I sold sneakers, shoes while in school, 22 year-old UNN first class graduate narrates

It is not all the time that you come across a First class graduate from one of the most prestigious universities in Nigeria.

However, Kosisochukwu Chiaha is one of such rare gem.

Graduating from University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN with a first degree honours with CGPA of 4.57 in the department of Business Education in 2023, Kosisochukwu narrated how she was able to navigate through the harsh realities of Ivory and came out as one of the best.

In an exclusive interview with WITHIN NIGERIA reporter, Kosisochukwu said she sacrificed every enjoyment to get good results in the varsity.

Excerpts

Tell us briefly about yourself?

My name is Chiaha Kosisochukwu from Okpho Okube community in Ezeagu local government area of Enugu state.  I am 22 years old from a family of four.

How did you feel when you saw your result as a First class graduate of Business Education, UNN?

When I saw my result I would say I was relieved to find out that all my hard work paid off and I could finally put a smile on my father’s face and set a standard for my siblings.

Did you have sponsors? Tell us about them.
My sponsor during my time in school was my Father. He is a very important figure in my life. He always pushed me to be the best I could and made me believe I can  achieve it as long as I put my mind to it.

Why did you go into Business Education instead of any other course? What gave you the passion?

I have no passion in  Business Education…..
I wanted to study accountancy but my JAMB score didn’t meet cut off marks. I was  eventually given admission into Business Education. So, I decided to do my best in the course I was studying and change later on. That’s how I saw myself in Business Education.

Does academic intelligence run in your family blood? How manage you were able achieve this feat?

My Dad is very intelligent…it comes from him.

Did you belong to any social group while in school? If yes, tell us about them.
Well, my activities in University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, I would say I tried my possible best to pass through the university and also letting the university pass through me.

I attended social function, church activities, participated in some activities in my department. By and large,  I didn’t belong to any social group while in school.

Why?

No reason. I didn’t have any interest in such group. I was neck deep into my studies that I have no time for such social group.

What gave you the determination to make First class grade?
I felt like it was something that was attainable and I worked towards it with the help of God, my family and friends who also help me where and when I needed help.

When was your most difficult moment in UNN?

My most difficult moment in school was after the covid 19 pandemic, when everything was faster than it’s usual pace.

Please explain more….
Okay we resumed and everything was rushed in order to meet up with the calendar so we had to study twice as hard.

What were you doing to earn money to augment what your sponsor was giving you?

I was into dropshipping. I mean I was selling sneakers and shoes in school to augment what my parents were giving me.

At 22 years, don’t you think you are too young to get first class?

Not at all. It is attainable at any age. It does not have age bracket.

What is your advice to the Nigerian youths especially students who believe in exam malpractices?

Well, I don’t blame people who go into exam malpractice because the system doesn’t work
But my advice to Nigerian youths who go into exam malpractice is that it doesn’t pay, because when time comes to defend your achievement it becomes hard, my advice is to read their books and work both hard and smart.

What kind of friendship did you keep while in school?

I kept friend who would push me to be the best I could  encourage me, tutor me and also read together. I didn’t keep any how friends.

What next for you? Further your education or look for job?

I will further my education into the line I really want to go into. I will either do my Masters degree or whatever my mind will direct me. But surely, I will further my education.

What are your extra curricular activities?

I love listening to music, I love learning new things whatever it maybe.