Udeh Ifeanyi Monday: A Journey of Determination and Excellence
Lagos, Nigeria – Udeh Ifeanyi Monday has emerged as a symbol of perseverance, academic excellence, and resilience. The recent First-Class graduate in Accounting from the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) finished with an outstanding CGPA of 4.73, topping both his department and faculty.
Reflecting on his journey, Monday told Legit.ng that graduating as the best student in his field was an honour, made even more rewarding by the challenges he overcame.
Outstanding Academic Achievements
Monday’s academic journey is marked by numerous accomplishments:
“I’m proud of several academic achievements, such as being named Best Graduating Student of both my department and faculty. I also earned a place on my university’s Honors Roll and received multiple scholarships, including the PTDF Undergraduate Scholarship. Additionally, I was awarded the Best Student Tutor of the Year by the National Universities Accounting Students Association (NUASA), Uniuyo chapter, and I received the Academician of the Year award from my class.”
These accolades, he emphasized, reflect his dedication to learning and his commitment to helping others succeed.
Turning Challenges into Motivation
Monday’s journey to academic excellence wasn’t without obstacles. His first semester was a wake-up call after receiving a C grade, an experience that pushed him to raise his academic standards.
“After a rough first semester where I received a disappointing C grade, I committed to giving my best in every course. I embraced night classes as a part of my study routine, which earned me the nickname ‘the face of night class’ from my friends. Alongside Jehovah’s grace, the support of my family, scholarships, and motivation from my lecturers and peers, I stayed focused on my goal of academic excellence.”
Things became more challenging in his second year when his father, his primary sponsor, suffered a stroke, creating financial difficulties for the family.
“Scholarships and side jobs helped me stay on course. Balancing studies with financial pressures was tough, but it taught me resilience. I took on side jobs such as assisting students with school fee payments, printing, doing assignments, and working at cyber cafés to support myself and my family. My lecturers and classmates were also a great support system.”
Mastering Time Management for Success
Consistency and time management played a crucial role in Monday’s academic journey.
“I organized tutorials for my peers, which helped me a lot too. Teaching others deepened my understanding of subjects. I developed a study routine that included night classes and scheduled breaks to prevent burnout. Discipline was key; I set realistic goals each semester and stayed focused. Seeking support from lecturers and classmates also contributed to my success.”
Unlocking Career Opportunities Through Academic Excellence
Monday’s stellar academic record opened several doors, providing scholarships that allowed him to complete his education without financial strain while supporting his family.
“My achievements helped me secure a place in the highly competitive Mentorship Corner International program, where I was mentored by industry professionals like Qudus Balogun (Iwelabi) and Richard Okunola. I also gained hands-on experience through my internship at Petronella Nig Ltd, and most recently, I was accepted as a Financial Analysis Intern at Iwelabi Consulting—a competitive position that will allow me to further hone my expertise in the field.”
Advice for Aspiring Students
Monday encourages students to set high academic standards and stay committed despite challenges.
“Establish a routine that works for you, and don’t be afraid to seek support from peers, mentors, and lecturers. Be ready to help others too—I believe there is more happiness in giving than in receiving. Be consistent, stay organized, and embrace the process. Remember that setbacks are part of the journey, and with persistence, you can achieve your goals.”
With an inspiring story of perseverance and excellence, Udeh Ifeanyi Monday stands as a testament to what is possible with hard work, determination, and the right support system.