It was a miracle, I made it in my final semester —UNILAG’s pioneer First Class History graduate

University of Lagos’ Department of History has produced its first ever First Class graduate. In this interview with NAZA OKOLI, the 20-year-old trailblazer, Emmanuel Osoyande, speaks of the unlikely events that led to the breaking of an age-old jinx.

First, why has it taken this long for your department to produce a First Class graduate? What is it about History that makes First Class such a difficult thing?

I believe it has been difficult because of the high academic standard the department has maintained over the years. The department possesses world renowned academics and is one of the best departments of history in the world.

High academic standard? Is it possible that other students who attempted to accomplish this feat before you failed because they weren’t good enough?

Of course not! There were numerous past undergraduates who were academically excellent. As to why it did not happen sooner, I really cannot say. What I would say is that it was by the grace of God and collaborative effort that this feat occurred during our time.

I learned from some former students from your department that many of your lecturers are exceedingly difficult. In fact, many of them, I am told, do not easily award ‘A’, because “A is for God”…

I feel your source is misinformed to describe our lecturers as ‘exceedingly difficult’. For me, our lecturers were not only our teachers but, by and large, our parents. The knowledge we gained was not just academic but otherwise. There were several times many of my colleagues and I encountered challenges and several of our lecturers would come to our aid. That gives you an idea as to what the relationship was like and many students in the department can attest to this. Also, with parents it is not always a jolly ride, but they do what is best for their children.

Have you always wanted to be a historian? Did you choose the programme at the beginning?

To be honest, that question is a really long story, not just a simple yes or no as it ordinarily should be.

But historians love long stories.

(Laughs) We do. But I’d rather not dwell on the gory details. What I can say is that the programme my department offers is a diverse one involving History, International Relations and so on. These are fields I figuratively fell in love with and I am indeed proud to be a historian.

Many people are aware that those who study History usually wanted to study other courses like Law, at first. So, did you originally apply to study History?

No, I initially did not apply for the programme. But I later felt a kind of synchronization with the programme and this made me eager to register for it.

What’s your plan now that you are a graduate? Do you want to study further?

My graduation plans will most likely involve further studies. But for now, I am taking things one step at a time. For the meantime, I have been working on my proficiency in French, which is something I have been doing for years.

How would you respond to the call for the reintroduction of History in the school curriculum? Why is History important?

The importance of history, especially in schools cannot be overemphasised. History is very important in the assessment of progress made and a nation that is disconnected from its history will have difficulty progressing. This is one of the many reasons why it is imperative that students are intimated with both the history of the nation and indeed the world over.

When did it become clear to you that you would make a First Class in History?

To be honest, it was by God’s grace and I was never sure. This is because the grade was made in my very final semester. So it was really a miracle to me.

But did you come in with the resolve?

To be honest, my focus was on the short term goals. To ensure I do my best in every test, assignment and exam. Some people tend to be preoccupied with what grade they will graduate with that they lose sight of the reality before them.

You just returned from a trip to the US. What was it about?

It was the National Model United Nations Conference in Washington D.C. November 2016. I represented the University of Lagos as a delegate.

Were you selected because of your academic record at the department?

Well, it was more of a collaborative programme organised by the Faculty of Arts, through the students’ association.  I am not aware of the criteria for selection but maybe that has to do with it. There were nine of us, including a female classmate of mine.

What was it like growing up? How did your parents influence you?

Well, I grew up in humble government quarters in Ikoyi. My parents were civil servants and pastors, so we had a very disciplined upbringing. I got my primary education from Greenwood House School, not far from the house. It was an indelible neighbourhood to grow up in. My parents are hard-working people who had a tremendous influence over my life in virtually all aspects. And I thank God for blessing me with such parents.

At 20, you’re very young. That’s the youngest possible age anyone can be on graduation. How did you manage to impress your teachers so much? And what words of advice can you leave for others coming after you?

Honestly, it has been by God’s grace. Well one word actually: ‘Believe’. If you can believe and work diligently one step at a time, God will fulfill your heart’s desires.