A graduate of the University of Calabar, Cynthia Maduekwe, has attributed her academic success in completing her Bachelor of Engineering degree to resilience and discipline, which she said helped her overcome years of academic delays, setbacks and personal challenges.
Maduekwe, who graduated alongside the pioneer set of her department, recounted facing multiple disruptions during her time at UNICAL, including rewriting exams, changing departments, accreditation issues, the COVID-19 pandemic and repeated Academic Staff Union of Universities strikes.
Speaking to newsmen in Calabar, she described her graduation as a testament to perseverance, discipline and determination, and a source of encouragement for others navigating prolonged academic journeys.
She said, “My story reflects a journey of resilience, patience and purpose through years of academic delays, setbacks, strikes, depression, accidents and uncertainty at the University of Calabar.
“From rewriting examinations, changing departments, surviving accreditation issues, COVID-19 and ASUU strikes, to finally emerging as a certified B.Eng graduate alongside the pioneer set, the journey became proof that delay is not denial.”
She also cited periods of depression, accidents and uncertainty, urging students to embrace an “I can do” spirit of resilience, determination and courage to overcome academic challenges.
“Growth often comes disguised as pain, pressure and uncertainty. Delay is not denial, but strength comes from continuing even when nothing makes sense.
“I urge students to wake up and embrace resilience, determination and courage to overcome challenges in their academic pursuits,” she stated.
According to her, despite the interruptions, she emerged as an award-winning student leader, writer, humanitarian, media personality and entrepreneur.
Maduekwe also noted that during her years at the university, she published books, mentored students, promoted brands, organised conferences, volunteered across Africa and led outreach programmes aimed at impacting lives in underserved communities.
She said her experience was meant to remind others that empathy, humility, patience and mindfulness matter, noting that “what feels normal to one person may be another person’s prayer or pain.”
She encouraged students facing setbacks not to give up, stressing that determination and purpose can survive delay, and that persistence often turns challenges into proof of resilience.
“Life’s setbacks can become setups for greater purpose if one refuses to quit. Everyone’s turn will eventually come,” she said.