Olisa Nwuruku : BSC to PhD Journey of a Scholar and Unionism Giant

Dr. Olisa Nwuruku,popularly known as Ochiagha, has carved his name in the sands of time. From an humble beginning in Ebonyi State to becoming a scholar and a prominent student union leader, he has not failed to make his story a model for the younger generation.

Educational Background

Born and raised in Ebonyi State, Dr. Nwukuru completed primary school in 2005 and secondary school in 2011 at Folks Technical College, Ikwo.

In 2012, he gained admission to Ebonyi State University to study Biochemistry. Though wanting MBBS, he embraced his path and excelled, graduating with a strong CGPA that became the foundation for his success.

Leadership at Ebonyi State University

His leadership journey began on campus, where he held several key positions, including Secretary General of the defaunt Faculty of Biological Sciences, EBSU, Senator representing his faculty at the Student Union Government and Deputy President of the EBSU SUG Senate.

Master’s Degree and Pursuit of a PhD

His postgraduate studies include a master’s degree in Medical Biochemistry, which he completed with distinctions in 2021. That same year, he began his PhD and defended his thesis on December 19, 2024, becoming a Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Biochemistry.

National Influence and Student Activism

His leadership extended beyond campus. He held national roles in student organizations like NANS and represented Ebonyi youths in the judicial investigation into police brutality after the EndSARS protests.

Balancing Academics and Leadership;

Balancing academics and leadership was no small feat. Ochara credited his success to effective time management, mentorship, and ability to multitask. His popularity on campus gained from helps he always render to students academically helped a lot in making his tasks easy.

Challenges Faced and Lessons Learnt;

His journey was not without challenges. Financial struggles, balancing leadership, Betrayals and the pressure to excel academically tested him. However, he remained focused, avoiding common pitfalls like academic neglect and student politics controversies.

Building Relationships and Gaining Influence

The positions Ochiagha took opened a lot of doors for him. His leadership roles brought him closer to the university management and the Ebonyi state government. This gave him access to resources and privileges that supported his academic and personal growth.

Advice for Aspiring Students and Leaders

Dr. Nwifuru achievements were stemmed from quality advices from mentors and peers and he has not failed to give out some as well. ‘ Anyone who wants to combine Students Activism with Academics should note it is not easy. Even though it will affect your academics but is should not be too much’, he said.

“They should also be mindful of engaging with the school management with fights. I have always applied Consultation, Consolidation and Confront. If one wants to succeed, the three C’s should be used.”

“Try to master the marking schemes of the individual lecturers as they have different things they want. Don’t make any of your lecturers enemies. You should make them your friends. They should also make sure that cultism should not be the bane of what they will do in Campus.”

Future Plans and Aspirations

When asked of his future aspirations, Dr. Ochara declared he remains opened, to serving in public offices. He believes his journey has prepared him to make significant contributions, should the opportunity come.

“I want to be remembered as a conqueror who overcame life, academic and political challenges, inspired others, and gave back to the community that shaped him,” he concluded.