“My belief in God and hard work gave me first class.” Jennifer Ifeyinwa Agbahiwe
6 min read
Miss Jennifer Ifeyinwa Agbahiwe, graduated with First Class Honours from Federal University of Technology Owerri FUTO, after reading Food Science Technology. She recently granted an interview to Umuaka Times where she disclosed a lot about her academic journey so far.
Excerpts:
First of all, congratulations for the academic honours you acquired. Please what inspired you to read Food Science & Technology?
The inspiration to pursue Food Science and Technology traces back to my junior secondary school days in JSS 3. It was introduced by my Home Economics teacher in one of her lectures. Since then, I harbored a passion to understand how the consumption of good and nutritious food contributes to improved health and longevity. This sparked a genuine interest in enhancing food safety, a desire for innovation, and concerns about health and nutrition.
How many years does it take to run the course Food Science & Technology?
It takes 5 years to study Food Science and Technology in FUTO.
Tell us what someone who read Food Science & Technology does after graduation.
After graduating with a degree in Food Science and Technology, individuals can pursue various career paths in the food industry. Some common roles include: Food Technologist: Developing new food products, improving existing ones, and ensuring they meet quality and safety standards.
Quality Assurance/Control Specialist: Ensuring that food products comply with regulations and quality standards through inspections and testing. Research and Development Scientist: Conducting research to innovate and improve food products, processes, and technologies. Food Safety Specialist: Implementing and monitoring safety protocols to ensure the production of safe and hygienic food. Nutritionist or Dietitian: Providing expertise on nutrition.
You made first class in your course, please tell us a little about the journey.
My achievement of a first-class degree in Food Science and Technology at the Federal University of Technology reaffirmed my belief that with God, hard work, and determination, anything is possible. This mindset originated from my time as the Best Graduating Science Student at Kingston High School in 2016.
I carried this positive attitude into university life, making attending lectures a personal mandate. I focused on active participation, taking comprehensive notes from recommended textbooks, class lectures, and even incorporating educational YouTube videos. Collaborating with like-minded friends, we shared questions and knowledge.
My goal in studying was not merely to achieve good grades but to thoroughly understand the subjects.
What were the sacrifices you made in order to achieve the academic excellence you just obtained?
I had to set my priorities and engage in time management to do well in school. I am a free person. I mingled with everyone but never allowed anyone to get in the way of my academic progress. I was disciplined and stuck to my plans, and I cut down on social media. Before each semester, I made a list of what I wanted to achieve – like in school, money, personal stuff and spiritual growth. This helped me figure out what to focus on and what to skip. I avoided distractions, stopped doing some unnecessary things, and only did activities that helped me reach my goals for the semester.
What are the other things you did?
After classes, I spent time studying either at the library or home. I made sure I understood everything by asking questions, even meeting with my lecturers if my classmates couldn’t help. Thankfully, all the hard work paid off in the end.
Some people have always claimed that the standard of education in the country has fallen drastically, what is your take on that?
The assessment of the standard of education in Nigeria is subjective and can vary based on different perspectives. However, there have been concerns and criticisms about the perceived decline in the quality of education in Nigeria over the years.
Several factors contribute to these claims, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, outdated curricula and challenges in the educational system’s administration. Issues such as strikes by academic staff, inconsistent policies and a high student-to-teacher ratio have also been cited as contributing to the perceived decline.
Are there some genuine efforts made so far by some organizations etc to improve the quality of education in Nigeria?
It’s essential to recognize efforts made by individuals and organizations to address these challenges and improve the educational landscape. Ongoing reforms, investments in education, and a commitment to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning are crucial components of any potential improvement in the standard of education in Nigeria. In summary, while concerns about the decline in the standard of education in Nigeria exist, ongoing efforts to address these issues provide hope for positive change in the future.
Finally, tell us a little about your backgrounds.
I come from a tight-knit family where the values of hard work, perseverance and kindness were deeply rooted in my daily live. We come from Ibele, Umuaka, Njaba Local Government in Imo state but I was born and brought up in Apapa, Lagos state. Growing up, my parents emphasized on the importance of faith, instilling in me a strong belief in God’s guidance.
What about education?
In terms of education, I attended Kingston Secondary High School, Lagos where I discovered my love for Mathematics and Chemistry. Education was a big deal in my family, and it became a big part of my goals and dreams. My journey has been guided by both academic pursuits and a spiritual foundation. My faith in God has been a constant source of strength, influencing my decisions and providing a sense of purpose.
Beyond the academic realm, I engaged in designing and creating contents, as I a Graphic Designer and content creator. These not only helped me learn new things but also shaped who I am today. These experiences made me a better-rounded person.
Are you a religious person?
My relationship with God has been a cornerstone in shaping my character and values. As I navigate through life, I carry the teachings of my family, the lessons from my experiences, and the unwavering belief in God’s plan for me. This faith not only influences my personal journey but also guides me in building meaningful connections with others.
Who are the people you would like to thank for the academic success you have achieved?
Firstly, I humbly express my heartfelt appreciation to God for guiding me through my academic journey. His grace has been my constant source of strength, wisdom and inspiration. All glory goes to Him.
To my lovely family, Mr and Mrs Charles Agbahiwe, I offer sincere thanks for the continuous encouragement, understanding and support. Also to my amazing siblings and family, I say thank you. Their belief in my abilities, coupled with the sacrifices made to create a conducive learning environment, has been a cornerstone of my success.
What about your lecturers, supervisor etc?
I express profound gratitude to my teachers and professors. To my course adviser, Mr. Omelo M.C. and my Professor Supervisor Engineer I.J. Olawumi. Their unwavering commitment to imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking and providing guidance has been instrumental in shaping my academic journey.
I extend my appreciation to my friends and classmates whose camaraderie and collaborative spirit have made the academic experience enjoyable and enriching. Together, we navigated challenges, shared insights, and motivated each other to reach our academic goals. A special acknowledgment goes to my mentor and Pastor (Mr Daphey Chosen) who has provided invaluable guidance and wisdom along the way. Their insights have been a source of inspiration, shaping my perspective and contributing to my growth.
Lastly, I recognize and appreciate my own efforts and determination. The countless hours of study, the resilience in the face of challenges and the commitment to personal and academic growth have all played a significant role in achieving excellence.
In essence, academic excellence is a shared victory and I am deeply grateful for the support, encouragement and inspiration provided by these individuals. Their collective influence has been instrumental in shaping my academic success. I extend my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the recent newspaper interview. It was an honor to share my insights and experiences. I am grateful for the platform to contribute to your publication and appreciate the effort invested in highlighting my story.
Thanks a lot for your time.
Thank you once again for the opportunity and best regards.
