Eke Ifeanyichukwu Emmanuel is the 2015/2016
best graduating student of University of
Nigeria, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average
(CGPA) of 4.83.
In this interview with Vanguard Learning, Eke
revealed that in order to survive as a student,
he used ropes as belts and drank garri daily.
Excerpts:

What were the challenges you passed through
while in school?

What is your dream having graduated from the
university?

I had a whole lot of challenges.
One of them was financial
challenge. I am from a very
humble background. We reside in
Aba.
I remember in my first and second
years, I used to drink garri
(cassava flakes) and eat Fibre
active
biscuit. It was a daily ration to
me. I also used ropes as belts as a
student. I remember then, I had
few clothes. No shoes to where,
only slippers.
Having money to pay my fees was
an issue. I stayed in the hostel
from first year till I graduated. In
my first year, I was having an eye
challenge. Then, I would be seated
in front of the classroom. Yet, I
would not see what was written
on the board. No money to go to
the hospital for check up talk less
of getting glasses.
I had a D in a three unit load
first year course. It was a
motivational factor that spurred
me into reading more.