Introduce yourself

My name is Blessing C. Ojediran. I recently got inducted into the nursing profession.

Why did you choose Nursing ?

I chose nursing mainly because I like to help people. I don’t like to see people in pain or distress. Nursing is a good way of impacting lives.

How did you feel about finishing with first class honours?

Well, I feel great. My parents and brothers are proud of me. I’m proud of myself too. I have received many congratulations and gotten to meet new people within the past few days because of this feat. I guess having good grades open doors in unexpected ways.

What or who would you attribute this remarkable achievement to?

I attribute everything to God. I worked smart and God doubled my success. I thank the highly knowledgeable faculty who taught us and drove us to our destination – success. I also appreciate the classmates who studied with me and kept the flames up.

Did you engage with any extra-curricular activities while in school? and were you able to balance other aspects of your life with academics?

Yes. I took part actively in NUNSA politics from 200 – 400 level. While in school, I learnt salsa dancing and tailoring. I also sold clothes at a point. I was also a member of College Research and Innovation Hub (CRIH) as well as a Red Cross executive for 2 years. I served as an usher in Anglican Students’ Fellowship. I love to play actually. I love to laugh. People know that. So, many people were surprised that I finished with a “first class”, like “That playful child???”
I can say that I did not have a boring undergraduate study. I rocked UI to some extent, made good friends too.

Do you feel closer to achieving the purpose of studying nursing with this current achievement, or you think there’s still a long way to go?

There is still so much I want to do. I like to bring nursing in Nigeria to global standards no matter how hard it may seem. And to achieve this, I intend to further my studies in the right direction in order to be equipped.

Did you start studying with the intention of finishing with a first class, or your goal was just to graduate well?

I wanted the First Class, to be honest. At a point, it felt like all hope was lost, but I kept calculating and believing. I’m glad I have it eventually.

If you attended a mixed secondary school, surely, you would appreciate having men around you. What did it feel like, studying with only ladies this time?

Well, I loved my all-female class. It made us unique in a way. And that paved way for us in many difficult situations. Plus, we get to talk about many things that we would be shy of in the presence of guys. The love is there. I feel it. I never wished that we had men in the class because we were complete in our femininity.

Now that first degree is settled with a first class for that matter, what should we expect next? A wedding invitation perhaps?

You should not expect a wedding invitation. Not from me, for now. A postgraduate study is more likely in my case.

What other things would you like people to know about you?

I am God’s beloved.

What word of advice do you have for your juniors?

It pays to work hard, but it’s better to work smart. Tests and assignments are as important as examinations. Attend classes and postings. Have fun while you can. Cooperate as a class. Fight for what is right.