How My Mother’s Struggles Motivated Me – Wukari Varsity First Class Graduate

Innocent Jude Ike is a First Class graduate and the Overall Best Graduating Student of the Federal University of Wukari, Taraba State. In this interview with ATTAH ANTHONY, he credits tutorial classes as a key factor in his academic success and explains how he overcame personal and environmental challenges to graduate with an outstanding CGPA of 4.92/5.00

Congratulations on your outstanding achievement. What would you say is the secret behind your success?

Thank you very much. My secret to success lies in consistently choosing what is profitable over what is merely acceptable. For instance, it is perfectly acceptable for students to attend parties frequently while in school, but I often asked myself a deeper question: How profitable is this decision for my purpose and future? This mindset guided many of my choices throughout my academic journey. Above all, I attribute my success to living by the principles and laws of God, which have been the ultimate compass guiding my life and decisions.

What kept you motivated and focused throughout your studies?

My greatest motivation came from my mother and my family background. I watched my mother struggle tirelessly to pay bills and support our education. Seeing her sacrifices created a deep sense of responsibility within me. I made a personal decision that one day I would add honour and value to my family’s name in every possible way. That vision kept me focused even during difficult moments

Which study habits or routines worked best for you?

One habit that greatly helped me was creating dedicated and consistent hours for personal study. During these sessions, I studied deeply and intentionally. At night, I often studied with purpose-driven friends from different departments and faculties, not necessarily classmates. Studying with people from different disciplines broadened my perspective and strengthened my understanding.

Personally, I learn best through active engagement. My methods included taking detailed notes, saying concepts aloud to reinforce understanding, writing and rewriting key ideas repeatedly, and teaching others through tutorial sessions. Teaching, in particular, became one of my strongest learning strategies because explaining concepts to others deepens your own understanding.

In the face of difficult subjects or topics, how did you manage them?

Whenever I encountered a difficult topic, I first reminded myself that it was possible to understand it. From there, I explored different learning resources such as the library, online academic materials, educational videos on YouTube, and consultations with lecturers. I also interacted with friends and colleagues, especially those who were one or two academic levels ahead of me. Their insights often made complex topics easier to grasp. Once I identified difficult topics, I intentionally scheduled them more frequently in my personal study timetable. Through consistent practice and persistence, those challenging areas gradually became strengths.

How did you balance academics with other activities or responsibilities?

During my time in school, I was actively involved in student leadership. I served as: Welfare Director, President of the Mathematics Students Association, Chairman of the Electoral Committee

While these roles required commitment, I made sure that my academics remained my highest priority. I intentionally managed my time to ensure that leadership responsibilities did not interfere with my academic goals. Three key factors helped me maintain this balance: my faith in God, the influence of purpose-driven friends, and constantly reminding myself why I came to university and the sacrifices my family had made.

Did you have any form of study support system during your academic journey?

I did not belong to a formal study group, although I recognise that such groups can be helpful. However, throughout my university years, I was surrounded by highly motivated friends from different faculties who were equally driven toward excellence. Our study interactions were often spontaneous rather than structured. We would meet, exchange ideas, challenge one another intellectually, and encourage each other to keep striving for improvement. In many ways, that environment served as a strong support system.

What’s the most important thing you learned about yourself during your studies?

One of the most important things I discovered about myself is that I do not easily settle for mediocrity. Regardless of the situation, something within me pushes me to stay focused until the goal is achieved. That mindset shaped my academic journey and helped me remain determined even in difficult moments.

How did your teachers or mentors contribute to your academic success?

My lecturers played an invaluable role in my journey. I built strong relationships with many of them, which allowed me to approach them freely for clarification and guidance. One experience that stands out occurred during my final year when my academic energy had dropped slightly. One of my lecturers called me and strongly advised me not to stop organising tutorial classes.

Those tutorials became one of the most effective learning strategies I had. Almost every evening, I organised tutorials for my colleagues, and in many cases, I personally bought the markers used for teaching. While many students thought I was simply helping them, what they did not realize was that each tutorial session was also strengthening my own mastery of the subjects.

How do you plan to apply the lessons from your undergraduate experience in your future endeavors?

The most important lessons I gained from my undergraduate experience are consistency, discipline, and perseverance. I intend to apply these principles as I pursue further research in mathematics, particularly in mathematical modelling, where mathematical tools can be used to solve real-world problems in areas such as science, health, and environmental systems.

What advice would you give to students who are struggling academically?

First, understand that you were created with great potential. One way we manifest the glory of God within us is by striving for excellence in everything we do, including our academics. Secondly, remember that no one is born good at all things; you become good at things through hard work – Barack Obama. Thirdly, learn to choose what is profitable: the friends you keep, the places you go, and the activities you engage in.

Finally, always place God at the center of everything you do.

How do you plan to apply what you’ve learned in your future endeavors?

The most important lessons I gained from my undergraduate experience are consistency, discipline, and perseverance. I intend to apply these principles as I pursue further research in mathematics, particularly in mathematical modelling, where mathematical tools can be used to solve real-world problems in areas such as science, health, and environmental systems.

What advice would you give to students who are struggling academically?

