Adegoke Azeezah is the overall best-graduating student of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State. She graduated with a First Class from the Department of Pharmacology with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.90 on a scale of 5. In this interview by Kingsley Alumona, she speaks about her academic journey and the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry.
How would you describe the kind of secondary education you had, and how did it influence your admission into the university?
My secondary education was crucial in shaping my academic journey. I attended a reputable secondary school — Angels Height College, Ayete Ibarapa North, Oyo State — that offered a strong science curriculum, which laid a solid foundation for my admission into the university and also instilled a strong work ethic in me.
The knowledge and skills acquired during my secondary education greatly influenced my admission into the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), as I was well-prepared for the challenges of higher education. My secondary school also offered opportunities for extracurricular activities and leadership roles which helped me develop a well-rounded skill set. Overall, the quality of my secondary education I received provided me with the necessary academic background and mindset to excel academically at the university and beyond.
What inspired you to study pharmacology, and why did you choose OOU for it?
My deep interest in the field of medicine and my desire to make a positive impact in the healthcare sector inspired me to study pharmacology. I am fascinated with how drugs interact with the human body to produce therapeutic effects. I chose Olabisi Onabanjo University because of its reputable pharmacology programme and excellent faculty members who are experts in the field. I had heard great things about the faculty and resources available in the school and knew it was the right place for me to pursue my passion. I believed that studying at OOU would provide me with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in my chosen career path.
What did you do differently to graduate as the overall best student of your university?
To graduate as the overall best student of my university, I had to put in a lot of hard work and dedication to my studies. I maintained a high level of discipline and made my studies my top priority. I ensured that I attended all my classes and made a point to sit in front of the class to minimise distractions, participated actively in discussions, and sought clarification on any topic I found challenging. I also utilised the resources available to me, such as the library and mentorship. I also developed a study schedule that helped me stay organised and focused on my academic goals.
Additionally, I sought help from my lecturers, peers, and predecessors whenever I needed assistance, and never hesitated to ask questions. This commitment to excellence and continuous learning contributed to my success as the best-graduating student of my university.
What was the title of your final-year project and what were the major findings from it?
The title of my final-year project was ‘Exploring the effect of gonadotropin and gonadal hormones as potential therapeutic targets in catamenial epilepsy’.
The study indicated that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may play a significant role in the occurrence of seizures in women with epilepsy. This insight could potentially lead to new treatment strategies targeting these hormonal pathways to better manage catamenial epilepsy in female patients.
The major findings from my research highlight the crucial role of these hormones in regulating seizure activity and suggest new pathways for potential therapeutic interventions in catamenial epilepsy. It has important implications for the development of new treatment strategies for individuals suffering from catamenial epilepsy, a condition that affects many women worldwide.
How would you describe your social life while in school?
My social life while in school was quite limited as I am more of an introvert and preferred to focus on my studies. I only want out occasionally with a few close friends, but most of my time was spent on books and research. I was not actively involved in any clubs. However, I dedicated my time to activities that aligned with my academic and career interests in pharmacology, as my primary goal was to excel academically and make the most of my time in the university.
What were the challenges and toughest times you faced at the university, and how did you manage them?
During my time at university, I encountered financial constraints. To overcome this obstacle, I applied for scholarships, engaged in a small business, and sought support from my family. I also practised careful budgeting and lived modestly to make ends meet while concentrating on my academic pursuits.
Furthermore, the most demanding moments for me at the university occurred during exam periods and when handling numerous deadlines for assignments and projects within a tight timeframe. To cope with these pressures, I prioritised my tasks, sought help when necessary, and maintained a positive mindset, despite the difficulties. Through persistence, resolve, and diligent effort, I successfully managed these challenges and completed my education with outstanding academic achievements.
In the course of your studies, what were the things you think the school or state government could improve on to make life comfortable for students and staff?
I would recommend that the school and the state government prioritise investments in infrastructure, academic resources, and extracurricular activities to create a conducive and enriching learning environment for students and staff, ultimately enhancing the overall university experience. Additionally, more support and resources could be allocated to student welfare programmes to address issues such as accommodation, healthcare, and career development opportunities.
With your pharmacology skills and knowledge, how do you think you can impact your community and the Nigerian pharmaceutical and health industry?
I can impact my community and the Nigerian pharmaceutical and health industry by conducting research that could lead to the development of new drugs and treatment options for various diseases. I could also contribute to improving drug regulations and policies to ensure the safety and efficacy of medications in Nigeria and participate in public health awareness programmes. By leveraging my knowledge of pharmacology, I aim to address healthcare challenges, improve access to quality medications, and contribute to advancements in pharmaceutical research and development in Nigeria.
On a daily basis, fake and expired drugs flood Nigerian hospitals and markets. If you were the chairperson of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), how would you combat this menace?
To combat the proliferation of fake and expired drugs in Nigeria, as the NAFDAC chairperson, I would propose stringent enforcement of regulations, increased surveillance, and frequent inspections of pharmaceutical facilities. I would collaborate with law enforcement agencies to strengthen the drug supply chain and crack down on counterfeit drug syndicates. I would also increase public awareness on the dangers of fake medications, and implementation of technologies like track-and-trace systems to safeguard the drug supply chain.
In the biting Nigerian economy, basic medications are becoming too expensive for the common man to afford, leading to improper treatments or even death. How would you advise the Federal Government on how to intervene in this situation?
To address the issue of expensive medications in the Nigerian economy, I would advise the Federal Government to focus on healthcare funding, negotiate better prices with pharmaceutical companies, and reduce tariffs on raw materials for drug manufacturing.
I would advise and advocate support for local drug production and reduction of the dependence on imported medications which can be achieved through incentives for local pharmaceutical companies. Also, I would advise the government to implement drug subsidy programmes to ensure the affordability and accessibility of essential medications to all segments of the population.
What are your plans after youth service? And where do you see yourself in five years?
After completing my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, I plan to pursue further education in the field of pharmacology or a related discipline. I aspire to pursue a postgraduate degree to deepen my knowledge and expertise in pharmacology and to conduct research in my desired area of interest within the field.
In five years, I see myself as a successful and accomplished pharmacologist, either working in a reputable pharmaceutical company, research institution, or academia. I aim to contribute to the development of innovative pharmacological therapies, conduct groundbreaking research that advances the field, and mentor aspiring pharmacologists to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.
Ultimately, my goal is to make a significant impact in the field of pharmacology, contribute to the advancement of healthcare through the development of new medications, and continuously strive for excellence in my career as a pharmacologist.
What is your advice to students who are aspiring to achieve the kind of academic feat you achieved?
My advice to students aspiring to achieve academic success, similar to mine, is to stay focused, set goals, and work hard consistently while putting God first. Seek help and guidance from professors, mentors, peers, and predecessors, and never be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification when needed.
Dedicate yourself to your studies, prioritise your time effectively, constantly engage in extracurricular activities that align with your course of study, and stay organised and disciplined in your approach to learning.
Lastly, never lose sight of your passion in your field of study, and always strive for excellence in all that you do. And, never hesitate to challenge yourself to reach your full potential.
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