Blessing Iviero, a University of Ibadan graduate who was denied admission to study Law due to unmet entry requirements, has earned a First Class degree in Anthropology—a course she initially never wanted. Iviero shared her journey on LinkedIn on 18 August 2026, detailing how she transitioned from a reluctant student to a top-performing graduate.
From Law Dreams to Anthropology Reality
Iviero gained admission to the University of Ibadan with her heart set on studying Law. However, she did not meet the cut-off mark for the Law program and was assigned to Anthropology instead. Writing on LinkedIn, she recounted: "I didn't choose Anthropology. At least, not at first. When I gained admission into the University of Ibadan, I had my heart set on studying Law. That was the dream. But I didn't meet the requirements for Law, and I was given Anthropology instead."
Initially, Iviero planned to treat Anthropology as a temporary placement, intending to transfer to Law by her second year. She said: "My plan was simple: get into the university, settle in, and try to cross over to Law in 200 level. I had already convinced myself that Anthropology was only temporary."
Discovering a Passion for Anthropology
As lectures progressed, Iviero's mindset shifted. She began to develop an interest in Anthropology, which she had previously dismissed. According to her LinkedIn post, the more she engaged with the subject, the more she appreciated its focus on understanding human behavior and culture. She wrote: "I became curious. I started asking questions. Why do people behave the way they do? How does culture shape the way we think and live? Why do different communities respond differently to the same situations? The more I learned, the more I realised that Anthropology was not just about studying cultures. It was about understanding people. And I loved that."
Gradually, the idea of transferring to Law faded. Iviero noted: "Gradually, the idea of crossing over to Law became less important. I wasn't just adjusting to Anthropology anymore. I was falling in love with it. So I stayed. And I gave it my best."
First Class Achievement and Reflection
Iviero graduated with a First Class in Anthropology, a milestone she described as deeply fulfilling. Reflecting on her journey, she said: "Sometimes I look back and smile because the course I initially saw as something I would leave became something I was genuinely proud to graduate from. It also shaped so much of who I am today. My interest in research grew from it. My curiosity about people became stronger. My writing became more intentional."
Her story has sparked conversation online, highlighting the unexpected paths that lead to academic success. In a separate report by Legit.ng, another Nigerian woman, identified as @mitemmybeautycollection on TikTok, shared her own University of Ibadan matriculation news 15 years after finishing secondary school. She gained admission to study Sociology at UI, marking a long-awaited milestone.