First, understand that you were created with great potential. One way we manifest the glory of God within us is by striving for excellence in everything we do, including our academics. Secondly, remember that no one is born good at all things. You become good at things through hard work – Barack Obama. Thirdly, learn to choose what is profitable, the friends you keep, the places you go, and the activities you engage in. Finally, always place God at the center of everything you do.

Was there a particular moment that strengthened your determination to excel?

Yes. One of the most difficult moments during my undergraduate years occurred when a fire outbreak destroyed the entire compound where my family lived. All twelve rooms in the compound were engulfed in flames, and we narrowly escaped with our lives. After that incident, I lost almost everything, including important credentials, and I was left with only two sets of clothes.

During that period, I began teaching computer classes at UNIITECH and also took on private lesson jobs to support myself. This meant that most evenings were spent working, leaving only late nights for studying.

Despite these challenges, I remained determined not to allow the situation derail my academic journey. By the grace of God, my academic performance continued to improve over time, eventually leading to a final CGPA of 4.92 out of 5.00. Looking back, that experience strengthened my resilience and deepened my gratitude to God.

What’s next for you after graduation?

After completing my National Youth Service in Ota, I briefly worked in Lagos before deciding to continue my academic journey.

In November 2025, I gained admission into Federal University Wukari to pursue a Master’s degree in Mathematics, with a focus on Mathematical Modelling, which I am currently studying. One of my long-term aspirations is to pursue further academic training internationally in order to broaden my research exposure and continue contributing to scientific knowledge.

What specific habits, strategies, or mindset helped you maintain outstanding academic performance throughout your time at Federal University Wukari?

Several habits and strategies contributed significantly to my academic performance. First was intentional time management. I made it a priority to create structured hours for personal study and ensured that my study time was purposeful and distraction free. Another important habit was active learning. I did not just read passively; I took detailed notes, explained concepts aloud to myself, wrote and rewrote key ideas repeatedly, and most importantly, taught others through tutorial sessions. Teaching became one of the most effective ways for me to master difficult concepts because explaining a subject forces you to understand it thoroughly.

In terms of mindset, I constantly reminded myself that excellence is a result of discipline and consistency. I also surrounded myself with friends who were equally focused on personal growth and academic success. Above all, my faith in God helped me remain grounded, focused, and resilient throughout my time at the federal university of Wukari.

Beyond academics, what impact did you make in your department, faculty, or the wider university community?

Beyond academics, I was actively involved in student leadership and academic support initiatives within my department. I had the privilege of serving as the Welfare Director and later the President of the Mathematics Students Association, and subsequently as the Chairman of the Electoral Committee in my department. One of the most meaningful contributions I made was organizing regular tutorial sessions for students. These tutorials were designed to help students better understand difficult mathematical concepts and improve their performance in various courses. Many evenings were dedicated to these sessions, and they became a platform where students could ask questions freely and learn collaboratively.

Through these efforts, I was able to contribute to creating a culture of academic collaboration and excellence within the department. Seeing many of my colleagues improve academically through those tutorials remains one of the most fulfilling aspects of my undergraduate experience.

Describe a major challenge you faced during your undergraduate years and how you overcame it.

One of the most difficult challenges I faced during my undergraduate years occurred when a fire outbreak destroyed the compound where my family lived. All twelve rooms in the compound were engulfed in flames, and my family narrowly escaped with our lives.

After the incident, I lost almost everything, including important credentials, and was left with only two sets of clothes. At that point, life became extremely challenging.

In order to support myself and remain in school, I began teaching computer classes at UNIITECH while also taking on private lesson jobs. This meant that many evenings were spent working, leaving only late nights for studying.

Despite these challenges, I remained determined not to allow the situation derail my academic goals. Through discipline, perseverance, and the grace of God, I continued to push forward academically. Over time, my grades improved, and I eventually graduated with a final CGPA of 4.92 out of 5.00, emerging as the Overall Best Graduating Student.

Looking back, that experience taught me resilience and strengthened my belief that difficult circumstances do not define a person’s future unless they allow them to.

If you could improve one thing in the academic system at Federal University Wukari, what would it be?

If given the opportunity, I would focus on creating a stronger system that recognizes and rewards academic excellence based purely on merit. From my observation, many brilliant students graduate without adequate institutional support that helps them transition into research, academic careers, or professional development. Strengthening such systems would ensure that our best minds are encouraged, retained, and properly developed.

How will being named Overall Best Graduate influence your future goals?

Being recognized as the Overall Best Graduate strengthens my academic profile and increases my chances of securing opportunities such as international scholarships, fellowships, and advanced research opportunities. It also places a greater sense of responsibility on me to continue striving for excellence.

How do you plan to contribute to Nigeria and the global community?

Through my work in mathematics and mathematical modelling, I hope to contribute to solving real-world problems, particularly in areas such as disease modeling, environmental systems, and scientific research. My long-term vision is to use mathematical tools to contribute solutions that benefit Nigeria and the global community.

Were you given an automatic job offer after being named the Overall Best Graduate? If not, did you feel discouraged?

I was not given an automatic job offer. While that might appear discouraging, it was not something I expected beforehand. Instead of focusing on what was not offered, I chose to focus on the next phase of my journey. That led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Mathematics, which I am currently studying at Federal University Wukari.

I believe that excellence, perseverance, and faith will continue to open new doors in the future.