I nearly lost weight from pressure to excel at LASU — First-class graduate

Vanessa Obiadika did not enter Lagos State University determined to graduate with first-class honors. She said she initially wanted to experience university life, build her skills and explore opportunities.

That changed as her grades improved. She started with a 4.24 CGPA in her first year and recorded 4.17 in her second semester. From her second year, she began earning first-class grade-point averages, although her cumulative result had not yet reached the threshold. By her third year, she became more deliberate about pursuing the distinction.

In her final semester, Obiadika achieved a 4.84 GPA, earning A grades in every course except one, in which she received a B. She finished with a 4.52 CGPA. “Beyond the result, graduating with a first class represents excellence to me,” she said. “I believe that whatever I find myself doing, I should give it my best.”

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Beyond the result, graduating with a first class represents excellence to me.

The 21-year-old Mass Communication graduate also developed work in voiceover, presenting, broadcasting and content creation during her four years. She said completing those activities alongside her degree made the result feel like an all-round achievement. When she saw her final result, she said she was shocked, extremely happy and grateful to God.

Obiadika gained admission in September 2022, although classes officially began in April 2023. She grew up in Lagos, while her family comes from Ogidi in Anambra State. She described herself as sheltered, timid and introverted as a child, and said difficult and unstable periods in her family shaped her. She also credited her resilient mother, whom she watched work hard and provide for the family.

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I believe that whatever I find myself doing, I should give it my best.