Introduction:
Meet Miss Isiuwa Osagie, an alumnus of the Benson Idahosa School of Basic and Applied Studies (BISBAS) who bagged a first class degree from the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Benson Idahosa University, 2018/2019 Academic Session. She proceeded to acquire her degree via direct entry programme after duly completing the academic requirements of BISBAS were Miss Osagie obtained National Innovative Diploma (NID), 2014, with an upper credit.
She initially wanted to read medicine (first choice) or Medical microbiology (second choice) but opted to read computer science due to technical difficulties which led her to reluctantly apply for computer software engineering, a BISBAS innovation diploma programme following a friend’s advice. However, she was indeed grateful to God she started from the diploma school, which not only steer her to the right course of study that she now prefers, but also served as formative period and platform that prepared and spurred her to greatness at the degree level. She is enthusiastic about life and full great projections for her future; as she intends to further her studies abroad in her newly found love, Computer Science.
Here is the interview;
Alumni Corner: Good day, can we meet you?
MISS Osagie: I’m Isiuwa Osagie also known as ‘Emmanuella’ although that one is not official. I’m from Obe Community, in Oredo Local Government Area, here in Edo State. The last born girl with two elder brothers, my Mum had been my backbone and support (emotionally, financially and spiritually) that have kept me going, together with the assistance from my elder brothers, My Dad has been late since 2011.
You say “you want to meet me?” I will say I’m an easy going person; I mean, a very friendly person that is enthusiastic and not shy to socialize easily when need be to get to know people. Although I will say I’m often reserved and studious.
Alumni Corner: Tell us how you came to Benson Idahosa School of Basic and Applied Studies and your time at the diploma school.
MISS Osagie: I came to know about BISBAS, 2014, when I applied for Benson Idahosa University, to study Medicine or Microbiology (which was not available as at then) and my JAMB cut-off mark was not even enough to get me the admission into the University. So, I was advised by a friend who introduced me to BISBAS as a gateway to getting a direct entry admission. At first I was reluctant to apply for diploma school, but I finally accepted to apply for the National Innovation Diploma; which I’m grateful to God today, I did. BISBAS did not only steer me to choose Computer Software Engineering which was the best choice for me, but it also served as formative years that prepared and spurred me to greater things to come at the degree level.
Alumni Corner: How were you able to come up with a first class in a course you initially didn’t want to do?
MISS Osagie: I will say it was God helping me all the way. One thing I have always believed is “anything that can be taught can be learnt” plus I have always had this ‘sterling result’ mindset right from the start, I have always wanted a situation where my result would be all ‘A’s; This gave me the push whenever I’m studying. Thank God for the platform provided by the Diploma School that prepared me, where I started working at it, but came close with an upper credit. Then I worked at it again at the degree level and thank God I got it right this time, with a first class.
Alumni Corner: What is your advice to candidates who are reluctant to accept to come through the Diploma Programme.
MISS Osagie: Candidates should learn from my experience, they shouldn’t feel inferior that they are doing a diploma programme, after all it is a stepping stone that will prepares them for greater things in career and life. For example when you get into the degree programme you would find that you already have proficiencies in most of the courses taught; Students shouldn’t feel diploma is a stress even if that was not what they initially wanted to do. God may just be directing you in the right path and strengthening for greater things in life.
Alumni Corner: What is your relationship with God in all of this?
MISS Osagie: God is all and all in my life. It’s been God who gave me the strength to stay up all those nights burning my candles to read and preparing for exams. It was God who gave me retentive memory and wisdom to understand what I read. What I usually do after reading for exams is, I fast and pray always during these periods. God have always come through for me with the way I remember the things I have read. God is amazing and awesome!
Alumni Corner: Tell us about your hobbies and interests.
MISS Osagie: One thing I love to do is ‘help’, I like helping with classwork especially my classmates that need my help with the little as I can do. I also love to solve problems like programming.
Alumni Corner: What plans do you have for your future?
Miss Osagie: For the immediate, I wish to travel abroad to further my studies in the same computer science that I have come to love, I wish to earn a Master and possibly a Doctorate degree.
Alumni Corner: What is your favourite quote?
Miss Osagie: “Everything you are taught, you can learn”.