From induction hall to our interview spotlight!
After the induction of the 2022/2023 MBBS and BDS class of College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) into the medical and dental profession on June 27, 2025, our correspondent – Hafsat Inuwa – caught up with some of the top graduating students to discuss their achievements and goals.
Below is an excerpt from the interview with Jude Nnamdi (MB; BS Lagos), the best student in Clinical Pathology and Psychiatry.
MM: Congratulations on achieving this great feat! You were awarded as the best graduating student for Clinical Pathology and Psychiatry. Was this something you planned all along, or did it happen along the way?
Dr Jude Nnamdi: Being recognized in Clinical Pathology was especially meaningful to me because it closely aligns with Internal Medicine, which has always been my field of interest. Psychiatry, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise. I sometimes joke that I wish I could swap it with Internal Medicine, but I’m grateful for the subjects in which I had both honors.
MM: Interesting… Can you tell us what drives your passion and how you stay motivated in your academic pursuits?
Dr Jude Nnamdi: My dream of becoming a US-trained cardiologist is my biggest motivator. As I plan to move to the United States to do my residency and eventually pursue a fellowship in Cardiology. I know this is not an easy task, but it’s what I think about when I need to refocus. Also knowing that “a goal doesn’t accomplish itself”, and I have to work for it, is the driving force behind my daily effort.
MM: How do you then set and prioritize your academic goals, as well as achieve balance with other responsibilities?
Dr Jude Nnamdi: I always weigh tasks by asking myself one key question: “Will this bring me closer to my goal or pull me further away?” Then, I prioritize anything that aligns directly with my long-term vision. As a medical student, academic success is the primary responsibility. However, I also recognize the importance of doing other activities and finding a balance.
I believe in being honest with yourself; if you take on something new and notice your performance dipping, it’s a signal to reassess and possibly scale back.
MM: Nice. Thanks for the tip. What strategies do you use to overcome obstacles, stay focused in achieving your goals?
Dr Jude Nnamdi: Personally, when I encounter obstacles, I pause to think. I try to break the problem down and look at it logically. Then I remind myself why I started all these in the first place. Keeping my long-term goal in mind helps me push through challenges. I also rely on consistency over intensity; showing up every day, even in small ways, has helped me stay focused and move forward steadily.
MM: What tools or techniques do you use to stay organized?
Dr Jude Nnamdi: I keep things simple. I write down everything I need to do in my notes and plan out realistic steps to accomplish each task. There’s something powerful about putting things down all on paper; it gives me clarity and structure.
MM: Did you ever have to handle academic setbacks or failures?
Dr Jude Nnamdi: Well, while I didn’t face any major academic setbacks, I believe the key is to be honest with yourself (don’t wallow in self-pity). If you take the time to reflect, you can usually pinpoint where things went wrong, and that’s the first step to rebuilding and doing better.
MM: What do you consider your greatest academic achievement in school, and why?
Dr Jude Nnamdi: Taking both USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK while still in medical school was a major milestone for me. Balancing that with my postings wasn’t easy; it was really taxing, but I had to do it. I had no choice because it was the next step towards my dream.
MM: How do you evaluate your own academic performance and identify areas for improvement?
Dr Jude Nnamdi: I’m naturally hard on myself, especially in courses I love. I go deep into the content, identify my weak areas, and tackle them one by one.
MM: How do you see your academic achievements impacting your future career or personal goals?
Dr Jude Nnamdi: My achievements have built a strong foundation and given me the momentum to move in the right direction. It has opened some doors and prepared me to meet the demands of the next phase of my training.
MM: Talking about academic achievements in terms of excellence, what’s your take on the mockery of education currently trending among youngsters, especially those in the entertainment industry – who do not see the use of education?
Dr Jude Nnamdi: This is a real issue, I must say. And I understand how discouraging it can be for students who pour their energy into education, only to hear comments like “school na scam” or “go and learn a skill instead.” These narratives gain traction because the system isn’t functioning as it should.
However, I believe success isn’t limited to one path. Many graduates continue to excel in their respective fields, making significant contributions to their professions. The key is to have a clear plan and stay focused on your own goals. Not every path will be popular, but if it aligns with your values and dreams, then it’s worth pursuing. Block out the noise, put in the work, and keep moving in the right direction. Over time, it pays off.
MM: Great! Aside academics, what else do you enjoy at leisure?
Dr Jude Nnamdi: I enjoy binge-watching TV series and playing video games. It helps me unwind and reset.
MM: Any final words to junior colleagues aspiring to be celebrated academically?
Dr Jude Nnamdi: Be honest with yourself, stay consistent, and don’t wait to feel motivated; plan and start now. Discipline will take you further than motivation ever could. Set goals that are realistic and achievable, and always ask yourself, “Will this bring me closer to where I want to be?” If the answer is yes, give it your best shot. If not, learn to say “no”.
