A former President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at the University of Calabar, Blessing Alims, has urged Nigerian youths to cultivate discipline and resilience as critical ingredients for achieving success.
Alims, who was admitted into the university in 2020, shared how she financed her education through various menial jobs, including shoemaking and fashion design at the Cross River Garment Factory, while also volunteering with the Girls’ Power Initiative in Calabar. Her determination paid off as she graduated among the top students at the institution’s 38th convocation ceremony.
Speaking in Calabar on Tuesday, she acknowledged the challenges facing the country but cautioned young people against attributing their struggles solely to external circumstances. According to her, discipline is a key factor that distinguishes those who succeed from those who remain stagnant despite having opportunities.
Reflecting on her time in office, Alims noted that she made history as the first female SUG President during her 300 level, leading a student population of over 45,000. She highlighted several achievements of her administration, including the introduction of five mini buses to improve campus transportation, the award of N1 million to the best graduating student, and the sponsorship of 50 students through a scholarship scheme.
She also facilitated the installation of a solar-powered borehole to improve water supply in hostels and championed advocacy efforts that resulted in the university’s first gender policy.
Emphasizing the value of education, skill acquisition, and entrepreneurship, Alims encouraged youths to invest in personal development and make intentional use of digital platforms. She described the internet as a powerful resource for learning, networking, and economic empowerment, urging students and graduates to remain consistent and focused in their pursuits.
Credit: Punch
