UNN First Class Graduate Reflects on N5,000 Award and the Value of Education

Iheoma Uzomba, a first-class graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), shared her mixed feelings about receiving a N5,000 award for graduating as the best student in her department in 2022.

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Now a virtual assistant and copywriter, Iheoma recounted how the modest prize, equivalent to one shawarma and a bottle of malt at today's exchange rate, drew both supportive and mocking remarks from friends and family.

Reflecting on the experience, Iheoma admitted that some of the comments, such as "Na why school na scam" and "Even salesboy for Aba de make ten times of that money daily," affected her deeply.

Despite this, she firmly disagreed with the notion that education in Nigeria is a scam. She emphasized that while education may be undervalued in the country, its true worth lies in mental growth rather than monetary gain.

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Iheoma's story has sparked a conversation about the value of education in Nigeria, with many resonating with her sentiments.

One commenter shared a similar experience, stating, "Sad indeed! In my case, I got an award plaque and a handshake. That education is not celebrated as much doesn’t change the value of it. Keep shining, I celebrate you."

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Through her post, Iheoma hopes to inspire others to see beyond the immediate financial rewards of education and appreciate the broader benefits it brings to personal and intellectual development.