Why I wrote UTME in 2024 scoring 324 mark after graduating in 2021 with First Class —Chidiebube Uka, Unizik’s chemistry graduate

Chidiebube Uka graduated as the best student of the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry with a First Class in 2021 from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik). This year, in her pursuit to study medicine, she wrote the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), scored 324, and trended in the news and social media for it. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, she speaks about her love for medicine and other issues.

After studying chemistry at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) and graduating as the best student in your department, with a First Class, you went back this year to write UTME again. Are you not proud or satisfied with the course and your earlier achievements?

I am proud of the course I studied. It is a profitable course. However, my passion lies where I hope to derive peace and fulfilment and, that to me, is in saving lives and alleviating pain and suffering in any way possible within the medical profession.

My desire to pursue medicine only unfolded when I was in 300 level while studying Pure and Industrial Chemistry. Before entering the university, I wanted to study medicine but I wasn’t convinced. I wrote UTME, and for some reason I can’t explain, I got an unexpected score. So, I applied for Pure and Industrial Chemistry, I got it and didn’t fight for medicine. I wrote UTME again in 100 level and scored 281, but maybe my score wasn’t good enough when combined with my post-UTME score as at then to give me medicine or any course at all in the same institution.

I accepted Pure and Industrial Chemistry wholeheartedly — and, having the mindset of doing well in whatever I do, I decided from day one that I was going to graduate the best. It wasn’t an easy one. I must say God came through for me in ways I couldn’t understand and I’m grateful to God for where I am today.

I enjoyed studying chemistry. It was fascinating to me because this course is applied in every field of life. I was an active member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Unizik Student Chapter, while I was in school. Furthermore, due to my active participation, volunteering, and academic excellence, I was selected as one of the two students from Nigeria to participate in organising the ACS student symposium and conference in February 2024, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This experience instilled a deep enthusiasm in me, seeing my lecturers, professors, and members of the ACS organising committee who were already doing well as chemists in their profession. I admired them. I wanted to achieve such a great feat as they had but I didn’t stop for one day to ask where I saw myself working after studying Pure and Industrial Chemistry.

 

Between the time you finished national service and when you wrote this year UTME, what have you been doing for a living?

I have tried my hands on a couple of things. Immediately I graduated from the university, and while waiting for NYSC, I started learning tailoring as a hobby and also to pass the time. I didn’t know it would materialise into something useful. I sewed for about two years till December 2023. I made money sewing both male and female wear for my family members, friends, and other people.

I write articles too and get paid. This is part of what I do to sustain myself.

This year, I started learning data analysis from Harvoxx Tech Hub in Port Harcourt. Currently, I have acquired knowledge of the use of some data analysis tools including Microsoft Excel, Power BI, SQL, and Python for data analysis. I’ve not actually started making money from this field yet but I’m optimistic about the outcome and it’s still keeping me busy to date.

Applying for a fully funded scholarship to pursue medicine or a related course abroad has also been a full-time job for me. I am actively seeking opportunities to achieve my goal and I won’t stop until I attain it. Some of the outcomes of this pursuit come with rejections, which can be demoralising. But I’m confident. I know I will succeed. One thing I’m sure of is that delay is not denial.

I have gotten some partially funded scholarships. However, my family and I still can’t foot the remaining cost. I am very much hopeful regardless. In the meantime, I am currently working at Getamme Laboratories Nigeria Limited.

 

Congratulations on scoring 324 in the just concluded UTME examination. How would describe the just concluded UTME examination and its mode of administration to the one you wrote years ago that got you admitted into Unizik?

There wasn’t so much I noticed that was different from the other years I wrote UTME. I can say it’s currently more organised and transparent.

 

There are a few people who scored high in the UTME examination, even higher than you did, but they did not trend in the news like you did. What did you do differently to trend?

Honestly, I didn’t do anything differently for the publicity. I am a very private person. I was surprised at how wide my story had gone. Aside from my family members, the only persons who knew I wrote UTME this year were my very close friends.

I would attribute it to the peculiar nature of my case. Having graduated with a first class in Pure and Industrial Chemistry and being outside the educational system for three years, only to sit for the UTME again to pursue a fresh course in medicine is quite uncommon. That could be the difference.

When I saw the news went viral, I was like God — so, now everybody knows I wrote UTME — what’s your plan for me? I did nothing different to trend.

 

You intend to study medicine now. Why write UTME for it, instead of applying for a Direct Entry and starting from the second year?

I applied for direct entry twice, in 2022 and 2023, and also in another state university, but got the same response that chemistry was not so related to medicine and I couldn’t switch since I didn’t have the prerequisite knowledge needed to continue from second year. I felt this is what’s obtainable in other federal universities. I was surprised but it didn’t deter me. Rather, my passion pushed me to write UTME again this year.

 

Which university did you apply to study medicine, and why did you choose the university?

I applied to Rivers State University due to its accreditation by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. It’s one of the best universities in Nigeria to study medicine and surgery.

 

There have been instances where people who applied to study medicine scored high in UTME and post-UTME examinations but were not offered admission into medicine. If you find yourself in this kind of situation, how would you handle it?

I am committed to pursuing my passion and desires without giving up. While waiting, I will proactively utilise my time by starting a master’s degree, continuing to work, acquiring more skills, and getting proficient at them. With this, I will save up money for medical school and apply again the next year to a private university and also through other opportunities abroad.

 

You would probably be in your early thirties by the time you are done studying medicine. How would you be able to afford the cost of medical school since you would not be working while studying? And would you wait till you graduate before getting married?

I am working and saving. I know medical school can be very demanding and difficult to multitask. Where I can’t foot the bills, my family will help me, as they are in full support of my decision.

In terms of marriage, I’m open to getting married even before I’m done with school. I know my husband supports my dreams and goals as I will likewise support his. We will scale through together.

 

Now that you are going back to the university to study medicine, which kind of medical school do you wish to study in and what do you want the government to do to make your wishes a reality?

I would love to study in the best medical school. The government doesn’t owe me anything, but I will appreciate any support I can get from them.

 

Over the years, Nigerian doctors have not been paid well. Many of them travel abroad to practice or have quit medical practice for other jobs. With this in mind, what is your plan after medical school?

My reason for wanting to study medicine is to touch lives around the world. I want to put smiles on people’s faces and bring hope to patients even in the face of challenging situations. I’m not going into the medical practice because of the money. Rather, I desire to save lives and let people know that God still performs miracles even in the hospital. After medical school, I will seek residency in a reputable hospital to acquire more knowledge and be exposed to various medical cases. I would love to own the biggest and most affordable hospitals in Nigeria and beyond.

 

When you graduate from medicine, do you see yourself becoming the best graduating medical student or, at least, bagging distinctions in many of the courses?

It’s not just about being the best and leaving school. It’s important to allow the school to pass through you too. However, like I always say, I will do my best.

 

Out of the 1,842,464 results released by JAMB for the just concluded UTME examination, only 24 percent (439,974 people) scored 200 and above. This is not a good result. In light of this, how would you advise young people on how to score high marks, like you did, in future UTME examinations?

If you don’t prepare to pass, you’re preparing to fail. I know the drive and zeal may not be there, but amidst the noise, school is not a scam and you still need the certificate.

Take your studies seriously, start reading on time, practice as many questions as possible, and don’t forget to pray.

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