Like a diamond in the sun, Miss Sarah Ogechukwu Okocha shines. A First Class product of Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, who graduated in Biochemistry, this damsel is confident to say that she never for once engaged in the sex-for-marks scam now prevalent in higher schools. In this interview with Samuel Alonge, she also spoke about how she is not just a biochemistry graduate, but also a qualified fashion designer
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I’m Sarah Ogechukwu Okocha, 23 years old. I hail from Ibusa town in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. I attended Laurel Primary School in Lagos; Federal Government Girls College, Ibusa, before I proceeded to Madonna University, Elele campus, where I studied Biochemistry.
I’m also into fashion designing. I started in JSS III, I learned how to make dresses from the sewing machine, which was one of the wedding gifts of my mother. I was always using my mother’s sewing machine to learn while I was still in Lagos before I moved down to Ibusa town.
How did you get admitted to study Biochemistry in which you made First Class?
Well, I had always wanted to do fashion, side by side with Medicine. But along the line, something took me out of it. I did not like Chemistry, but God really helped me in the examination days. I passed all the courses, and I did not offer any bribe or sex for marks. As a matter of fact, my dad is very strict; a disciplinarian, who will never bribe any lecturer or hear of it, much less smell the suspicion of the sex-for-marks syndrome.
I was brought up in a disciplined home, and nobody in my family will support illicit ways of writing examination. So, when I was now given admission for Biochemistry, I tried as much as possible to take my fashion interest as a hobby, and I saw myself doing well in it.
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What was the magic that gave you First class?
(Laughs) When I entered the university, like I said earlier, I was given Medicine but something happened along the line and I switched to Biochemistry. My parents were not happy but I assured them I would make it and make them proud. I took God very seriously, and my studies too. God did it for me and I passed all my examinations in flying colours.
How many children do your parents have?
We are four in number: two boys, two girls; I’m the second daughter. My father is a lawyer and my mother, a teacher. I basically did not have time for leisure; rather, I was given to reading my books. So also, I do not have time for love relationship because I did not want to be distracted. So, all these policies worked out for my good. My elder sister is married and she studied Pharmacy. My parents are strict, and for this, I was not into any serious relationship with any man, and I resolved that I would finish my youth service first, before going into any relationship. I have not done my youth service. I will also enroll for a Master’s Degree programme when I’m serving.
What message do you have for undergraduates?
As a matter of fact, academics is not easy; they should take their studies very seriously, and also pray hard to God. My journey to First Class was not easy, but God saw me through. Now, I feel very happy for making First Class Degree in Biochemistry.
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Did you ever hear any story of sexual harassment while on campus?
No sexual harassment in Madonna University. If any lecturer is caught, he will be dismissed, or sent to jail. So, such a thing is not known to me.
What is your turn-off?
I don’t like dirty environment or disorganised persons. I also detest proud people. I like humility, humble persons. Proud people are not in my diary, and I hate people who tell lies; lies destroy, and it’s not good. People should make themselves useful, engage in a meaningful venture, and there will be prospects in life. I’m also urging Nigerians to avoid being idle; as for me, I want to also lecture, get a good time with my studies. By His grace, I will get to the crescendo of what I want in life.
So, when do you hope to get married?
At 25 years, at most. I want to be married to a man, who is humble, intelligent, but preferably an Igbo or a Yoruba man. I don’t want a lazy man or an idol worshipper. My man must be intelligent and sincere in Christ. If God gives me a man from another tribe, a man with the good qualities, I will marry him. The truth of the matter is that I will hear from God as to who I will marry.
What is your favourite meal?
I eat Santana, well prepared, and any good, cooked food. I do the cooking myself, I like African food, and African dresses. I also like English wears like jeans, gowns and corporate wears.
Where are your parents from?
They are both from Ibusa community in Oshimili North Local Government area of Delta State. They are basically Christians, and they gave us valued education as their children. So, it’s important to serve God, and take God first in everything we do.
