Dr. Onyekachi Iroanya, a lecturer and course adviser in the Cell Biology and Genetics Department, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, shares insights with BIODUN BUSARI on how she mentored 14 first-class graduates and her journey in academia.
Journey into Academia
Dr. Iroanya was inspired by her late father, Dr. Iwuoha Aligwewe, who was a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Growing up in the university environment shaped her early ambitions. Though she initially considered going into business due to the financial struggles of lecturers, her husband, Ogbonnaya Iroanya, encouraged her to pursue her childhood dream of lecturing.
She began her academic career at UNN, where she completed her Master’s degree. Despite financial constraints, her husband supported her by providing financial stability. Encouraged by his vision, she eventually pursued a Ph.D. and found fulfillment in academia.
Role as a Mentor
Dr. Iroanya’s passion for mentorship stems from her love for children. As a course adviser, she played a maternal role, earning the affectionate title ‘Mummy’ from her students. She built a close-knit academic community by organizing group discussions, creating WhatsApp groups, and fostering collaboration among students.
She instilled discipline and motivation by sharing her academic journey, emphasizing resilience despite her own struggles with achieving a first-class degree. Her mentorship approach included forming study clusters, conducting interactive sessions, and providing financial aid to indigent students.
Success Stories
Under Dr. Iroanya’s mentorship, two students emerged as the best-graduating students at UNILAG. Additionally, 12 others attained first-class honors. She credits this success to passion, empathy, and a supportive academic environment.
Among the remarkable stories is that of Ishaq-Balogun Anisa Oluwatobi, a sickle cell warrior who completed her exams despite frequent hospitalizations. Another student, Otudero Emmanuel, transformed his 2.8 CGPA into a first-class degree, finishing with a 4.58 CGPA. The 2024 graduating class, named the Alpha Helix class, excelled through teamwork, peer support, and perseverance.
Challenges in Academia
Despite her achievements, Dr. Iroanya acknowledges the struggles of being a lecturer in Nigeria. She laments poor remuneration, stating that even with over a decade of experience and the recent salary increment, she earns below N400,000 monthly.
She highlights the financial hardships faced by younger lecturers, many of whom live far from their institutions due to the high cost of living. She calls on policymakers to improve the welfare of Nigerian lecturers, emphasizing the need for better funding, infrastructure, and recognition of their contributions.
Advice for Aspiring Lecturers
Dr. Iroanya urges young lecturers to embrace academia with passion and a willingness to make sacrifices. She emphasizes that fulfillment in lecturing stems from the impact made on students rather than financial gains.
Her dedication to mentorship and education continues to shape the lives of many students, proving that passion and perseverance can make a difference in academia.