After missing the cut-off mark to study Law, Christabel Ikegwuonu, who embraced International Law and Diplomacy at Babcock University and graduated with a first class, tells TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about her academic journey, becoming the first in her family to achieve a feat

You graduated with first-class degree. How does it feel to have reached this milestone?

I feel incredibly happy, fulfilled, and humbled. Graduating with a first class in International Law and Diplomacy means much more to me than an academic achievement. It made me feel seen and reminded me that I am capable of achieving more than I once thought.

What makes it even more special is that I wasn’t always intentional about academics. At the beginning of my university journey, I was quite carefree, but I experienced a shift in mindset that changed everything.

That single change transformed not only my academic performance but also my approach to life. Looking back, earning a first class feels like the fulfilment of a dream and proof that the right mindset can completely change your story.

How old are you, and could you tell us a little about your family background?

I am 21 years old and originally from Anambra State, although I grew up in Plateau State. I come from a family of six, where I am the first daughter and the fourth child.

My parents strongly believed that education is the foundation for success, regardless of the career one chooses. They always emphasised excellence and raised us with the mindset that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. That belief shaped my attitude towards academics and has remained one of the guiding principles in my life.

I’m a public speaker, civic engagement advocate, and founder of GenPolitik, a youth-led civic initiative dedicated to promoting civic education, political literacy, and active citizenship among young people. I recently graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in International Law and Diplomacy from Babcock University.

During my time at the university, I combined academics with leadership, serving as chief auditor of the International Law and Diplomacy Students’ Association in the 2023/2024 session and later as accountant general in the 2024/2025 session.

I was also a Millennium Fellow in the 2023 cohort, an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), and an Associate Member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (Nigeria).

One of the most defining aspects of my academic journey was improving my CGPA from 3.82 to 4.64, and that experience taught me discipline, resilience, and consistency.

Growing up, what kind of child were you? Did you always excel academically?

Growing up, I was a very curious child. I loved asking questions, learning new things, and understanding why things worked the way they did. In primary school, I performed very well academically and received several academic awards.

However, secondary school was different. I drifted academically because I spent too much time trying to fit in and be like other people instead of being myself. Looking back, I think I lacked a clear sense of direction at the time.

Although I wasn’t one of the top-performing students overall, I consistently excelled in Government because I had a genuine interest in politics, governance, and current affairs. That curiosity has stayed with me and eventually influenced the path I chose at the university.

What inspired you to study International Law and Diplomacy at Babcock University?

Interestingly, I initially applied to study Law at Babcock University, but I did not meet the cut-off mark at the time. I was offered International Law and Diplomacy instead, which was one of the closest courses to Law. I was initially unsure about accepting the admission, but my father encouraged me to give it a chance and decide after my first year if it was the right path for me.

Looking back, I believe that decision was meant to be. I have always had a strong interest in governance, diplomacy, international relations, and global affairs, especially issues relating to Africa’s development.

Studying International Law and Diplomacy allowed me to explore these interests and gave me a strong foundation in understanding how policies, institutions, and international relationships shape societies. I am grateful that I accepted the opportunity because it aligned with my passion in ways I did not initially expect.

What year did you graduate?

I graduated in 2025.

One of the most remarkable parts of your journey is improving your CGPA from 3.82 to 4.64. What changed, and how did you achieve that?

The defining moment was when my first-semester result came out and I saw a CGPA of 3.82. I was disappointed because I expected more, but I also realised that I was expecting a better outcome without putting in the required effort. That moment made me reflect and have a change in mindset.

I entered the university with the mentality of just doing my best and graduating, but that night, I made a decision that I wanted to graduate with a first class. I understood that it would require discipline, consistency, and intentional effort, especially considering the academic demands of my programme.

From that point, I became more consistent with my studies. I developed a reading routine that worked for me, stayed attentive in class, participated actively, completed my assignments diligently, and focused on understanding concepts rather than just preparing for exams.

Most importantly, I remained consistent and relied on God throughout the journey. The change was not just in my study habits but in my mindset, and that made the difference.

Was there ever a point when you doubted you could graduate with a first Class? How did you overcome those moments?

Yes, there were several moments when I doubted it, especially because I did not start with a 4.0 CGPA. Moving from a 3.82 to a first class was challenging, and there were semesters when I worked hard but did not get the results I hoped for.

In my 200 Level, I got a C in a three-unit course, and it affected my CGPA significantly. At that point, I started thinking about settling for a strong Second Class Upper because it seemed easier.

However, I kept remembering the promise I made to myself that I would give my best until the end. My mother’s words, “Give it your best to the end,” also stayed with me.

I decided that regardless of the outcome, I wanted to be able to say I gave my best. So, I continued putting in the work, stayed consistent with my studies, and remained committed to my goal. Looking back, graduating with a first class was a reflection of perseverance, discipline, and refusing to give up even when the journey became difficult.

Throughout your undergraduate years, you held several leadership positions and participated in prestigious programmes. How were you able to balance academics with extracurricular activities?

