Meet Adejoke Moronkola, a 24-year-old Nigerian dynamo who has woven an inspiring tale of triumph in the heart of the United States’ healthcare system. Imagine graduating not just as a nurse but as the crème de la crème from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in May 2022. Adejoke not only clinched her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) but also walked away with accolades like being the go-to speaker for her class, a multicultural diversity scholar, and graduating Summa Cum Laude. Now, she’s donning the cape of a registered nurse, tending to patients in the medical intensive care unit of a prestigious Virginia hospital.
Adejoke’s journey was no cakewalk. Hailing from the suburbs of Lagos State, Nigeria, dreams of playing musical instruments were stifled by the challenges she faced as a child. Yet, this didn’t deter her. She earned her stripes with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacology from the University of Lagos in 2015. Subsequently, she embraced the role of a Pharmacy Technician during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) stint in Sango Ota.
The plot thickened as Adejoke, fueled by a fervent desire to address global public health issues, embarked on a Master’s journey in Public Health in the U.S., graduating among the top three in her cohort in 2020. Fast forward to 2020, and she embarked on yet another adventure, enrolling in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at ETSU. The challenges were formidable, but Adejoke not only conquered them but graduated with flying colors. Summa Cum Laude honors, consistent spots on the Dean’s list, and juggling leadership roles – she did it all.
Adejoke’s story isn’t just about academic laurels; it’s about a calling. A calling to nursing, where compassion, empathy, and dedication aren’t mere buzzwords but the essence of her journey. In a world grappling with a shortage of nurses, her role becomes even more critical, particularly when you consider Nigeria’s dire ratio of only 1.95 nurses per 10,000 people, as per the World Health Organization.
But Adejoke’s impact doesn’t stop at nursing. She’s a force for change, championing public health and social justice. Picture her volunteering at health clinics, orchestrating health fairs, conducting educational sessions, and diving into research on issues like maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS prevention, mental health awareness, and the ever-relevant COVID-19 response.
Adejoke Moronkola’s narrative is a testament to courage, excellence, and a commitment to making a difference. Her story isn’t just about academic and professional achievements; it’s about being a beacon of hope, a trailblazer carving a path for others. So, here’s to Adejoke – a young woman who not only pursued her dreams but embraced a mission to change the world, one compassionate act at a time.
The 22-year-old Lady Who Shines as the Best Student at University of Calabar with 4.74GPA
Olivia Kamsi Muoka is not just an ordinary student. She is a young lady who has achieved remarkable feats in her academic journey. She graduated from the University of Calabar, Nigeria, with a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) and a stunning cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.74 out of a possible 5.00. This made her the best graduating student of the university in 2023.
But how did she do it? What motivated her to excel in her studies? What challenges did she face and overcome? And what are her plans for the future? In this article, we will explore the story of Olivia Kamsi Muoka, who has proven that hard work, passion, and determination can lead to success.
Olivia Kamsi Muoka was born on June 12, 2001, in Anambra State, Nigeria. She attended St. John’s Primary School and St. John’s Secondary School in Anambra, where she showed great interest and aptitude in science subjects. She was also active in extracurricular activities such as debating, writing, and public speaking.
She gained admission into the University of Calabar in 2019 to study Medical Laboratory Science, a course that combines both theoretical and practical aspects of laboratory medicine. She chose this course because she wanted to contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, especially in Nigeria where there is a shortage of qualified medical laboratory scientists.
She said: “I have always been fascinated by how laboratory tests can reveal so much about a person’s health status and help doctors to prescribe the best treatment options. I also wanted to be part of the solution to the health challenges facing my country, especially in the areas of infectious diseases, genetic disorders, and cancer.”
Olivia Kamsi Muoka was not only a brilliant student but also a leader and a role model. She served as the president of the Medical Laboratory Science Students’ Association (MELSSA) and the vice-president of the Nigerian Association of Medical Laboratory Science Students (NAMLSS). She was also a World Literacy Foundation ambassador, a content writer for Scholarship Region, and a Millennium Fellow.
She said: “I believe that leadership is not just about occupying positions but about making positive impacts on others. I tried to use my platforms to inspire, mentor, and empower other students to pursue their dreams and achieve their potentials.”
Olivia Kamsi Muoka faced some challenges during her studies, such as financial constraints, academic stress, and personal issues. However, she did not let these obstacles deter her from reaching her goals. She said: “I learned to be resilient, optimistic, and resourceful. I also relied on God’s grace, my family’s support, and my friends’ encouragement.”
She attributed her success to her passion for learning, her diligence in studying, and her curiosity in exploring new knowledge. She said: “I love learning new things and applying them to real-life situations. I always tried to study ahead of time, revise regularly, and practice with past questions. I also sought clarification from my lecturers and peers whenever I had difficulties.” Read more about Olivia here.
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