On the 21st of August 2025, the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), inducted its newest set of professionals. Among them, Scientist Igwe Tabitha Ngozi stood tall, graduating with First Class Honours and emerging as the Best Graduating Student (BGS). Her story is not just one of academic brilliance but of perseverance, sacrifice, and faith.
“Medical Laboratory Science was what I really wanted. My dreams motivated me – I’d often see syringes in my dreams, but I never desired to be a nurse or a doctor. I felt God wanted me to study a course that enabled me to save lives.”
For Tabitha, that clarity of purpose was her compass. Yet the journey was not without struggles. At 300 level, the weight of leadership nearly crushed her as she served as her class representative.
“My brother told me they will not add ‘course rep’ to my certificate when I graduate. That changed my focus – even as I served my classmates, I knew my books had to come first.”
The sacrifices that followed were quiet but defining. At one point, she used her feeding allowance to pay for tutorials. At another, she turned her hostel room into a personal classroom, teaching herself while her fan, table, and walls became her students.
“I hid my fear of failure with a smile. My friend always reminded me that everyone is scared, but we all try to mask it. Knowing I wasn’t alone made me stronger.”
Despite the pressures, Tabitha never failed a course. Her lowest grade was a C, a record she attributes to discipline, consistency, and God’s grace. She kept her life simple, balancing academics with church and friendship. Known for lending a hand to others, she lived out the meaning of her name – Tabitha, “the one who helps.”
Her siblings and her close friend, Aguma Victor, were her strongest cheerleaders, standing with her through financial, emotional, and academic challenges. Their support was the anchor that steadied her when storms threatened to overwhelm her.
“Always attend lectures unless you absolutely can’t. Believe in God, believe in yourself. There’s no limit to what you can do.”
Her advice to students is as practical as it is inspiring. Her vision for the future remains simple yet profound.
“My plan is very simple – save lives by striving to produce accurate results with high precision in the lab.”
Tabitha’s First Class is more than a personal triumph. It is proof that Ebonyi can produce excellence, a reminder that resilience pays, and a call to strengthen student support systems so that no dream is cut short.
Her journey affirms that while fear is universal, grace and perseverance make the difference. In Ebonyi, her story stands as proof that hard work pays – and when mixed with faith, the result is nothing short of First Class.
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