By Ejire Folakunmi
Offiong Edet, the best graduating student at the University of Calabar (UniCal) 38th convocation ceremony, has disclosed that he had no personal accommodation for 13 months during his studies. Edet, a graduate of Business Education, made the disclosure in an interview on Friday, stating that he either slept in classrooms or stayed with friends.
“I had no money to secure personal accommodation because of my poor background. I was able to achieve academic success because I was determined and focused,” he said. He noted that despite having no shelter, he maintained perfect academic commitment, attending all classes and completing assignments.
Edet stated that academic pursuit becomes easier when a student shows focus and determination. He described discipline as a tool to reduce academic stress, adding, “I approached my academic tasks with a sense of discipline; I saw school and learning as my master, and I saw myself as the servant.”
He identified the late release of results and a lack of dedication by students as major challenges in the academic system, calling on authorities to be stricter in enforcing discipline.
UniCal graduated a total of 10,820 students at the ceremony. A report released by the university showed that 52 students graduated with first-class honors, 2,390 with second-class upper, 5,819 with second-class lower, 666 with third-class, and 246 with pass degrees.