Once again, this is the MSA spotlight committee; this time around we got all our satellites and cameras focusing on no one else but our one and only IJEAMAKA Sandra Ezebilo. By this interview she gets to know MSA as a whole celebrates her successes as well, even as we believe people will in the long run be motivated and encouraged to know that they can make it and also get to heights they never dreamt of.

SC: Can you please tell us your name?

IJEAMAKA: My name is IJEAMAKA Sandra Ezebilo.

SC: Can you please tell us something about your name, Ijeamaka?

IJEAMAKA: Ijeamaka means good journey or safe journey.

SC: wow! And Sandra?

IJEAMAKA: an English name.

SC: I never heard of Sandra every time, just Ijeamaka.

IJEAMAKA: yeah! (SMILES) I prefer people calling me Ijeamaka.

SC: do you think your name has an impact on your life?

IJEAMAKA: yeah! To an extent.

SC: how?

IJEAMAKA: it’s a constant reminder and for mine it’s a blessing. For some it might be a constant reminder of things they aspire to be.

SC: do you think something influenced your parents to give you the name?

IJEAMAKA: I asked them and they said they just gave me the name!

SC: are you the only child of your parents?

IJEAMAKA: we are 3 – an elder brother and a younger brother. I’m the only girl.

SC: so do you get to enjoy any special treatment.

IJEAMAKA: (laughs) no! Because the elder always gets the nice things and the last born always gets…..

SC: but you are the only girl too?

IJEAMAKA: that doesn’t count! Only girl go and wash the plates!

(ALL LAUGH)

SC: can you tell us when you were born?

IJEAMAKA: July 11 1991.

SC: meaning you are about 20yrs. Wow!

SC: can you tell us a bit about your family?

IJEAMAKA: my dad works for an oil company and my mum bakes. My elder brother was in this School and graduated this year in engineering. My younger brother is in SSS3.

SC: do you think your parents have contributed a lot in your life? And if so, what’s the one thing you‘ll never forget?

IJEAMAKA: as I was growing up my parents – they are Christians – so they introduced me to Christianity. Also, they thought me how to respect people, how not to waste and be wasteful say with money, other resources as well as life.

SC: we now like to move to education. Ijeamaka and education, how did it start for you? Were you this good from crèche to this day in medical School?

IJEAMAKA: primary School was hmmm.. I can say I was good. I was “always” top of my class. That was because my parents insisted on having lessons after classes. We were a group of 4 and it was always fun though, we were learning and we were always top of our class. Secondary School was very competitive and it really thought me how to study on my own and how to ask for help when I needed help.

SC: how did you feel with the transition? You are in primary School; always first in class and you just come up to secondary School so expectant to be first and there is massive competition that you even have to be asking for help.

IJEAMAKA: it’s a very humbling experience but I came to know the fact that I couldn’t be first always and that I’m possibly not the smartest person in Nigeria but once I worked hard, there were no fears though.

SC: did you take any positions then?

IJEAMAKA: secondary School I was house captain.

SC: so you have leadership skills as well.

IJEAMAKA: (LAUGHS) Yeah! You could say that.

SC: how would you describe yourself as a leader then?

IJEAMAKA: I was very wicked!

(ALL LAUGH)

My punishments were “dreaded” in School. I thought I was fair but people said I was really wicked.

SC: even after School?

IJEAMAKA: yes! People still said I was wicked but I’m a nice person. I believe I’m a nice person.

SC: so we come down to KNUST. I wouldn’t ask what motivated you to come to this noble and prestigious university because if for nothing at all, KNUST is 13^th in Africa. How has life been for you? Do you think your expectations have been met?

IJEAMAKA: I didn’t really have any expectations primarily because my brother being here made me come here also. I didn’t think the classes would be as good as they are though. I thought they would be a lot worse like Nigerian Schools. So, in that aspect, this School actually surprised me. (SMILES)

SC: how was life for you; a Nigerian in an almost all Ghanaian class?

IJEAMAKA: Miriam helped a lot! It meant that I wasn’t alone and I was never alone. She was always there. It was 2^nd year that I started knowing a lot of people in my class because; I took a post in class!

SC: can you share that with us?

