20-year-old Amarachi Ezihe is a 2025 First Class graduate of Computer Science from Babcock University. The Imo State-born scholar recently brought pride and recognition to her community after clinching six additional awards during the university’s convocation ceremony.
In this interview with EMMANUEL MGBEAHURIKE, she speaks on how hard work, commitment and dedication served as guiding principles in her journey to academic excellence.

Congratulations on your remarkable academic achievement. Can you tell us about your family background and how your upbringing shaped your educational journey?

I am Amarachi Ezihe from Umuelekocha in Oboro Umueze Ogwa, in Umueze Abazu Ogwa Autonomous Community, Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State.

My parents are Mr and Mrs Everest Ezihe. My father is a journalist and the President-general of our community. I was brought up in Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

It is often said that earning a First Class degree at the university is not an easy feat. How did you feel when you achieved this milestone, and what would you describe as the secret behind your success?

I felt very happy and excited, and I thank God for making it possible for me to realise my ambition and for bringing honour and glory to my parents.

There was no magic behind my success other than hard work, dedication and commitment to my studies. This was coupled with several hours of studying in the middle of the night, usually from 1am to 4am, and an abiding faith in God, who makes all things possible.

Prior to your university education, can you take us through your academic background and some of your early achievements?

I attended Ideal Preparatory School for my pre-nursery, nursery, primary and secondary education. During my final year in secondary school, I also won a prestigious award, which further motivated me to strive for academic excellence.

Apart from graduating with a First Class Honours degree, did you receive any other awards during the convocation ceremony at Babcock University?

Yes, I received several other awards, including the Overall Best Graduating Student of the university, Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Science, and Best Graduating Student of the Department of Computer Science, among others.

With a First Class Honours Degree, what are your plans and visions going forward?

My vision is to further my studies abroad after completing my one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as I aspire to deepen my knowledge and expand my academic exposure. I am passionate about continuous learning and hope to build on my foundation in Computer Science to achieve even greater academic and professional excellence.

Ultimately, my goal is to acquire advanced knowledge and skills that will empower me to make meaningful contributions to society and impact the next generation positively through knowledge sharing, mentorship, and innovation

Could you share your experience as an undergraduate at Babcock University?

My experience at Babcock University was both challenging and highly rewarding. It is relatively easy to gain admission, but very demanding to graduate due to the institution’s high academic and moral standards.

The lecturers are very thorough and intentional in their teaching, constantly pushing students to be disciplined, focused, and intellectually grounded. The training process can be rigorous, as it stretches you academically, emotionally, and even in terms of discipline, all in a bid to produce well-rounded graduates.

Babcock is one institution that does not tolerate laziness or indiscipline in any form. It requires seriousness and commitment at all times. If a student is not hardworking or ready to put in the effort, then succeeding in Babcock becomes extremely difficult.

Were there specific lessons or values from your parents that influenced your academic journey?

When I was growing up, my parents often advised my siblings and me that entering the university requires caution and self-discipline. They emphasised that while you have a certain level of freedom on campus, it must be exercised responsibly, because misuse of that freedom could lead to regret and negative consequences later in life. My dad in particular use to say and I quote him this; “Moving into the university, require caution and self discipline, that you have every freedom, but if you misuse or abuse the freedom you have in campus,  it would lead to ruin and lamentations.”

As an undergraduate, what were some of the most difficult challenges you faced?

My most difficult challenge in my first year was adjusting to campus life. I had to wake up very early to attend morning lectures and adapt to a new academic environment. However, as time went on, I gradually adjusted and eventually settled in properly.

What is your advice to undergraduates who aspire to graduate with a First Class degree?

My advice to undergraduates who wish to graduate with a First Class degree is that they should take their studies very seriously and remain obedient to university authorities and regulations. They should also maintain a strong prayer life and seek God’s guidance consistently for success.

In addition, they must avoid anti-social behaviours such as cultism, examination malpractice, and drug abuse, as these can derail their academic and life goals. Discipline, consistency, and focus are key to achieving academic excellence.

What is your message to the university authorities?

I am deeply grateful to the institution for being meticulous in both academic training and character development. Their commitment to raising disciplined and well-rounded graduates is highly commendable, and I sincerely appreciate their efforts.