being a healthcare detective, directly impacting patient care and saving lives. The field challenges you to think analytically and provides opportunities to explore diverse areas such as microbiology, hematology, and forensic science. For me, the most fulfilling part is knowing that my work, though often unseen, plays a critical role in improving outcomes and supporting evidence-based medicine.

You mentioned writing JAMB multiple times, what was that experience like?

I started writing JAMB in 2014 and attempted it five consecutive times before finally gaining admission in 2019. Along the way, I studied at the Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology (FCVMLT), Vom, and even received other admission offers, but I turned them down because I was determined to study Medical Laboratory Science.

Many students in your position would have chosen medicine, which is considered a first-choice course. Why didn’t you opt for that?

That’s largely true, but as I mentioned earlier, I had already found my passion in Medical Laboratory Science. The field gives me a platform to uncover the hidden causes of diseases. Every time I step into a hospital setting, I feel an inner drive to investigate and reveal these hidden conditions, especially in my hometown, where peculiar disease cases are often mistakenly attributed to spiritual causes.

What kept you going through all the challenges?

My faith in God, the support of my family, and my desire to build a better future kept me moving forward. Coming from a family of five, with a retired father, I knew I had to put in extra effort to succeed and make their sacrifices worthwhile.

What’s next for you after this achievement?

I have a strong passion for teaching and mentoring others, so pursuing a Master’s degree is the natural next step for me. I’m excited about the future and the opportunities ahead, and I hope to inspire and guide others on their own journeys, just as I was guided.