From a childhood fascination with electronics to graduating with a first-class degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Moses Udofia’s journey at the University of Uyo was shaped by passion and consistency. Despite a difficult first year, he graduated in 2025 with a CGPA of 4.55. He speaks with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about his academic journey and ambitions

What does graduating with a first class mean to you personally?

It’s proof that manifestation is real, especially when backed by hard work and consistency. I can still remember August 8, 2019, the day I graduated from secondary school. That very day, I wrote on my Facebook page and in my personal journal that I would graduate from university with a first-class degree.

Six years later, seeing that dream become a reality is deeply fulfilling. It reminds me that the goals we set for ourselves are worth pursuing, no matter how distant they may seem. For me, this achievement is not just about a certificate; it is about keeping a promise I made to my younger self.

Why did you choose Electrical and Electronics Engineering?

I chose the course because I have always been fascinated by technology. From about the age of 10, I started making attempts to fix faulty electrical appliances at home. I would spend time on YouTube researching how to revive a dead torchlight or even build a power bank. I was so interested in electronics that I saved whatever money my parents gave me until I could buy my first soldering iron. That was a big moment for me because I could finally start experimenting with things myself.

Academically, the decision also made sense. Mathematics and Physics were my strongest subjects in secondary school, and I consistently performed very well in them. I genuinely enjoyed both subjects, so engineering felt like a natural direction. Looking back at how my interests and abilities aligned, I believe it was God’s plan for me.

When did you gain admission, and when did you graduate?

I gained admission to the University of Uyo in 2019, and I graduated in 2025. Those years gave me far more than academic knowledge. They helped shape my character, broaden my perspective and prepare me for life beyond the university.

What were your biggest expectations when you got admitted into the University?

Achieving academic excellence was important to me, but it was not my only expectation. I looked forward to meeting people from different backgrounds, making meaningful friendships and learning how to become more independent. University was an opportunity to experience a new environment, understand different perspectives and grow beyond what I already knew.

Ultimately, I wanted to leave the University of Uyo not just with good grades but also as someone equipped with knowledge, discipline, confidence and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society. I wanted an education that would influence both my career and the kind of person I became.

How did you adjust to the demands of engineering in your first year?

My first year was quite rough. It was my first time in Uyo, and I was trying to get acquainted with both the school environment and the city. I was eager to explore the streets, make friends and find people who could help me navigate my new surroundings. At that stage, settling into university life was honestly my biggest priority.

Unfortunately, that affected my academic performance. My first-year results turned out to be the worst I recorded throughout my five years of study. However, once I became comfortable with the environment, my priorities changed. I began giving my academics the attention they deserved, and my performance improved significantly. That experience taught me that a difficult beginning does not have to determine how your story ends.

Which achievement during your undergraduate years are you most proud of?

Interestingly, one of the achievements I am most proud of happened outside the classroom. I served as the Director of Sports for my level throughout our five-year programme, and we won gold twice consecutively at the SWEP tournament. It was a remarkable achievement for us and, to the best of my knowledge, no engineering department had achieved that feat before.

I am particularly grateful for that experience because it showed me that academic excellence and extracurricular involvement can go hand in hand. Being involved in sports leadership taught me responsibility, teamwork and how to bring people together to pursue a common goal. Those victories remain some of my proudest university memories.

Which course did you find most difficult?

Engineering Materials was the most difficult. It required extra effort to understand the concepts properly. While I generally enjoyed the mathematical and technical aspects of engineering, this particular course challenged me in a different way.

It reminded me that even when you are academically strong, there will still be subjects that do not come naturally to you. What matters is being willing to learn rather than allowing the difficulty to discourage you.

How did you approach courses you found difficult?

I have always preferred studying alone because it allows me to concentrate and learn at my own pace. However, whenever I encountered a particularly difficult course, I would also spend time with friends and listen to them discuss the subject.

Sometimes, simply hearing someone explain a topic in their own words helped me understand something I had struggled with while studying independently. I learnt that you do not always need to figure everything out by yourself. You can maintain your personal study routine while still benefiting from the knowledge and perspectives of others. That balance worked well for me.

What was your final-year project about?

