Harrylesere Harrylesere That helped me to overcome that challenge and subsequently , I became better . At the end of my fourth year , I had a distinction in Pathology and Pharmacology and I was the first person to have a distinction in Surgery at the end of 600 level . I thank God I didn ’t give up at that time .
Has anybody offered you a scholarship as a result of your superlative performance ?
Yes , I ’m grateful to Prof . Chris Imafidon who offered me a scholarship in Oxford University . Prof . Imafidon is the Chair and Founder , Excellence in Education Programme , Oxford , United Kingdom . He is also a consultant to presidents , European and American governments , several Asian countries as well as corporate organisations globally. He delivered UNILORIN ’s 33 rd convocation lecture , titled , ‘The genius in you: New tools , techniques and technology for developing individuals and institutional greatness ( How you can win an Oscar , multiple awards and major battles of life ) .’ During the lecture , he publicly offered scholarships to the best female and male graduates as well as the worst female and male graduates , to be admitted to Oxford for further studies, sponsored by his foundation . I am the best female graduate , so I qualified for the award . I am very grateful to him for such a great opportunity and I pray that God will continue to bless him and his family.
What do you intend to study at Oxford University?
I would have a Master ’ s degree in Oncology or molecular medicine. After that , I would like to pursue a PhD . I plan to combine academics with practical work , if it is possible.
Would you like to practise in the UK after your studies or you would come back ?
I actually want to practise in the UK for some time so that when I have gathered knowledge there , I would come home and apply it in Nigeria . I believe that by practising there for some time ; I would be better equipped to contribute to Nigeria ’s health care system .
Why did you choose medicine ?
When I was young , I wanted to be a banker because I had an uncle who was a banker . He was a manager with a foremost commercial bank then and he used to bring big cars to our house . I found it appealing. But when I grew up , I said I would become a pilot . My aim was to go into engineering but my parents later advised me that medicine is a good course that I could consider . My dad is also a doctor while my mum is a lawyer . I took the advice and thank God that until today , I have never regretted that choice . I actually enjoyed it because with medicine, you help people and you know that with God’ s help , you would impact people ’s lives positively.
What was your academic performance like when you were in secondary school ?
I was the best student in the Junior Secondary School examination . I was also the best in Mathematics in JSS 3 examination . My West African Senior School Certificate Examination result was one of the best in my school . And when I did the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination , two of us got the highest score . I scored 302 in UTME and I scored 78 per cent in Post-UTME.
Is there anything that makes you unhappy about Nigeria ’ s health sector?
Yes , there are. But summarily , I think one issue that has plagued the sector is industrial action , whereas , the masses are the ones that suffer anytime there is an impasse between the government and health sector unions. If the government would look into that area and make health workers feel rewarded for the work they do , things would get better . Also , there is some basic equipment that is needed in the health centres that is not available . It would be helpful if the government can provide some of the basic equipment . The Health Insurance Scheme should not be limited to a particular set of people . It should be accessible by everybody .
Did you have time to socialise with people or it was all about your books ?
I had time to socialise . I went to the cinema with my friends. I was also a member of the Febrilel Academia and we travelled to different places for quiz competitions . There was also a time I was the Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Osun State Students in UNILORIN . So , I had a social life . It wasn ’t all about books . I think what is important is for students to be able to set their priorities and manage their time well. I also had a very good relationship with my classmates , including my juniors .
What is your counsel to your classmates?
They should keep giving their best . We all excel one way or the other ; graduating from the medical school is a reward .

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