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Switch - From 1.51 CGPA to a 5.0CGPA : The Story of a man named Ifeanyi Nwigwe

As earlier promised, I would be posting interviews with some young leaders on the rise with very interesting stories. First to grace this p...


As earlier promised, I would be posting interviews with some young leaders on the rise with very interesting stories. First to grace this platform is Ifeanyi Nwigwe who is a Chartered Accountant and currently works with one of the Big 4 Accounting Firms in Nigeria.

In this interview, you get to see how he moved from 1.51 CGPA to a 5.0CGPA.


DA: Hi Ifeanyi, Can we get to know you more?
I am from a humble background where I was taught that what mattered the most was preserving a "good name" over material things and to trust in long term reward as opposed to instant gratification. My parents ensured they gave me the best within their means. I grew up amidst so much affection and care where I was brought up on the tenets of Christianity.

DA: Can you tell us a brief about your undergraduate background?

My undergraduate background is one noteworthy of. When I wrote Jamb in 2006, I applied to the University of Lagos to study Pharmacy but didn't meet the cut off mark so I had to settle for Zoology (afterall we all wanted to be in school). I had no focus at that point. At the end of the first semester, I had a GPA of 1.96 with two re-sits.

DA: Wow, you mean you actually had a 1.96 GPA? How did you handle this?

At this point, I realized I was in trouble, so I picked up the Unilag diploma form and applied to study Economics. I didn't meet up with the cut off mark for Economics so I had to settle for Accounting. Meanwhile I was still in Zoology. At the end of my second semester, I had a CGPA of 1.51 with 4 re-sits bringing the total to 6 re-sits for the coming academic year. By then, I had my admission to study Accounting and I was determined not to make the same mistake.

DA: How did you fare switching from a science background to finance?

I made the switch to Accounting and emerged the best student in the Diploma II/Foundation Programme for the year 2007/2008 with a CGPA of 5.00/5.00. This was the turning point in my career

DA: What vital lesson did you learn from switching fields?
I learnt that with hardwork, focus and dedication you can achieve anything you want to achieve just by giving it your best shot and committing your ways to GOD.

DA: Did you get a job immediately after school?
I didn't get a job as soon as I left school. I had to wait about 8months Post-Nysc before landing my first major offer.

DA: 8 Months? How did you handle the waiting period?

The waiting period was not funny at all. That was the point I finally understood the meaning of "Patience is a Virtue". I tried as much as possible not to be dismayed during the period and I just kept faith and continued trying knowing fully that one day something was going to come up till I landed an offer with one of the "Big 4".

DA: What advice do you have for young career starters?

Remain focused and diligent. Try to develop your soft skills and any other skill necessary to your immediate environment. Never believe the myth that what you learnt in school is irrelevant. Trust me you'll get to use a lot of it (I get to see it daily at work). Be patient and above all be prayerful.

Ifeanyi’s story goes to prove Einstein’s comments where he said “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid”.

Are you finding difficulty in that field where you are at the moment majorly due to lack of interest? A switch might be the best for you.

Cheers DA!

2 comments

Moustee said...

A great story to learn from.

Gerrard59 said...

Truly inspirational. Thanks Mr. Apaflo, watched your presentation at TEDx. I'm grateful for creating time to tell us, young ones about life and career.

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