A young Nigerian lady, Moriam Adeyinka, has shared how her struggles have shaped her life and put her on a pedestal for fulfilling her lifelong ambition.
In an exclusive interview with skabash.com, Moriam, who hails from Ogun state, said she had to settle for a degree in Agricultural Economics after missing out on studying Medicine by just a few marks.
“I applied to study Medicine at the University of Ibadan, but I was a few marks from the cut-off, and I had to change my course to Agricultural Economics,” she said.
ALSO READ: From Sepeteri to Bari, Italy: Young Nigerian lady shares her story from grass to grace
According to her, she didn’t take the course she was offered seriously but decided to get serious with it in the second year after her results in the first year fell below expectations.
However, her dad advised her to pick another JAMB form and apply for Medicine again, but she rejected it and insisted she’d focus on Agricultural Economics.
The turning point came when Moriam’s elder sister advised her to quit her ‘triangular lifestyle’, which revolved around lectures hall, mosques, and back to her hostel. So she encouraged Moriam to look beyond just books, engage in extracurricular activities, and widen her horizon.
She said, “I took my sister’s advice and got into some leadership positions. This experience helped me build interpersonal skills and sharpened my public speaking skill.
My Mentors Have Done A Lot For Me
When asked about the influential people that have altered her career path, Moriam mentions three persons; her dad, her undergraduate supervisor, and a senior colleague.
Moriam’s dad, a teacher and lecturer, has been of great inspiration to her right from elementary school. He also encouraged Moriam to stretch and go beyond her limit.
ALSO READ: Undergraduate law student cautions pharmacist for adding antibiotics to her prescription
According to Moriam, she has her undergraduate supervisor, Prof KK Salman, to thank for many things, including her first job.
“He has done a lot for me and encouraged his other project students and me to learn some statistical packages, especially STATA, compulsorily. The first job I got was as a result of my STATA skills. Prof Salman also sent me job openings and encouraged me to get a Master’s degree immediately after my first degree,” she said.
Also, one-time Nigeria’s minister of Agriculture and current President of Africa Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, is one person she respects and follows from afar.
Future Aspirations
When answering questions regarding her future aspirations, Moriam said she would love to work with the World Bank someday.
ALSO READ: The babies have altered our lives – Young mother of triplets seeks support
She said, “As a lover of research, I want to earn a PhD in Development Economics or International Development, and I also dream to one day work in the World Bank, making development impacts.”
Moriam said she has applied to virtually all the entry-level roles at the World Bank, but she’s not giving up and hopes to join the organisation one day as an experienced hire.
How She Got Into The Lagos Business School Young Talent Program
She said her desire for more made her quit her job and apply for the Lagos Business School (Young Talent Program), and she was surprised when she was selected.
“An aspect of the application process required us to make a video presentation and being a camera-shy person, I was discouraged, but I managed to apply, and at my first attempt, I was successful,” Moriam said.
She mentioned an excellent academic grade, a strong interest in research, and undergoing an MSc as some criteria for selecting participants at the Lagos Business School Young Talent Program. Other measures include publications, statistical skills, and volunteering experience.
Moriam said she took a lot of online courses during the covid-19 lockdown, which helped her discover her areas of interest.
She advises young people to develop themselves around whatever they are interested in so they’ll fit in once the opportunity comes.
