Precious Okon, a brilliant Nigerian lady, has made history by graduating as a petroleum engineer with a perfect 5.00 CGPA from Nile University Abuja. She also won a 100 per cent scholarship to pursue her studies up to PhD level at the same university.
Precious, who hails from Akwa Ibom state, is the first student to achieve this feat in the history of Nile University, which was established in 2009. She was also the best graduating student in her department and faculty.
In an interview with The Punch, Precious shared her experience at Nile University and how she balanced her academics with extracurricular activities. She said she met people from different cultural and religious backgrounds and learned to appreciate diversity.
She also revealed that she was involved in various volunteering roles and leadership positions while in school. She was an Energy4Me Ambassador with the Society of Petroleum Engineers International (SPE), the president of the SPE Nile University Chapter and the Nile Christian Fellowship, and a volunteer with the SPE Abuja Section 199.
She said that through these roles, she was able to initiate and execute several projects, such as planting 100 trees to commemorate earth day, starting a mental health awareness series and a skills development series, and winning the Student Chapter Excellence Award in 2022, the second highest award given to any student chapter in the world.
She also received the Girl in STEM Leadership Award in 2021 from the Women’s Leadership Programme under the SPE Nigeria Council.
Precious attributed her success to God, her parents, her mentors, and her friends. She said she faced some challenges along the way, such as adjusting to a new environment, coping with academic pressure, and dealing with impostor syndrome.
She advised other students to be focused, diligent, and consistent in their studies and to seek help when they need it. She also encouraged them to explore their passions and interests outside the classroom and to network with people who can inspire and support them.
Precious said she plans to continue her education at Nile University and to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry. She said she hopes to contribute to the development of Nigeria and Africa through her skills and knowledge.
She also expressed her gratitude to Nile University for providing her with quality education and a conducive learning environment. She said she is proud to be an alumnus of the university and a role model for other young girls who aspire to excel in STEM fields.
References:
- Brilliant Nigerian Lady Graduates As A Petroleum Engineer With Perfect 5.00 CGPA, Wins Scholarship Up Till PhD – Reporters At Large
- Lady Sets Astonishing Record in Petroleum Engineering, Bags First Class With 5.0 out of 5.0CGPA – Allschool
- How I Made It – Lady Who Bags BSc With 5.0CGPA, Scholarship Till Ph.D – Platformsafrica
