Karis, First Class graduate of Rivers State University, shares secrets of his academic success

Karis Ezekwesiri Okey-Onyema, a First-Class graduate of the Department of Marine and Offshore Engineering, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, in this interview with INIOBONG IWOK spoke about the factors that enabled his academic excellence, the balance that students must strike to excel; advice to students from low-income homes, among other issues: Excerpts:

Congratulations on your brilliant performance. Kindly share with us your journey to this feat?

I have a strong love for engineering. This is driven by a passion for problem-solving and a curiosity for how complex engineering systems work. Alongside my technical interests, I am deeply passionate about design and creativity, particularly in brand identity and visual communication. I am particularly motivated by new technologies such as AI, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency and how these innovations can empower individuals, expand access and create opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital economy. Graduating with First Class Honours was not an easy feat, and I remain deeply grateful to God to be among the few who achieve such academic excellence. My journey was not defined by brilliance alone but by a gradual build-up of discipline, self-awareness, and continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning. From the onset of my university education, I adopted a simple but powerful mindset: I read to understand, not just to pass. That mindset shaped how I approached every course and every semester.

There were periods that were extremely demanding, both mentally and physically. I faced moments of doubt where I questioned my strength and capabilities. However, each challenge reinforced the importance of consistency, focus, and resilience. In retrospect, my success was not the result of a single defining moment but the compounding effect of small, intentional efforts sustained over time.

What role did your lecturers play in aiding your academic excellence?

My lecturers played a vital role in my academic journey. Beyond delivering lectures, many of them shared practical industry insights, encouraged analytical thinking, and maintained an open-door policy for guidance and clarification. Their willingness to support students both academically and personally created an environment that promoted learning and excellence. Their mentorship and standards significantly influenced my discipline and academic growth.

Many youths of today are distracted by social media. To make First Class suggests you are not a Facebook, Instagram, X addict. May we know your level of involvement in all these?

Social media is an integral part of modern life, and I often reflect on Paracelsus’ statement that “the dose makes the poison.” I am active on platforms such as X, Instagram, and LinkedIn, but my engagement is intentional and structured. I use these platforms primarily to build my professional identity, which now functions as my digital CV.

It is said today that young people do not read. Now, the question is, is academic excellence possible without intentional reading?

I didn’t just “read” in school. I built a career path in the creative and digital space as a Brand Identity, Logo, and Graphic Designer, and most of my clients are sourced online. This requires consistent content creation, networking, and professional engagement. As such, my use of social media is purpose-driven and moderated, rather than recreational or distracting. I strongly believe that academic excellence is impossible without intentional reading. Success in any field is a deliberate process. One of the major challenges facing young people today is the decline in deep reading habits, largely due to doomscrolling and excessive consumption of short-form digital content. Academic success begins with a conscious decision to prioritise learning. This involves creating structured study plans, committing to them, and eliminating habits that negatively affect focus and productivity. Reading, revision, and consistent engagement with course materials remain the foundation of academic achievement.

In the days gone by, university students used to buy cartons of text books that are related to their courses, but today, all the materials needed are available online. Now, the question is, to what extent did you make use of the library and again, did you at any point in your study felt the need of buying books?

During my early days on campus, I was a frequent user of the school library. As academic demands increased and my daytime schedule became more occupied, I adjusted my study routine, especially since the library did not operate at night. While many of the recommended textbooks were physical copies approved by the university, I also sourced additional learning materials online to complement my studies. I adopted a balanced approach by combining physical textbooks with digital and electronic resources, depending on the nature and requirements of each course.

You studied sciences; what level of practical exposure did you have in the course of your study?

As part of the five-year engineering programme, students undergo the compulsory Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). I completed my industrial training at Naval Shipyard Limited, Port Harcourt, where I gained hands-on experience in shipbuilding, construction, maintenance, and repair processes. This exposure allowed me to bridge theoretical classroom knowledge with real-world industrial practice. I worked alongside industry professionals, interacted with standard engineering equipment, and developed essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. The experience significantly broadened my understanding of engineering beyond textbooks.

You made First class; it means, you were not a social kind of person or you sacrificed social activities for studies. Does it follow like that, or you juggled up everything?

I approached campus life using the principle of equilibrium in physics, where balance is achieved when all acting forces are properly managed. While maintaining strong academic focus, I remained socially and professionally active. I am one of the founding team members and currently serving as the Asst. Team Lead for Blockchain Club RSU. A student-led organisation the goal of which is to empower, educate and expose students to the vast opportunities in Blockchain and Web3 ecosystems. Through this platform, we also train students on various digital skills and I mentored students in the area of Graphic design. During my time on campus, I also had the opportunity to deliver presentations and speak at various events both within and beyond the university. I won’t fail to mention my active involvement in NIFES (Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students), a Christian fellowship which helped me maintain spiritual balance, discipline, and strong values throughout my stay in the university. I did not eliminate social activities entirely. Instead, I ensured they did not outweigh my academic priorities. At certain points, I consciously stepped back from social engagements when academic demands increased. At other times, I engaged socially to maintain emotional, spiritual, and mental stability. This controlled balance allowed me to remain consistent and productive.

Apart from the finance aspect of your parents’ support, what is the place of your parents in the feat you achieved?

I dedicate this academic achievement to my parents, Pst. Dr. Okechukwu and Mrs. Ebere Okey-Onyema. Their support went far beyond financial provision. They offered emotional encouragement, spiritual guidance, and unwavering belief in my potential. Their sacrifices and prayers provided the stability and confidence I needed to pursue excellence throughout my academic journey.

Do you think you could have as well made same first class if you attended any other university other than RSU?

I believe that I would still excel academically if I found myself in another university, provided I maintained the same discipline, mindset, and principles that guided me. Excellence, to me, is personal. When one is intentional, consistent, and committed to growth, success is not limited by environment or institution.

Apart from your institution, how do you rate the quality of graduates being produced in other Nigerian varsities nowadays?

Nigeria produces many intelligent and hardworking graduates across its universities. The differences observed among graduates often stem from variations in exposure, availability of qualified staff, laboratory facilities, and overall learning environments.

However, I do not assess excellence based solely on institutional affiliation. In today’s world, personal effort, skill acquisition, and intentional learning play a significant role. Students who are proactive about their development can compete effectively on a global scale, regardless of where they studied.

What is your advice to students from poor families who aspire to excel despite financial challenges?

To students from struggling or low-income backgrounds, my advice is simple: your circumstances should not define or limit your ambition. Focus on what you can control, including your habits, discipline, time management, and willingness to learn. Opportunities such as scholarships, competitions, and skill-building platforms exist for those who seek them. Progress may be gradual, but consistency, resilience, and faith make long-term success achievable. In conclusion, I believe each individual must be the architect of their own destiny. Quality decisions, personal accountability, and intentional use of time, energy, attention, and resources are essential. Academic and professional success are rarely accidental. They are the outcome of deliberate choices made consistently over time.

With years of experience in Nigerian journalism, Iniobong Iwok has built a reputation for deep political insight, compelling storytelling, and consistent, fact-driven reporting.

Over the years, he has gained extensive experience reporting and writing incisive political analysis. Iniobong has interviewed key political figures across Nigeria and covered major national events, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections.

A versatile journalist, he also has strong experience in education reporting and sector analysis. His work reflects a deep commitment to good governance and public accountability.

Iniobong holds a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Ilorin and an M.Sc. in Sociology (Development Specialisation) from Lagos State University.

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