Missing Law cut-off mark led me to my true calling – Babcock varsity first-class graduate

Christabel Ikegwuonu, a 21-year-old from Anambra State, has achieved a first-class degree in International Law and Diplomacy from Babcock University, a feat she describes as deeply fulfilling and humbling. This academic milestone is particularly significant as it represents more than just a degree; it is a testament to her capability and a realization of a dream she once thought distant.

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Graduating with a first class in International Law and Diplomacy means much more to me than an academic achievement. It made me feel seen and reminded me that I am capable of achieving more than I once thought.

Ikegwuonu's academic journey was not always linear. She admits to being carefree at the start of her university career but experienced a profound shift in mindset that transformed her academic performance and life approach. This change led to a remarkable improvement in her Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) from 3.82 to 4.64, a process that instilled in her valuable lessons in discipline, resilience, and consistency.

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The best part of my story, finally yours to meet.

Beyond academics, Ikegwuonu is a multifaceted individual. She is a public speaker, a civic engagement advocate, and the founder of GenPolitik, a youth-led initiative focused on promoting civic education and political literacy among young people. During her time at Babcock, she balanced her studies with leadership roles, serving as chief auditor and later accountant general for the International Law and Diplomacy Students’ Association. She was also a Millennium Fellow and holds associate memberships with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (Nigeria).

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My parents strongly believed that education is the foundation for success, regardless of the career one chooses. They always emphasised excellence and raised us with the mindset that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.

Growing up, Ikegwuonu was a curious child with a strong academic inclination in primary school. However, secondary school presented challenges as she struggled with academic focus. Her university experience, particularly the conscious effort to improve her grades, became a defining period. She views her first-class degree not just as a personal achievement but as proof that a determined mindset can fundamentally alter one's trajectory, making her the first in her family to attain such an academic distinction.

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One of the most defining aspects of my academic journey was improving my CGPA from 3.82 to 4.64, and that experience taught me discipline, resilience, and consistency.