I used ropes as belts, drank garri daily, says UNN best graduating student

Eke Ifeanyichukwu Emmanuel is the 2015/2016 best graduating student of University of Nigeria, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.83. In this interview with Vanguard Learning, Eke revealed that in order to survive as a student, he used ropes as belts and drank garri daily. Excerpts:

I am Eke Ifeanyichukwu Emmanuel, a first class graduate of the department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

• What were the challenges you passed through while in school? 

I had a whole lot of challenges. One of them was financial challenge. I am from a very humble background. We reside in Aba.

I remember in my first and second years, I used to drink garri (cassava flakes) and eat Fibre active 
biscuit. It was a daily ration to me. I also used ropes as belts as a student. I remember then, I had few clothes. No shoes to where, only slippers.

Having money to pay my fees was an issue. I stayed in the hostel from first year till I graduated. In my first year, I was having an eye challenge. Then, I would be seated in front of the classroom. Yet, I would not see what was written on the board. No money to go to the hospital for check up talk less of getting glasses.

I had a D in a three unit load first year course. It was a motivational factor that spurred me into reading more.

• What is your dream having graduated from the university? 

My dream is to continue giving my best. I see myself as an educationalist. I want to establish schools. I want to change the ways our secondary school students are being taught.