By Wonderful Adegoke
Despite the growing consensus on how challenging it is to achieve a first-class degree, Helen Ambi, who completed her undergraduate studies in the 2022/2023 academic session at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto(UDUS), has proved that with perseverance and diligence, success is attainable—even in the later years of study.
A native of Sanga Local Government Area in Kaduna State, Helen’s interest in Medical Laboratory Science grew after extensive research on its role in the health sector.
This passion led her to apply to UDUS where she gained admission on first attempt.
“I didn’t initially know about Medical Laboratory Science. But after doing my research and learning about its prospects and versatility, I knew this was the right path for me. I was thrilled to be admitted on my first attempt,she said.
Like thousands of students with big dreams, Helen began her academic journey at UDUS, unaware that she was on the road to graduating with a first-class degree.
The journey at UDUS
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Helen’s academic life at UDUS started like any other, but her dream of graduating with a first-class degree soon seemed distant.
Her confidence wavered when her 100-Level results fell short of her expectations.
“It’s often said that if you want to graduate with a first-class degree, you need to start strong from 100-Level. So, when my results came out and I didn’t achieve that, I started to doubt myself. I thought maybe I was aiming too high,” she said.
Despite achieving a 4.3 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in her first year, Helen felt frustrated and overwhelmed. Determined to push forward, she re-strategised with the help of a friend, who introduced her to night reading—a method that greatly improved her study routine. By the end of 200-Level, Helen’s CGPA had climbed to 4.47, and she maintained a 4.46 in 300-Level.
The turning point
In the School of Medical Laboratory Science (SMLS), renowned as the toughest faculty at UDUS, 400-Level is notorious for its rigorous course work.
Surprisingly, it was during this challenging year that Helen’s journey to a first-class degree truly began.
“My 400-level was the game changer,” Helen explained. “Though it’s the most challenging year, that’s when I turned things around. I achieved a 4.50 GPA in 400-Level and 4.53 in my final year.”
Helen credits her determination and the support of her lecturer, for her success. “Dr Festus encouraged me to give my best, and that pushed me to keep striving for a first-class degree,” she said.
Helen also emphasised the importance of collaboration.
“I started having discussions with friends to learn new things. No one is an island of knowledge, and working together helped me a lot. When our 400-Level results came out, I realised how much it had paid off.”
Students should not give up
A lover of research and volunteering, Helen plans to focus on research aimed at tackling sickle cell disease to make a positive impact on society. To other students, she offers a message of resilience.
“Regardless of what people say or think, don’t give up on your dreams. Always give your best in everything, including your academics. Build good relationships with your colleagues—you never know everything, and we learn from one another,” said.
