The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) at the 11th convocation ceremony held on Saturday, March 26, 2022, awarded Ben Sampson Micah the best graduating student of the year.
Nurse Ben, who is a graduate of BNSc. Nursing science at the Department of Health Science, has broken the record for the year 2022, by emerging with the Cumulative Grade Point Average Point (CGPA) of 4.80 out of a good number of 22,250 graduates at the university.
Speaking with the NOUN News, he said that the National Open University of Nigeria has really given students an uncommon advantage, preparing them for the 21st century economy.
“Many of us had thought that career and academic progressions were impossible for us because attending brick-and-mortar higher institution was out of question but NOUN came to our rescue with the philosophy of work and learn (now ‘’Learn at any place at your pace’’). This philosophy indeed embraces “Education for All.’’ Hence, today we are all graduates,” he said.
Ben, who is a family man and working with the University of Uyo as a Nurse at the Health Centre in Akwa Ibom, began his first degree in nursing in the year 2015 at NOUN.
Giving a brief history about his academic pursuit in the interview , he disclosed that the struggle to pull through has never been easy because his early days at primary to high school were public oriented schools without writing materials but that couldn’t hinder him because he has a passion for science.
He also emphasized on reading, describing it as the secret behind his success. “As a student you must read if you want to succeed, if you are not the reading type you are not called for NOUN. Why? Because most of the courses are virtual. Every student must cultivate the habit of reading.”
He underscored the importance of team work, saying that ‘’When everyone works as a team, more is accomplished: things are easier. May I here mention that the Nursing Department of NOUN is able to create the record we are seeing – producing about 90percent of first-class Graduands and the best graduating student because of teamwork.
“The flexibility in the modes of instructional delivery by NOUN does not affect its quality of education. For instance, when NOUN introduced online facilitations in response to COVID-19 pandemic, the quality of facilitations rather improved. And when it introduced virtual examinations, it employed unmatched hi-tech security checks that reduced examination malpractice to near zero.”
The flexible, functional, quality education provided by NOUN is a clear proof of the ingenuity, foresight, competence and dedication of all members of NOUN staff. To them I say: “Bravo, you are all wonderful. I am proud of you.’’
The Best Graduating Student then encouraged his fellow graduands to take NOUN’s medium of education as a precious gift – an education that suits the functioning gainfully in the 21st century economy.
“NOUN has improved on our employability skills so make good use of it. But remember that you can achieve more by working as a team,” he said.
He appreciated NOUN for giving the students the opportunities to forge beneficial relationships that would never have been, even as he also extended his gratitude to the families and well wishers for their support that made his dreams achievable.
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