A graduate of the University of Calabar (UniCal), Offiong Edet, who emerged as the best graduating student at the institution’s 38th convocation ceremony, has revealed that he spent 13 months without personal accommodation during his studies.
Edet, who earned a degree in Business Education, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the convocation ceremony held in Calabar on Friday.
He explained that throughout the period, he often slept in classrooms or relied on friends with accommodation for shelter.
“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 during this journey.
“Although I had no shelter, I maintained perfect academic commitment, I attended classes, and completed all assignments and tests,” he said.
According to him, academic success becomes more attainable when students remain focused and disciplined despite challenges.
He added that maintaining humility and discipline helped him cope with academic pressure, noting that students who stay committed are less likely to struggle.
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“I approached my academic tasks with a huge sense of discipline, I saw school and learning as my master, I saw myself as the servant,” he said.
Edet also highlighted some challenges within the education system, including delayed results, weak moral supervision, and lack of dedication among students.
He called on institutions to enforce stricter discipline while urging students to remain focused and committed to their studies.
“The authorities should be stricter in enforcing discipline. Students should be more determined, focused, and dedicated to achieving their academic goals,” he said.
According to NAN, UniCal graduated a total of 10,820 students at the ceremony, with 52 earning first-class honours.
A breakdown from the university showed that 2,390 graduated with second-class upper division, 5,819 with second-class lower, 666 with third-class, and 246 with pass degrees.