Attaining greatness despite setbacks
… Udo Ukeme Effiong’s success story
With an award as the best graduating student from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Udo Ukeme Effiong’s dream of attaining greatness has been realized.
Ukeme was the cynosure of all eyes, when he led the honours list when NOUN held its 5th Convocation, recently. But, beneath the smiles and tears of joy lie a remarkable resolve and stamina to surmount life’s obstacles through hard work.
Despite the death of his father, deprivation, a dependant aged mother, three children and a wife to carter for and low paying job, this enigma read his way to bag first class honours degree with Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.71 from School of Science and Environmental Management, Apapa Centre of NOUN.
Effiong, who hails from Ikot-Udom in Akwa Ibom State, is a true depiction of the ‘Dakkada’ spirit, never allowing circumstances of life to dictate the overcome of an individual’s life. He was set to further his education and nothing would deter him.
According to him, “I borrowed money and bought the admission form to the National Open University of Nigeria following an inspiration from my bishop in the church. Like play, I paid the fees.
“I worked hard and studied diligently even at work, having sleepless nights. Many saw my zeal and prayed for my success. Today, I’m happy that all my toils were not in vain. I’m very glad.”
In his words of advice, Ukeme states, “National Open University of Nigeria is one of the best Schools in Nigeria; the School is not for milk suckers but is meant for bone breakers. Please I want to use this medium to advice those still writing JAMB every year, please go and get a NOUN form and stop the wait”.

dear @ udo ukeme effiong, u ve made us in A'iBOM very proud having surmount all life challenge emerge overall best greaduating student in NOUN....
....We are featuring you in our youth magazine "A'IBOM YOUTH TODAY'