IJEAMAKA: I run for class treasure and I won! (SMILES)

SC: how? Because in your first year you barely knew your mates and they had to vote too?

IJEAMAKA: they had to vote and how I won is quite surprising.

(ALL LAUGH)

So surprising, and I enjoy it, in collecting the dues you get to know lots of people so at least now I’m on a hello, hi basis with everyone in my class. It’s fun.

SC: its fun but I always see you with Miriam alone. (SHE LAUGHS)

IJEAMAKA: because we always sit together.

(ALL LAUGH)

SC: why did you decide to be a medical doctor?

IJEAMAKA: actually I didn’t want to become a doctor when I was young but as I grew, catapulted by my results also, I realized it was the only thing I would do to make fulfilled in life! Because you get to see the results of your labor every now and then. Your patient is well and you know, by God’s grace you did a good job. Also, I didn’t mind the work and stress because I was always prepared to put in my best to whatever I signed for. I know I would have worked hard if I were reading engineering.

SC: wow! She does well whatever she finds her hands doing. Hmmmm…..

Who is your favorite lecturer?

IJEAMAKA: I think 2^nd year I really liked Prof. Agbe! He is really good, fun and makes the class interesting!

SC: what do you do during your leisure times?

IJEAMAKA: I used to play basket ball and throw javelin back then. I even won 5 gold medals in secondary School. It’s sad to say I don’t now have a life outside medical School.

SC: do you think I will chance to see IJEAMAKA at a party?

IJEAMAKA: no! I’m not the party type and I’ve turned down many invites to parties and I hope I will continue. (SHE LAUGHS) I just don’t like noisy areas.

SC: have you ever been to any MSA activity?

IJEAMAKA: yes. Last year’s health walk, as for the dinners I hope to come around this time.

SC: we now move to the special spotty spyglass segment, and today, it’s all about cosmetics. The African and cosmetics, what do you think? Dark people “blushing” and hmmm….

(ALL LAUGH)

IJEAMAKA: some people take it too far, but generally it makes most girls feel good and it’s a fun thing to do. You can change your look every day. For some it’s just a necessity, for some it’s just fun.

SC: do you do make-up?

IJEAMAKA: yes! I just started this semester and it’s just my eyes and its fun. Make-up is nothing close to a necessity for me but luxury.

SC: do you have a favorite brand of make-up? Do you as well think make-up can affect one’s health?

IJEAMAKA: no! I believe it’s responsible to see what’s in your make-up to make sure you are not going to harm yourself.

SC: this is the segment most people have been waiting for; to know you more, especially the guys. How did you manage your last break-up?

IJEAMAKA: (LAUGHS) do people actually answer this question? It’s hard to explain, extremely complicated.

SC: oh! We have time. (SHE LAUGHS)

IJEAMAKA: it was not really a break-up but it’s extremely complicated. I will simply say I’m not emotionally available now.

SC: it doesn’t mean you are in a relationship too?

IJEAMAKA: yes!

SC: so what’s the picture for your ideal guy?

IJEAMAKA: I have no idea. It’s a hard thing to do and you might end up being disappointed because every guy has a special something, you might like and if the combination is tight, no problem. So I don’t really have a criteria, he should be God fearing though. I also don’t mind per se the race because if I want to marry you then it means “I love you”

SC: what will be your advice to anyone who comes to you for advice in academics?

IJEAMAKA: start reading immediately you get your notes because it’s amazing how our work piles up. You might crush with piled notes during exams. You have to study every day. Don’t go overboard with social life! Remember, you came to medical School to finish and it’s not easy, so then work hard to achieve your goals. Also remember, it’s hard to go through medical School alone because there are really trying times. Never forget the God factor as well.

SC: do you see a one Africa tomorrow?

IJEAMAKA: it will never work and I don’t think it’s a good idea. Combining countries with their individual problems will just lead to a mountain of problems.

SC: but a problem shared is half solved.

IJEAMAKA: one leader for a one Africa for that matter will just be too much power given to one person or a group of people. I think its best how it is now.

It’s been a nice time with you and MSA as a whole will like to thank you for your time. Now the hour of departure has come, MSA spotlight committee to leave and you to continue your reading.

Thank you!!!!

MSA spotlight committee.

 

Miriam         and           Ijeamaka