I followed my father to his lab on days that weren't school days as a child. I was fascinated with the environment and the work he did. I would watch with enthusiasm as he carrier out his experiments which led to the production of effective drugs. One of which stopped a stomach upset I had at the time.
In the years to come, I found myself greatly fascinated by the vast knowledge in the universe waiting to be explored and the possibility of harnessing such knowledge to solve problems. During my undergraduate studies, I excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities. I emerged as the best student in my department (Biology Education) in introductory biotechnology course. I was the student leader in my faculty and graduated with second class upper.
I was posted to Fr Tansi secondary school, Akpu Orumba South LGA Anambra, Nigeria for the mandatory one year service. I spearheaded several sensitization programmes for the pupils on career choice and peer pressure influence. I was thrilled to apply meta recognition, this is thinking about thinking, knowing about knowing. I learnt that one can consciously transfer knowledge from short term memory to long term memory with constant repetition and concretization. The application of this was very helpful in advancing my pupils. It enhanced retention and thus improved their academic performances. I also adopted the problem solving method of teaching learnt as an undergraduate. Here, students are encouraged to solve pertinent problem with what they have learnt instead of mere repetition aimed at passing exams. For instance, I asked my students to help control land and noise pollution in the school environment. This prepared them to be leaders in future.
After my youth service, I got job with Enugu State Government as a teacher. I emerged at the top twenty and was readily posted to Girls Secondary School Akegbe-ugwu. Since then, I have been teaching with enthusiasm like when I was a child. A child when properly motivated and trained will be an asset to society. I am honored to be part of this noble profession.
The quest for Nigeria achieve sustainable economic development can only be achieved through combination of oil and gas and other sectors such as agriculture, education and biotechnology. This is because a house standing on one pillar will surely collapse if the pillar collapses. However, if there are many pillars, at the collapse of one, the others will sustain the house while the collapsed pillar is restored. The current shock being suffered by the Nigerian economy as a result of oil mono economy and oil price fluctuation is an indication that the time to explore other sectors of the economy is now. Technical, Vocational Education and Training for Economic Development and Sustainability beyond Oil in Nigeria
In the sector of biotechnology which involves the use of biology to solve problems and make useful products. Here, Nigeria can excel as a result of abundance of biological resources in the nation. There is the possibility that biomass, and other renewable biological fuels could be used to at least partially replace the fossil fuels that are beginning to run out, and have been damaging the environment for a long time. Lastly, I find it amazing how spider silk is stronger than steel cable, weight for weight, and that in countries like China, bamboo is strong enough to be used for scaffolding, where as the western world make use of steel. This and more Nigeria can adopt. I believe in Nigeri lies enormous potentials in nature and in society,just about everyone and every thing has a place and function of endless possibilities.
I am optimistic that obtaining this scholarship and admission is the next step in achieving my goal of a world class educationist with an eye for technical, vocational training for economic development and sustainability beyond oil and gas.
This scholarship is a mighty opportunity that some could only dream of. I see it as a one in a million chance to interact with students and scholars from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds coming from all the World. This type of international networking is very important for exchange & communication of different ideas and perspectives relating to distinct global issues.
At the end I would like to point out that I am determined to make the most out of the scholarship program