A chronic autoimmune disorder did not stop Nancy Atorerefa Popo from graduating as Wellspring University’s overall best student with a CGPA of 4.98 in International Relations and Diplomacy.
Popo shared her experience during the university’s 14th convocation ceremony in Benin City, Edo State, where she delivered the valedictory speech on behalf of her fellow graduands.
She said she entered the university while managing a condition that required lifelong medication and imposed restrictions on her daily activities, including avoiding direct exposure to sunlight.
Despite the challenges, Popo remained determined to achieve her academic goals, drawing strength from the belief that people could adapt to difficult circumstances rather than surrender to them.
“Excellence does not mean that you don’t have struggles, but that you’ll never surrender,” she said.
She added that her achievement represented more than her academic result, describing it as evidence of resilience and the support that sustained her throughout her studies.
Popo said her health condition often gave her reasons to consider giving up, but she continued to push forward despite the difficulties.
Speaking at the ceremony, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Ajayi, urged the graduands to uphold integrity and good character, noting that academic qualifications alone were not enough to guarantee success.
He said employers and society needed graduates who demonstrated competence, creativity, resilience and compassion alongside their academic achievements.
Ajayi also highlighted the university’s academic development, including approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery programme and other health-related courses.
He said several programmes had secured full accreditation, while professional courses continued to receive recognition from relevant regulatory bodies.
The university’s Chancellor, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, told the graduands that their degrees marked the beginning of greater responsibilities rather than the end of their education.
He urged them to use their knowledge to contribute meaningfully to society and uphold the values associated with their education.
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