It was titled “Design and Construction of an Educational Transmission Line Trainer”. The idea was to develop a practical teaching device that could demonstrate attenuation in a transmission line, particularly how voltage reduces as electrical signals travel over a distance.

Rather than leaving the concept entirely in textbooks, the trainer was designed to help students observe and better understand the effect in a practical setting. Working on the project gave me an opportunity to apply what I had learnt in class, from circuit design to construction and testing. It also reinforced my belief that engineering education becomes more meaningful when students can see theoretical principles demonstrated physically.

What was the most memorable moment of your university journey?

It was winning a scholarship from the FEYRep Foundation. It was an exciting and meaningful achievement because the recognition encouraged me to keep working hard.

Beyond the scholarship itself, the experience reminded me that dedication can open doors to opportunities I might not initially have anticipated. It was also reassuring to know that my efforts were being recognised. I remain grateful for that opportunity, and it is a memory I will always associate with my time at the University of Uyo.

Did your academic performance change how people related to you in school?

Definitely. As my academic performance improved, I started receiving more attention, and more people wanted to get to know me. Some approached me because they wanted to learn from me or understand how I studied, while others saw me as someone to compete with academically.

I did not necessarily consider that a bad thing. Healthy academic competition can motivate students to improve, and sharing knowledge can help everyone grow. The experience also taught me to remain approachable and humble. I believe performing well academically should not create a barrier between you and other people; it should give you more opportunities to build meaningful relationships.

What was your experience with practical work as an Electrical and Electronics Engineering student?

Building my final-year project was one of the most enjoyable practical experiences I had as an engineering student. I learnt how to use and handle different electrical and mechanical tools, and I found the entire process exciting.

There is a special satisfaction that comes from moving beyond calculations and diagrams to actually constructing something with your hands. Practical work also taught me patience because things do not always work as expected on the first attempt. You have to observe, troubleshoot, make adjustments and try again. That experience made me appreciate the practical side of engineering even more.

What did you learn at university that cannot be measured by your CGPA?

One of my biggest lessons is that building meaningful relationships is just as important as academic excellence. Your CGPA may reflect your performance in examinations, but it cannot fully measure your character, emotional intelligence or ability to work with people.

University taught me time management, communication, teamwork and how to remain focused under pressure. It also taught me to understand people better and appreciate different personalities and perspectives. Perhaps most importantly, I learnt that failure, setbacks and uncertainty are normal parts of personal development.

I believe the relationships you build and the lessons you learn outside the classroom can influence your future just as much as the grades on your transcript.

What do you think distinguishes a first-class student from other high-performing students?

I believe the major difference often comes down to consistency, discipline and attention to detail rather than intelligence alone. Many students are intelligent enough to achieve excellent results, but sustaining that level of performance over several years requires commitment.

Another important factor is personal responsibility. Some students become too comfortable making excuses when things go wrong, and that attitude can prevent them from achieving something extraordinary. You must be willing to identify areas where you need to improve and take action to address them.

Which area of Electrical and Electronics Engineering do you hope to specialise in?

I am particularly interested in electrical wiring design and building software solutions for brands and businesses. I enjoy the idea of combining engineering knowledge with technology to create products and systems that people can use in everyday life.

Electrical design appeals to the technical side of my interests, while software development gives me an opportunity to think creatively about problems and how to solve them. I hope to continue developing my skills in both areas and work on solutions that are practical, reliable and valuable to the people and businesses that use them.

What would you tell a student who believes a first class is beyond their reach?

I would tell that student that a first class is not automatically beyond their reach. I graduated with First Class Honours without allowing my studies to consume every part of my life. My routine was to study for about two hours daily, which gave me enough time to participate in social activities, enjoy sports and build strong relationships. I genuinely had a fun university experience.

For me, the secret was repetition and consistency. Studying a little every day helped me understand and retain what I learnt instead of depending entirely on last-minute preparation. Of course, everyone learns differently, so students should find a routine that works for them.

Most importantly, never allow one poor result or a difficult semester to define your potential. See challenges as opportunities to identify your weaknesses and develop better strategies. Keep reading, practising and learning every day. Learning never stops, and academic excellence should not prevent you from enjoying the other valuable experiences university has to offer. (PUNCH)