How I bagged first class degree in Nursing — Daily Trust scholarship beneficiary

Miss Adeleke Shakirat Adenike, a beneficiary of the Daily Trust Foundation scholarships for female Medical and Nursing students, has been inducted as a qualified Nurse after graduating with a First-Class degree in Nursing from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. In this interview, she reflects on how the scholarship shaped her academic journey and contributed to her […]

Miss Adeleke Shakirat Adenike, a beneficiary of the Daily Trust Foundation scholarships for female Medical and Nursing students, has been inducted as a qualified Nurse after graduating with a First-Class degree in Nursing from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. In this interview, she reflects on how the scholarship shaped her academic journey and contributed to her success.

 

Can you tell us about your journey studying Nursing Science at Usmanu Danfodiyo University and what motivated you to pursue the field?

What really motivated me was that I had always wanted to be a nurse, right from my secondary school days, where I was the senior health prefect. From there, I started applying to schools of Nursing for admission to qualify and a certified Nurse. The first time I wrote the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), my score was not up to the required score for Nursing.  I sat for the examination again, and then applied for admission to study for a degree in Nursing at  Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.

 

How did the support from Daily Trust Foundation impact your academic journey and success?

The support from Daily Trust Foundation was unexpected because a lot of people applied for the scholarship. In fact, everybody in my department — all the ladies — applied on the same day. When I got the notification that I had been awarded, I was so happy. For instance, one of the funds I received from Daily Trust was used to pay for my Nursing Council license fee. It came in very handy. Thank you, so much.

 

Graduating with First Class is a remarkable achievement. What strategies or habits helped you maintain such high academic performance?

I won’t call them strategies, but rather a routine. From my 100 level days up to 500 level, I ensured that I started reading early, even before the semester commenced.

During holidays, I made sure I read — even if it was just a slide or a page. I read little by little, consistently. Those small steps added up to something bigger.

 

What challenges did you face during your studies and how were you able to overcome them?

My main challenge was the bulkiness of Nursing. Combining clinical postings with academic work was not easy. The way our calendar was structured also posed challenges.

To tackle this, I created a template and routine that I followed strictly, which helped me manage the workload.

 

As a beneficiary of a programme that supports female students, how do you think such initiatives are shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria?

In a society like the North West, where females are not really into education, I think supporting women motivates more of them to pursue the profession. It encourages them to continue their education without worrying about financial constraints.

 

What message do you have for young women who aspire to pursue careers in Nursing but may face financial and social barriers?

My message is simple: they should put their trust in God. No matter what, God will always come through for them if they trust Him.

 

Now that you have been inducted as a nurse, what are your career goals and how do you plan to contribute to the healthcare sector?

I have many career goals, but the one topping the list is becoming a maternal and child health nurse. I am a maternal and child health enthusiast. I have attended clinics and seen the challenges women face in hospitals. I have also learned about the complications that come with pregnancy and raising children.

Maternal and child health is very broad, but I plan to specialize in midwifery. I find fulfillment in bringing new life into the world as a nurse.

 

Looking back, what does this achievement mean to you personally, and to your family and community?

It means a lot — truly a lot — because the journey has not been easy.