An African proverb has it that a lizard in Nigeria isn’t going to become a crocodile else where. Whatever you are will most certainly shoot out regardless of the situation or condition, all that is needed is a space of time. Typifying the saying that a gold-fish has no place to hide, Desayo Ajisegiri is a young Nigerian who flew the nation’s flags high during her academic sojourn at Howard University in the United States.
QUESTION: A warm welcome to you Desayo, so take us through your academic journey. Coming out from Nigeria, the transition and what the journey was really like.
Desayo: I left Nigeria in January 2008 to study in the U.S. I landed in the dead of the winter in New York, it was the first shocking welcome I received. The major difference was the style of education, the terminologies, and the environment but as a Nigerian, we adapt, hence I adapted quite smoothly.
QUESTION: So tell us what exactly made the style of education in the US different from what is obtainable in Nigeria?
Desayo: In terms of content, it is similar however, you get more hands on learning here and depending on the school you attend, you get very great interaction with professors and teaching assistants. There is the avenue for a free flow of dialogue between the student and the school officials, and there is an immediate reward of academic achievements in terms of deans list recognition, awards and so on.
QUESTION: What was the academic experience like?
Desayo: Well, as with any rigorous academic program, you have to study, complete assignments, seek help from tutors and so on. It was definitely challenging but like I earlier mentioned, the Bible
There is no secret or insurmountable challenge. You just have to grow up, take responsibility, plan, and do whatever it takes.
says study to show yourself approved. If you study, you will succeed at it
There is no secret or insurmountable challenge. You just have to grow up, take responsibility, plan, and do whatever it takes.
QUESTION: In terms of cross cultural experiences, how rich was the experience?
Desayo: Oh that is the beauty of studying outside Africa, I have met several people from different walks of life through my academic journey. I got to learn from all these people in different ways – their background, mannerisms and idiosyncrasies taught me to be more open minded, and broad in perspective. I won’t choose a particular race or anything of that sort. I have learned that all humans are beautiful in their own way. I choose to see the best in people and contribute my best to people.
I believe this is what makes the world a better place after all; we are all citizens of the world, regardless of our nationalities, skin color, race or whatever it is.
QUESTION: What academic achievements did you record?
Desayo: Through the course of my education, I have been honored to receive numerous awards and recognition at every level. Further upon graduation, I received the Howard University Department of Chemical Engineering Highest level of academic achievement award, Howard University Department of Chemical Engineering Wall Of Fame Award – with commentary as one of the best students the department ever came across in over 20 years of academic endeavors.
I graduated with a Summa Cum Laude (first class), mentioned on the list of who is who within American Colleges and Universities and was the President of the National Engineering Honors Society, by invitation only to top 8 of the junior class and top 5 of the senior class.
QUESTION: Any specific reason you chose to study engineering?
Desayo: Initially, I started out with a pre-medicine course. I was very good at mathematics, physics, technical drawings and others way back in secondary school. I should mention that another advantage studying in the U.S. gave me was the opportunity to study engineering and still go to medical school. To me, that was best of both worlds – so I pursued it. Fortunately for me, I loved it and excelled at it. However, in my 3rd year, I decided to stick with engineering and give up medical school. No external reason, it was a personal decision as I had already completed my pre-medicine undergraduate courses.
I am a proud engineer, I love engineering because to me, engineering is not an end in itself, it is a means to an end. It broadens your horizon like no other undergraduate course does. I may be very well biased, but it gives you better leverage with an undergraduate degree like no other course does, it is one of the highest paying degrees. More especially, it develops your thinking capabilities exceedingly.
I can go on and on. Engineering is diverse, it is adaptable, it is useful in many areas of life.
I come from humble beginnings where resilience was necessary for survival. I grew up inspired by the tenacity and sheer determination of courageous individuals like my mother
QUESTION: Any mentors or role models?
Desayo: I like the idea of mentors however I believe in the uniqueness of self. Hence, I have a few people who I discuss and share ideas with.These are great people who have nudged me on in the right direction and have pushed me on to fulfill destiny, however, I pride myself in the one who is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and anchor of my faith – God. I am a Christian, a proud one! I go to God first before I make any decision and anything of that sort. Hence, when I discuss with my ‘mentors’ it has to resonate with my spirit, I won’t just take anyone’s word for it. That’s the beauty of self.
I come from humble beginnings where resilience was necessary for survival. I grew up inspired by the tenacity and sheer determination of courageous individuals like my mother – a passionate nursing Chief Matron, who consistently managed to place community above self. I strive to be as selfless as my Mother, but to also be resourceful and utilize every available opportunity to accomplish more.
QUESTION: Great words. So what are your plans for the future?
Desayo: My purpose in life is to give people a reason to live, and a hope for a future – Here is where it will all come together, sooner than later.
Specifically, I am passionate about innovation. Quite a number of things are in the works that would be public knowledge in the near future.
QUESTION:We hope to see these materialize soonest. Been a nice time with you Desayo, wishing you the very best as you strive to live out all of you in the years ahead.
Desayo: Thank you so much! My pleasure
Source : Naijalife Magazine