Why did you choose Covenant University?
I did not set out of secondary school with any institution in mind. In fact, I had no idea what a privately-owned university was or what attending one could mean. My dad insisted that I apply to privately-owned faith-based universities in Nigeria. Somehow, Covenant University came up as an option, I applied and I got admitted to study International Relations there. I believe that my steps were divinely ordered.
How would you describe your time at Covenant University?
It was a thrill. Coming to Covenant University helped me to see other aspects of life that I did not realise existed. I got to challenge my initial perspectives on life, especially because I studied politics on local and global scales.
The opportunities for volunteering and student leadership sharpened my (hard, soft) skills, prepared me for corporate spaces and blessed me with amazing people as well as wonderful memories. Combining these with the rigour of studying International Relations was a rewarding stretch. My lecturers were gems in my journey; they inspired me and taught me beyond classroom curriculum. Of particular note is Dr. Felix Chidozie, who taught my class IRL 111 in 2021. He has become a mentor to me and currently heads the Political Science and International Relations department at Covenant.
Apart from the certificate, what else would you say you left there with? What did you gain from your time there?
A LOT. First is a marked shift in perspective. I now understand better how people think and the things that shape how the world works; in terms of politics and general ideology.
The next, which I treasure, is wonderful friendships with different people. The powerful alumni network complements this.
Third, I got the opportunity to volunteer on global platforms such as TEDx and MUN. That exposure is an amazing head start!
A final addition, which cuts across every other facet of life, is a blossoming walk with God and the fruits of tutelage by the exemplary life of Dr. David Oyedepo.
For students coming behind you who also desire to graduate with a First Class, what is your advice to them?
I always like to say that a first class result or whatever else you want to achieve (by the help of God) starts from your heart rather than your head. Also, the fact that you may have been told that you are not bright – or that you did not do so well in previous instances – does not mean you can’t ever do well.
Let me put on my academic director hat (lol) and give you a few pointers:
- Find out what figure represents an A (e.g.70) and aim for something more than it. You can! It is always better to be more prepared than necessary because you never know what angle the test or examination may take.
- Experiment and create a study pattern that helps you retain information and explain it. Chat with friends and course mates about what you learn, regularly. Grow your love for research and stay curious. Attend classes and complement them with extra resources. The internet can be your best ally in this.
- Never leave out the help of God in your academics or other endeavour. He is your best Guide and Helper. You need lots of mercy and favour to go through school (as well as life) and finish well.
- Embrace opportunities for co-curricular activity while keeping your goals and personality in mind. You do not have to belong to every club or society on campus; write out what your career/business/ministry goals are and let those determine your commitments. If you are taking on a student leadership role, that is an entire conversation, but never forget to keep your academics before you and create systems to make it work.
- Be ready to relate with people at all levels with respect. Your lecturers, course mates and other members of the school community observe your conduct and can judge you (even in class grading situations) by it.
- Attend to every class work, assignment, group project or test as seriously as you would an exam. Never take any assessments for granted or procrastinate your work. I read somewhere that every student has (imaginary) 100% at the beginning of the term – or semester – in every subject or course. They choose how much of that figure they will retain or lose (as seen in their results).
- Be ready to assist others, as regards school work, while setting proper boundaries. Rejoice with those who do well.
- Never break school rules; don’t even think about doing so. It is often non-academic issues that put people’s academics in jeopardy.
What’s next for Gbemisola Oluwasina and what is your ultimate career goal?
It is a bit hard to put it into words. One thing I know is that I am going to do a lot of writing; I look forward to publishing my books as well. There is a gap in the education system (in the area of care for student leaders) and it is something I am looking to fill. Beyond my contribution to education, I am willing to explore other opportunities in the exciting journey called life.
I appreciate you, EduTimes Africa, for having me.
____________________ Gbemisola Oluwasina (Elegant Inker) has helped 10+ brands, authors and writers to accelerate their visibility, influence and profit through intentional writing services and coaching. Her work spans: content strategy consultation, content writing, editing and proofreading. She has had her poems and articles published in magazines. Gbemisola is blessed with a voice that enriches what she says. She has honoured 20+ speaking invitations in the last 4 years. These engagements covered topics around: writing, social media positioning, education, public speaking, (self) leadership, the Christian faith and albinism. She looks forward to more of these, as well as to features in broadcast media and TED(x). A recent graduate of International Relations from Covenant University where she served in various capacities, Gbemisola has received numerous certificates and awards. She is an ardent believer in individual responsibility and a budding project manager. She is a lover of Abba and of the progress of others. She likes to learn other languages and make beaded articles. Email: gbemisolaoluwasina@gmail.com YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn: Gbemisola Oluwasina Telegram channel, Instagram and Facebook pages: Elegant Inker.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
Weldon sis!
You rock😊