How Nigerian single mum of 4 sailed through University of Salford with first class

Kate Akpobome Ododo, a Nigerian single mum of 4 based in Manchester, emerged as one of 31 first class graduating students of the University of Salford last week. In this interview with TheNewsGuru, Kate talks about the hurdles she crossed to make first class.

Can we meet you?

Yes, I am Kate Akpobọmẹ Ododo

You recently graduated first class from the University of Salford. How does it feel like?

It feels really good. I feel fulfilled.

How was the journey?

It has always been my dream to climb the academic ladder. When the opportunity presented itself in 2015, I couldn’t help but grab it with both hands. I actually started out with B.A Human Resources but felt it was not challenging enough and the marking scheme was too subjective to the interpretation of the marker. I changed to Accounting and Finance in my second year.

How was the experience like?

To be honest, it wasn’t easy. Being a single mum of four kids, having to hold a part-time job and full-time studies took its toll on me. I was set in my ways from the beginning to come out with a first class degree. 2:1 for me would have been highly disappointing. But I must say it was a combined effort that saw me through. My kids were my backbone and had to be independent of me as I spent most of my time at work, in Uni or the library. As an immigrant and a mature student, I needed to put in double the effort that young kids (adults) and locals will put to achieve.

Why did you choose the option of the University of Salford?

I chose Salford because it offered the courses I wanted. I applied for HR as first choice and Acct and Fin as second choice. Only Salford offered Acct and Fin in the Manchester axis hence I stuck with Salford. And because I lived and worked in the Manchester area I didn’t want to go anywhere else.

What is the high point of your first class journey?

High point of the journey was when I forgot myself in a study room in the library and was locked in. I had to call security and wait ages to be let out. It’s funny now thinking back. At least it paid off at the end.

Could you take us through your academic journey before this latest feat?

I started out in Adane-Okpe Primary School Orerokpe, Delta State, Nigeria in 1983, relocated to Kaduna in 84, and continued my primary education in Ungwar Sanusi Primary School. Another relocation took me to Shehu Primary School Funtua in Katsina State where I finished my primary education. I attended Baptist High School Orerokpe and left for Germany immediately after my WAEC which I passed with 7 credits and a pass. I was an average student then with the notion that I was going to school for my parents. In Germany, I attended Goethe Institute for two years and graduated with a distinction in German Language.

Was it every student in your class that made first class?

Of course not! We are 240 Students in my department and 31 made a first.

What did you do differently to emerge first class?

Hard work cannot be overemphasised. I worked round the clock. Initially, I told you I went to secondary school thinking I was doing my parents a favour but this time I knew I wanted this so much and I had to put in extra effort and that is it. I must say here that most of us who graduated with a first are mature students and the reason is obvious. You know what you want from the onset and you go for it. It’s the same faces you meet at the library at odd long hours that sailed through. So the secret is hard work and determination.

How does being a single mum impact you in achieving your goals?

I have never let anything stand in my way. I believe every situation you find yourself is a stepping stone to your goal. Being a single mum made me restructure my life and work ethics. I had to plan my time between family, studies and work, making sure none suffered at the expense of the other. With this, I have been able to master excellent time management. As I also need to be the example that my kids need, no excuse was good enough for me to fail.

What major feats would you say you have contributed to the body of knowledge?

I have started contributing my quota to the body of knowledge in the financial industry in many ways than one. I have been working in the finance dept. for the past 11 years and get better at what I do by the day.

In B.Sc. Accounting and Finance there are no dissertations as we know it in other courses. Due to the nature of the course (calculations and tax laws etc), you seat exams each of which is 3 hours long. However, I did write a report on Financial Statement Fraud which of course is a big deal in companies and will surly impact a nation like Nigeria considering the level of corruption, money laundering and fraud taking place in every aspect of our society.

Talking about corruption and Nigeria, do you think the country can one day win over the menace?

Nothing is impossible. I strongly believe in a new Nigeria without cabals and with young vibrant leaders who will be ready to take the bull by the horn. Someday, we will get there. If war against indiscipline worked, one day war against corruption will work.

Do you hope to one day use your expertise to serve Nigeria?

That’s a definite. I am looking forward to that day with great enthusiasm.

What are your plans for the future?

Like we say in Nollywood, “this is just the beginning”. I am looking to go chattered and also obtain masters.