‘I had a no-cheating pact with my classmates’

Daily Trust: What thought dominated your mind the most while writing the examination? Love Monijesu Solomon: The thought of exerting myself as much as I can, writing it in all fairness without participating in exam malpractice and praying God will make it a success. DT: How did you prepare? Solomon: It was quite tough. I […]

Daily Trust: What thought dominated your mind the most while writing the examination?

Love Monijesu Solomon: The thought of exerting myself as much as I can, writing it in all fairness without participating in exam malpractice and praying God will make it a success.

DT: How did you prepare?

Solomon: It was quite tough. I had to wake up at night to study, reading my SS1 to SS3 books and going over my notes again before the exams. 

DT: How did your school contribute to your success? 

Solomon: The teachers at Essence International School are hard-working and have been good role models to me. They are accessible and willing to go the extra mile for any student who is ready and willing to learn. They have the knowledge and also the methodology in delivering it. 

DT: What was your favourite subject?

Solomon: Mathematics was my favorite subject and my second favorite was Physics.

DT: What subject did you foresee as the most challenging before the examination?

Solomon: Book keeping, specifically because it has more calculations and theories, and the format is quite tough and rigid. It wasn’t the calculations that challenged me the most though, because I love Maths, but it was the format, knowing what goes before what and where to place the items. It doesn’t follow one procedure or process.

DT: While writing, did you fear you would fail a particular paper?

Solomon: No I didn’t. While writing I wasn’t scared, but afterwards I became a bit afraid.

DT: How did you handle your classmates who tried to get your attention in the examination?

Solomon: It started from the classroom. I made them know that once we’re given the scripts and in the exam hall, I will be on my own. So they knew that once we started the exam, even if they spoke to me, I wouldn’t respond.

DT: What role did your family play in your success? How did they encourage you?

Solomon: Some nights I was so tired and wanted to give up, but my mum would wake me up and say I have to read and encourage me to keep trying. My family would tell me it’s only for a while and whatever I do, I’ll be happy that I worked hard. 

DT: What higher institution do you plan to further your education in?

Solomon: I chose The University of Ibadan in Nigeria. It is a good university for the course I want to study, which is medicine. 

DT: Why medicine?

Solomon: From a very young age, I loved the course and I see myself as someone who helps people out and provides solutions to their problems. 

DT: What is your second choice?

Solomon: It is Mechanical Engineering. I like creating things. So if I don’t get medicine I’ll go for a course where I can create things.

DT: When you’re not studying, what do you spend your time doing?

Solomon: I read novels a lot and I create things. I look for stuff in the house and think of what I can create, like handbags, with everyday items.

DT: For students who find it hard to cope with their studies, what advice do you have for them?

Solomon: They should first look up to God because he provides all knowledge and understanding and wisdom and if you ask for it, He will give it to you. They should also speak to counselors and their parents and tell them their challenges so they can get help in discovering their talents.

DT: In what ways will you like to give back to your school?

Solomon: I would give awards to students with a similar result as mine in WAEC. During my vacations, I would like to come in to assist teachers in whatever way I can. For example, I could counsel students, decorate classes, and give motivational speeches to the younger students. Later in life, I promise to donate relevant books to the library. I will love to publish a book about my secondary school days. God bless our Principal, Mrs. D. L. Mohammed, God bless Essence and God bless Nigeria.