From induction hall to our interview spotlight!
Following the induction ceremony for the 2023/2024 MBBS and BDS class of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) on the 27th of June 2025, our correspondent – Hafsat Inuwa – caught up with one of the top graduating students to discuss her strategy and share insights from her achievement.
MM: Can you tell us about yourself briefly?
My name is Rihanat Balogun, a recent dental graduate from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. I’m passionate about patient-centered care, and during my time in school, I was actively involved in student leadership and community outreach. I’m particularly drawn to the clinical and academic aspects of dentistry, with a growing interest in public health.
MM: Congratulations on your award as the best graduating student for Oral Pathology in Dentistry! Having achieved this great feat was this your chosen course or something that just came to be?
Thank you! Dentistry was definitely a deliberate choice for me. I’ve always been interested in the sciences and in health, but Oral Pathology stood out during the course of my training. It gave me a clearer lens through which to understand disease processes how they begin, manifest, and evolve. I wouldn’t say it was the course I was aiming for awards in from the start, but I’m grateful that my efforts and curiosity in it paid off.
MM: Good to know. So, what drove your passion and helped you stay motivated in your academic pursuits?
I’m driven by purpose, and knowing that my knowledge and skills can directly impact someone’s health keeps me going. Also, I’m naturally curious. I like to understand the “why” behind things, and that helped me a lot in oral pathology, where connecting dots is crucial.
MM: How do you set and prioritize your academic goals?
I usually start by understanding the scope of each course and identifying areas I find more challenging. I then break my goals into smaller milestones reading targets, revision schedules, and practice questions.
The harder the topic, the earlier I start.
MM: How do you manage your time effectively to balance academic responsibilities and other life commitments?
I plan ahead. I use digital planners and to-do lists. I’m also big on boundaries knowing when to take breaks and when to focus.
MM: What strategies or tools do you use to overcome obstacles, stay organised and achieve your goals?
I lean into consistency rather than waiting for motivation. When things get tough, I remind myself of why I started. I also talk to friends and pray, it helps to not isolate myself when I’m overwhelmed. Plus, I use lots of sticky notes, keep a handwritten to-do list and print out my slides to study.
MM: To a “more sticky” question, how do you handle academic setbacks or failures?
Really, I give myself time to feel it. Then I try to objectively reflect asking these questions; What went wrong? Was it my approach or my mindset? After which I remind myself that one setback doesn’t cancel out all my progress. Then I re-strategize and try again.
“Winning the award for Best in Oral Pathology stands out because it came from genuine interest and consistent effort. It feels special because I didn’t chase it, I just stayed curious, worked hard, and it found me.”
MM: How were you able to evaluate your own academic performance and identify areas for improvement?
After exams or tests, I try to assess how much I really understood, not just how well I memorized. I also ask for feedback when possible and review my past mistakes critically but kindly.
MM: Now that you have your degree, could you share some of your plans with us?
Yes, I plan to begin my housemanship and eventually pursue postgraduate training. I’m also interested in combining clinical dentistry with community-based health initiatives. Education and outreach will always be part of my journey.
MM: How do you see your academic achievements impacting your future career or personal goals?
They remind me of my capacity to excel when I stay true to my interests and work consistently. It also gives me more confidence to take up opportunities, especially in research and public speaking.
MM: If you were to go back in time, what would you have done better in achieving milestones?
I would have embraced group study earlier. I was a bit too independent in the beginning, and I later realized how powerful peer learning can be. I also would have rested more, it’s easy to burnout when you don’t pace yourself.
MM: Aside from academics, what else do you enjoy at leisure?
I enjoy sewing, fashion, skincare, and spending time with close friends. I also love quiet creative projects.
Advice to students aspiring to be celebrated academically: Stay consistent. Be curious, not just grade-driven. Find your rhythm, and don’t compare your journey to others. Also, ask questions; learning is more than passing, it’s about understanding and growing.
MM: Any final thoughts?
I just want to say thank you to the faculty, my classmates, mentors, and family. Awards are great, but it’s the journey, the community, and the small moments that truly matter.
MM: Thank you for speaking with us as well, it was such an insightful chat.
