Despite early setbacks, Helen Ambi’s perseverance and strategic approach helped her achieve a first-class degree in Medical Laboratory Science at UDUS.

Despite the widespread belief that achieving a first-class degree is an almost impossible task, Helen Ambi has proven that with dedication and persistence, it’s within reach at any stage of one’s academic career.

Hailing from Kaduna State, in northwest Nigeria, Ambi’s fascination with Medical Laboratory Science didn’t start until she researched its versatility within the healthcare sector. This discovery led her to apply to Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), embarking on a transformative academic journey.

“I didn’t initially know that a course like Medical Laboratory Science existed,” Ambi admitted. “But after reading about its prospects and how essential it is to the health sector, I decided it was the path for me. I applied and was admitted on my first attempt, which made me confident that I was on the right track.”

Like many other students, Ambi entered UDUS full of dreams, but little did she know how far those dreams would take her. While the allure of academic life began to take hold, the road to first-class honors became more challenging than expected, her optimism dimming like the fading colors of a freshly painted mural.

“I always aspired to graduate with a first-class degree,” she recalled. “But after seeing my 100-level results, although they weren’t terrible, I didn’t start with the first-class standing I had hoped for. There’s this belief that to graduate with a first-class degree, you must achieve it in your first year; otherwise, your CGPA will drop as you go along. Hearing that made me lose hope in the possibility.”

Her 4.3 GPA in her first year left her feeling worn out and frustrated, prompting her to reconsider her approach. “My friend Simnom helped me form a new study routine—night reading. That was a game-changer for me. It helped me figure out what time of day I could focus and absorb information best.”

Her hard work began to pay off. By her second year, Ambi had improved her GPA to 4.47 and maintained it at 4.46 by her third year. In the competitive School of Medical Laboratory Science (SMLS)—often regarded as the most challenging faculty at UDUS—her efforts were finally starting to show results.

Yet, Ambi’s first-class dream indeed took flight in her penultimate year, her 400-level.

“My 400-level was the turning point. It’s known as the toughest year because of the sheer volume of courses, but that’s where my story began. I earned a 4.50 GPA that year; in my final year, I raised it to 4.53.”

Ambi credits much of her success to a mentor called ‘Dr. Festus,’ a lecturer whose encouragement helped her stay determined and focused. “I became even more motivated to give my best,” she said. “I also started having regular discussions with friends to exchange ideas and knowledge. No one knows everything, and learning from others was invaluable for me. When our 400-level results came out, I realized how much these discussions had helped.”

In addition to her academic pursuits, Ambi has a passion for research and volunteer work, particularly in tackling sickle cell disease—a cause she hopes to contribute to in the future. For now, she offers advice to students who might feel discouraged: “Don’t let anyone’s doubts derail your dreams. Always give your best in everything you do, whether academics or other aspects of life. Maintain good relationships with your peers because learning is a collective effort—you can never know everything alone.”

Helen Ambi’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Her journey shows that even the most demanding challenges can be overcome with the right mindset and support.