Consistency, Focus, Right Circle Fueled My Academic Excellence – Unical First-Class Graduate

24-year-old Blessing Alims-Ojisor is a first-class graduate from the University of Calabar (Unical). In this interview with RICHARD NDOMA, she attributes her success to determination and focus, refusing to let her Student Union Government (SUG) position affect her academic performance. She also reveals how she was able to balance academics and leadership responsibilities

Your achievements are inspiring , would you be open to sharing some insights in person?

My name is Blessing Alims-Ojisor, a proud native of Bekwara local government area in Cross River State. I am 24 years old and a first-class graduate in Peace Studies, Conflict, and Resolution from the University of Calabar (Unical), having successfully completed my studies in 2025. I would be glad to share my experiences and insights, especially on balancing academics and leadership, to inspire others on their own journeys to excellence.

You graduated with first-class honors, what was the driving force behind your success, and how did you achieve it?

The secret, I believe, lies in unwavering determination and a commitment to make a difference. University exposes you to a variety of people and perspectives, and how you navigate that environment depends entirely on your goals and aspirations. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I made a personal vow: I would not settle for mediocrity; I would strive relentlessly to succeed.

Having worked for many years to gain admission into the university, I felt a profound responsibility to make the most of the opportunity. I resolved that if I was finally in the university, I must excel in every endeavour and leave a legacy worth remembering. This mindset, combined with focus and perseverance, guided me toward achieving first-class honors.

 As a student, how did you balance your social life . Did you go clubbing, or spend your nights attending classes and studying?

My priority was always academics, so I dedicated most of my time to studying and attending classes. I rarely went out clubbing, as I knew that every moment spent wisely would bring me closer to my goals. I believe that discipline doesn’t mean completely avoiding fun, but it’s about making choices that align with your long-term vision. Surrounding myself with like-minded friends who shared similar ambitions also helped me stay focused and motivated throughout my university years.

I also made it a point to attend night classes, especially during my 200 level, to reinforce what I had learned during the day. Even before entering the university, I was actively working and engaging in various extracurricular activities, which taught me how to manage my time effectively. I would use any spare moment to sit with my books and study, treating my reading time as a conversation with the material itself.

For me, preparation isn’t something you cram a few days or months before exams, you start immediately after the lesson is taught. One key factor in my success was consistent lecture attendance; I rarely missed a class unless I was genuinely ill or out of town. My lecturers can attest to this. I understood early on that what is explained in class resonates far more deeply than notes borrowed from classmates. This commitment to attending classes and engaging fully with my studies laid a strong foundation for my academic achievements, even while balancing leadership responsibilities as SUG president.

Was your course difficult to pursue?

Absolutely. Every course has its challenges, otherwise, everyone would graduate with top honors effortlessly. The difficulty of a course is part of what shapes your discipline, resilience, and ability to excel. What matters is not avoiding the challenges, but embracing them and finding ways to overcome them through focus, consistency, and hard work.

 As a student, what kind of friends did you keep? Can your success be attributed to the friends you surrounded yourself with?

I intentionally kept friends who aligned with my vision and values, I mean people who understood my goals and supported my aspirations. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals was crucial, as their mindset and principles resonated with mine. I believe the company you keep plays a significant role in shaping your habits, focus, and ultimately, your success. My friends motivated me to stay disciplined

and reminded me of the standards I set for myself, making my journey to first-class honors smoother and more sustainable.

Were you the “party type” while at university?

No, I was never the party type. Even as SUG president, I rarely attended student award nights or dinner events. My focus was always on my academics and personal development rather than socializing for its own sake.

How did you manage to become SUG president if you weren’t the party type? One might assume leadership roles require a more social persona?

Leadership isn’t about being the most social or outgoing; it’s about personality, values, and integrity. I made it clear from the beginning what I stood for and the principles I cherished. Being transparent about your priorities allows people to respect your boundaries while trusting you to lead effectively. Staying true to your values and keeping your focus on your goals helps you navigate leadership without compromising your academic or personal standards.

Regarding finances, did you ever owe school fees or struggle with tuition payments during your studies?

No, I was never indebted to the school. I ensured my tuition and other obligations were met promptly, as staying financially responsible was part of my broader discipline and commitment to excelling academically.

There have been rumours that your election as SUG president was orchestrated by the immediate past Vice Chancellor to serve her interests. How do you respond to that?

In what way? That’s simply not true. The Vice Chancellor was not a student and had no voting rights in the SUG elections, so she could not “install” anyone. My election was the result of genuine support from my fellow students. They trusted me, believed in my vision, and chose me to represent them. In fact, it was the students themselves that celebrated me.The announcement—an unmistakable sign that this victory was theirs, not anyone else’s. The election was based on merit, leadership qualities, and the confidence of the student body, and nothing else.

We heard she saw you as someone who could be a stooge, which is why she allegedly had you installed as SUG president to carry out her bidding?

The immediate past Vice Chancellor was not a student, and she did not have voting rights in the SUG elections. So how could she “install” me? I want to again tell you that I  won the election because I was genuinely supported by my fellow students. You can even check the records, it was the students themselves who lifted me up and carried me to the Vice Chancellor’s office during the announcement.

What message do you have for students striving for academic excellence?

First, understand why you applied to be a student in the first place. People have different reasons for being in school, and you must know your own purpose. Academic excellence requires focus, discipline, and intentional choices. The friends you keep can either help or hinder your progress. Too often, students get distracted, spending time socializing, “vibing” with the popular crowd, or seeking validation, rather than focusing on their studies.

My advice is simple: surround yourself with friends who share your vision, take your studies seriously, and never lose sight of why you are in school. Not everyone will graduate with a first-class degree, and that’s okay, the journey itself is valuable, builds resilience, and ultimately makes you more grateful for your achievements. Academic excellence is about more than grades; it’s about building a mindset that will guide you long after graduation.