Three University of Ibadan nursing graduates have shared inspiring stories about the setbacks they faced before finally gaining admission to study nursing. The graduates opened up about repeatedly writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) more than once and dealing with delays caused by COVID-19 and ASUU strikes. Despite moments of doubt and academic struggles, the students successfully graduated and were inducted into the nursing profession by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
1. UI Nursing Graduate Who Missed Cut-Off Mark
A young lady identified as Joyce Banjo celebrated her successful graduation from the University of Ibadan after years of persistence. The nursing graduate took to LinkedIn to recount how she missed admission during her first attempt because she failed to meet the cut-off mark for nursing. According to Joyce, she later sat for another UTME in 2019 before finally securing admission into the institution. She explained that her academic journey became longer than expected because of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASUU strikes and the demanding nature of nursing school. The graduate also admitted that there were moments when she doubted herself and considered choosing another career path.
2. UI Graduate Writes WAEC Twice, JAMB Three Times
Another UI graduate, Rebecca Akinyinka, also celebrated becoming a registered nurse after years of determination. Rebecca, who graduated with a second-class upper degree, shared her story on Facebook while celebrating her induction into the nursing profession. The graduate revealed that she wrote the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination twice before eventually gaining admission. She also disclosed that she sat for the JAMB examination and post-UTME three times before finally securing admission to study nursing at the University of Ibadan in 2019. Reflecting on her experience, Rebecca described her academic journey as one filled with tears, lessons, impactful moments and countless prayers. According to her, support from friends and family helped her through the difficult moments in school.
3. UI Nursing Graduate Writes JAMB Four Times
A fresh graduate identified as Agbudeloye Adewole Destiny also shared details of his academic journey after graduating from the University of Ibadan. Destiny celebrated his induction into the nursing profession on X, where he revealed that he wrote the UTME four times before gaining admission in 2019. According to him, his academic journey also suffered several delays after he finally secured admission. He explained that the COVID-19 outbreak delayed his resumption until 2021, while the ASUU strike in 2022 further affected his studies. Despite the setbacks, he eventually graduated in 2026 and officially became a registered nurse.
