By IN a country where academic brilliance is often dimmed by financial hardship, infrastructural deficits and societal distractions, the story of Favour Oghenemine Okwa shines with rare radiance.
Favour in warm handshake with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State
Hailing from sleepy Samigidi Kokori in Delta State and raised in the bustling city of Lagos, Favour’s ascent to becoming Delta State University’s Overall Best Graduating Student out of 4706 graduands is not only inspiring—it is a testament to what unwavering faith, self-discipline, and vision can achieve.
Favour (middle)
From a young age, Favour was enamoured with numbers. “I loved how numbers connect and how you can use equations to solve real-world problems,” she reflected. At Zenith Academy and later Whitefield High School, her academic drive saw her skipping classes and excelling, fuelled by teachers who made even Further Mathematics engaging. A senior, Jane Ejerebe, also left a lasting mark. “When I saw in our yearbook that she wanted to study math at the university, I decided that if I ever went to university, that’s what I would study too,” she recalled.
Favour
Yet, it wasn’t just brilliance that got her to the top—it was belief. “I believe Jehovah’s blessing was the main factor,” she asserted. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, her spiritual life became a compass. She structured her days around prayer, Bible study, evangelism, and personal discipline. “Ecclesiastes 3:1, which talks about a time for everything, really guided me,” she explained.
Favour’s resolve was tested by crushing financial challenges. “My mum sold garri in the market, and my dad was a staff bus driver… It was a real struggle with six other siblings to care for,” she shared candidly. But she turned adversity into opportunity. With a cash prize from then DELSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Egwuyenga, she started a POS business on campus. “I told my classmates about it and brought cash to school to serve them before and after classes,” she said. She also sold perfumes and snacks, and was awarded MTN Foundation scholarships in her third and fourth years.
Favour with Governor Oborevwori
Her commitment to academic excellence was buttressed by a strong support network. “My best friend and study partner, Odola Precious Abisola, played a huge role in keeping me motivated and focused,” she said. “We studied together, prepared with materials from previous students, and supported each other.” Favour also praised lecturers like Dr Marcus Ossaiugbo, who “showed me that math could be understood, not just memorised,” and Dr Mamadu, who constantly pushed her to excel.
In her final year, she took on a socially-relevant project: “The Impact of Fuel Subsidy Removal on the Standard of Living of Nigerians.” The findings were stark: “We found that things like transport, food, rent, and even healthcare have become much more expensive,” she reported. Her policy recommendations were clear and actionable—fix the subsidy system, raise the minimum wage, invest in local agriculture and refineries, and ensure transparent communication with the public. “The government should support the poorest directly, maybe using technology like special fuel cards,” she proposed.
Favour receiving awards
Navigating campus life as an intelligent and attractive young woman also required clarity and resolve. “Campus was a time for focus,” she explained. “When I received attention or requests for dates, I was respectful but firm—I wasn’t ready for that kind of commitment yet.” Instead, she fostered strong platonic friendships, prioritising her spiritual and academic growth.
Favour in majestic stride
Favour’s aspirations are grounded and noble. In the short term, she aims to serve with a firm that will sharpen her skills in data science and data analysis, possibly during her NYSC year. In the long run, she envisions becoming a senior data scientist working remotely, supporting her family and continuing her Christian ministry. While she has received job offers from a state government, a polytechnic, and an oil and gas firm, she is still weighing her options.
Favour
When asked how she would like to be remembered, she responded without hesitation: “As someone who loves Jehovah and Mathematics.”
Her advice to young Nigerians is as stirring as her story: “Remember your purpose as humans, as recorded in Ecclesiastes 12:13: fear Jehovah and give Him glory… With Jehovah’s support, we will succeed, and in the new world to come, we will enjoy everlasting life in perfect conditions.”
Favour
In a nation longing for credible role models and resilient leaders, Favour Okwa stands as a beacon of possibility. Her story is not just about academic success—it is a blueprint for purpose-driven living.
Ebenezer Adurokiya writes from Warri, Delta State.
What's your reaction?
