Consistency, Focus, Right Circle Fueled My Academic Excellence – Unical First-Class Graduate

24-year-old Blessing Alims-Ojisor is a first-class graduate from the University of Calabar (Unical). In this interview with RICHARD NDOMA, she attributes her success to determination and focus, refusing to let her Student Union Government (SUG) position affect her academic performance. She also reveals how she was able to balance academics and leadership responsibilities

Your achievements are inspiring , would you be open to sharing some insights in person?

My name is Blessing Alims-Ojisor, a proud native of Bekwara local government area in Cross River State. I am 24 years old and a first-class graduate in Peace Studies, Conflict, and Resolution from the University of Calabar (Unical), having successfully completed my studies in 2025. I would be glad to share my experiences and insights, especially on balancing academics and leadership, to inspire others on their own journeys to excellence.

You graduated with first-class honors, what was the driving force behind your success, and how did you achieve it?

The secret, I believe, lies in unwavering determination and a commitment to make a difference. University exposes you to a variety of people and perspectives, and how you navigate that environment depends entirely on your goals and aspirations. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I made a personal vow: I would not settle for mediocrity; I would strive relentlessly to succeed.

Having worked for many years to gain admission into the university, I felt a profound responsibility to make the most of the opportunity. I resolved that if I was finally in the university, I must excel in every endeavour and leave a legacy worth remembering. This mindset, combined with focus and perseverance, guided me toward achieving first-class honors.

 As a student, how did you balance your social life . Did you go clubbing, or spend your nights attending classes and studying?

My priority was always academics, so I dedicated most of my time to studying and attending classes. I rarely went out clubbing, as I knew that every moment spent wisely would bring me closer to my goals. I believe that discipline doesn’t mean completely avoiding fun, but it’s about making choices that align with your long-term vision. Surrounding myself with like-minded friends who shared similar ambitions also helped me stay focused and motivated throughout my university years.

I also made it a point to attend night classes, especially during my 200 level, to reinforce what I had learned during the day. Even before entering the university, I was actively working and engaging in various extracurricular activities, which taught me how to manage my time effectively. I would use any spare moment to sit with my books and study, treating my reading time as a conversation with the material itself.

For me, preparation isn’t something you cram a few days or months before exams, you start immediately after the lesson is taught. One key factor in my success was consistent lecture attendance; I rarely missed a class unless I was genuinely ill or out of town. My lecturers can attest to this. I understood early on that what is explained in class resonates far more deeply than notes borrowed from classmates. This commitment to attending classes and engaging fully with my studies laid a strong foundation for my academic achievements, even while balancing leadership responsibilities as SUG president.

Was your course difficult to pursue?

Absolutely. Every course has its challenges, otherwise, everyone would graduate with top honors effortlessly. The difficulty of a course is part of what shapes your discipline, resilience, and ability to excel. What matters is not avoiding the challenges, but embracing them and finding ways to overcome them through focus, consistency, and hard work.

 As a student, what kind of friends did you keep? Can your success be attributed to the friends you surrounded yourself with?

I intentionally kept friends who aligned with my vision and values, I mean people who understood my goals and supported my aspirations. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals was crucial, as their mindset and principles resonated with mine. I believe the company you keep plays a significant role in shaping your habits, focus, and ultimately, your success. My friends motivated me to stay disciplined

and reminded me of the standards I set for myself, making my journey to first-class honors smoother and more sustainable.

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