I wanted my university experience to be well-rounded, so I intentionally put myself out there by participating in leadership opportunities and student activities. However, I always understood that academics were my primary responsibility because that was the main reason I was in school.

The key to balancing both was planning. I created schedules, managed my time effectively, and ensured that I remained consistent with my studies, even on very busy days. There were times when leadership responsibilities were demanding, but I always reminded myself that I could not sacrifice my academics.

I also had accountability partners, including my mother and close friends, who constantly checked on my progress and encouraged me to stay focused. Leadership taught me responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving, while academics taught me discipline. Both experiences contributed greatly to the person I am today.

How did your parents and family react when they learnt you had graduated with a First Class?

My family was incredibly happy and proud. Interestingly, my brother, Samuel, had always believed I would graduate with a First Class. He would tell me, “Maks, you’re going to graduate with a First Class,” even when I doubted it myself. To him, it was not a surprise.

My mother was also very happy because she had watched the journey unfold and knew how much effort I put into achieving that dream. My father and my siblings were extremely excited because I became the foremost first-class graduate in my family.

It was a moment of great joy for everyone because, growing up, I was not necessarily seen as the person everyone expected to achieve this academically. Seeing the journey come full circle made the achievement even more special.

Who would you say played the biggest role in your success, and why?

I would not say one particular person played the biggest role because my journey was a collective effort. First, I would give credit to God because I believe His grace sustained me throughout the process.

My family also played a very important role. My parents, especially my mother, were incredibly supportive and constantly encouraged me to keep pushing. My siblings also played their own roles by believing in me and motivating me throughout the journey.

Looking back, it was truly a team effort. Everyone contributed in different ways, and their support made the journey easier and more meaningful. My achievement was not mine alone; it was a reflection of the love, encouragement, and support I received from the people around me.

Every success story comes with sacrifices. What are some of the things you had to give up to achieve your academic goals?

I had to sacrifice comfort, leisure, and sometimes social activities. There were weekends when I stayed back to study, while others were relaxing. I also learnt to manage my time carefully and avoid procrastination because I understood that every decision would affect my long-term goal.

You are a public speaker and the founder of GenPolitik. What inspired you to start the initiative, and what impact has it made so far?

GenPolitik was born out of my belief that many young people are interested in creating change, but they often lack access to simple and relatable civic education. I noticed that many young Nigerians are disconnected from politics because their understanding of governance is often shaped by the failures of the system rather than by an understanding of how institutions are meant to function.

GenPolitik was created to bridge that gap by making civic education, governance, and politics simpler, more engaging, and easier for young people to understand.

Although GenPolitik was launched in July 2026, it has started through digital campaigns and educational content that break down complex political concepts into simple and relatable formats.

What are you currently doing? I understand you’re undergoing the National Youth Service Corps. Where are you serving, and what has the experience been like?

Yes, I am currently serving under the National Youth Service Corps in Abuja. The experience has exposed me to new perspectives, diverse people, and practical workplace realities. It has also reinforced my interest in public service, policy, and national development.

What are your long-term career goals, and where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years?

In the next five to 10 years, I see myself building a career at the intersection of public policy, governance, international relations, and civic engagement while advancing my academic interests through postgraduate studies and research.

I hope to contribute to institutions that shape public policy and governance in Africa, using both research and practical experience to drive sustainable development and strengthen democratic institutions.

Beyond my personal career, I envision GenPolitik becoming one of Africa’s leading civic education platforms, equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking needed to engage meaningfully in governance and public life.

In the long term, my vision is for GenPolitik to evolve into a School of Governance that raises ethical, competent, and visionary leaders capable of transforming Africa’s future.

In your opinion, what are the biggest mistakes students make that prevent them from achieving academic excellence?

I believe one major mistake students make is not setting clear academic goals. Having goals helps you stay focused, keeps you accountable, and gives you a clear direction throughout your journey.

Students also need to develop the right mindset, understand what works best for them, and build consistent habits around their goals. Academic excellence requires intentionality, self-awareness, and discipline.

If you could speak to every undergraduate aspiring to graduate with a First Class, what practical advice would you give them?

My advice to undergraduates aiming for a First Class is to understand that academic excellence is not achieved by intelligence alone; it requires discipline, consistency, effective strategies, and the willingness to keep improving.

I started my journey with a 3.82 CGPA, but through God’s grace, resilience, and intentional effort, I was able to graduate with a 4.64 CGPA and First Class Honours in International Law and Diplomacy.

I documented the lessons, strategies, and mindset shifts from my journey in my e-book titled From 3.82 to 4.64: A Student Success Blueprint because I believe every student deserves access to practical guidance on how to maximise their academic potential.

My story is a reminder that your starting point does not define your destination; with the right mindset, commitment, and consistency, remarkable growth is possible.

What are the challenges you faced while in school?

Like many students, I had to deal with academic pressure, demanding leadership responsibilities, and moments of self-doubt. Balancing multiple responsibilities wasn’t always easy, but those experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and effective time management. Looking back, those challenges became an opportunity for growth.