Meet Nkechinyere Chidi-Ogbolo, 18-year old PhD Student


18-year old Biomedical Engineering PhD student, Nkechinyere Ogbolo dropped by our office to talk about her journey, and what’s next after the release of her debut book, “Tales of an Uber minor in college.” Here's how our chit-chat session went.
More21 Dec
“Does she have two heads?” Nkechinyere Chidi-Ogbolo is that kind of child who parents would use as a reference when advising their own kid, because she has proven to be a whiz-kid. At 18-years, Nkechinyere already has a Chemical Engineering degree from Howard University, Washington D.C, and is presently a PhD student at the University of California.

The depth of her accomplishment piques the interest of many. How did she do it? What inspires her? How has her journey been so far? These questions and more were answered by Nkechinyere in her debut book “Tales of an Uber minor in college,” which was launched in partnership with GTBank at the Muson Centre on the 19th of December, 2017.

Recently, Nkechinyere dropped by our office to talk about her journey, and what’s the next big thing she’s working on. Here’s how our chit-chat session went;

Congratulations on the successful launch of your new book “Tales of an Uber minor in college.” What is the driving force behind your success, which you have channelled into this book?

The driving force behind my success has been my support system, most especially my parents. My mom has always been there for me and she was the one who suggested I compile my story into a book to possibly inspire people that have doubts about achieving the same or similar things I achieved because they don’t have the privilege background that other people have.


Nkechi and some students at GTBank YouRead Initiative

What’s the one message you want young people to take from your book?

Information is a weapon and it’s up to you to use it, so as long as people don’t have access to information they are unlikely to do well. It’s important to have mentors and people in your life who will be your support system and it’s equally important to have a connection and relationship with your parents so they could help guide you. In situations where your parents are barely around, you can find other people within the community that will be your support system. If I can be that support system that will, of course, be great.

Has writing this book changed you in any way?

While writing the book, it dawned on me how much I’ve changed since my freshman year in college. Seeing my growth on paper was interesting. I don’t think the person who wrote the book is the same person I am today. Sometimes, I read it and say to myself, I wrote that? Did I have to tell everyone my business like that? (laughs).

You are a chemical engineer graduate currently doing your PhD in medical research and now you’ve added author to your feather. This raises that popular question we are asked in our younger years “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

(laughs) I do plan to do medical research long term. I’ll also have a lot of things to do on the side, I’m going to have a foundation to help young people empower themselves, there’s probably going to be a musical journey too because I do want to sing as well. There are a few other things but the main thing will be my medical research.

What are your other interests and passion outside your academic pursuits?

I love to sing. Singing makes me happy. I have a karaoke app on my phone that I use to sing whenever I want to de-stress. I also love to watch movies especially K-dramas, Korean movies are my favourite!

You’ve said Information is a weapon. What other topics and issues do you hope to tackle in your future books?

I’m hoping to tackle inequality, for people not to neglect other people in other positions because that can result in frustration and anger. That’s something my mom is very passionate about. I also hope to change the mindsets of people who think they can’t achieve something or get to a certain place because they feel they are lacking something. I want them to know they need not create a ceiling over themselves. Their dreams and goals are possible.

GTBank is committed to talented young individuals like Nkechinyere Ogbolo and to that regards is giving out her book to thousands of young people for FREE. Kindly mention someone, in the comment box, who needs to be inspired by this amazing book.

ceezarhh:
other banks right now...

Masterclass32:
...

NgeneUkwenu:
Illiterates!

stonemasonn:
Fidelity bank seems to be the beneficiary of this poo right..

Lets wait for next quarter's performance of the banks.

horsepower101:
The Jews in America are only 2 percent of the population BUT they have learnt how to use their economic power to get whatever they want from U.S. government and private sector.

It is time for Ndigbo to start using their economic power in Nigeria to their own benefit. We have turned the other cheek enough.

Former American Secretary of state; Henry Kissinger (An American jew) called Igbos the Jews of West Africa. He saw something in them that he immediately recognize within his own people.

defashan:


Jews control businesses and multinational corporations? They are into I.T., manufacturing, Banking and Finance, Top entertainment industries, military hardware and above all politics.

Do ibos control multinational corporations, Do they control businesses? I’m not talking about a man opening his small store at Alaba or ladipo otherwise I’ll be comparing Jews to Asians ‘off license’ shop just around the corner or his kebab shop!!, are ibos into manufacturing? I don’t mean copying and coupling fake goods at Aba.

Are ibos controlling the banking industry in Nigeria let alone Africa? The corporate headquarters of fidelity bank and diamond can not compare to a branch of GTB?

Ogundes, Jacobs were doing big things in the cinemas and Hollywoods ‘reel time’ when the Edochies and ozokwos were learning how to speak.

Do ibos manufacture military hardwares? No, an aboki from the north can teach a UNN physics professor how to couple a few wires to make a big bang...fact. Have you heard of Defense industry Corp? It’s in kaduna. They make all sorts of weapons. Can an ibo man fabricate a reliable pistol that can fire continuously without burning the firer?

Are ibos good in politics?

What exactly are ibos good at? Sports? No you are not. Don’t start with football cos you are dead on arrival. Boxing? Your last hero was Dick Tiger, bless him. Yorubas rule in boxing. Fact...Joshua, google it and tell me one Ibo man who can be brave enough to square a Yoruba man in a proper duel.

Table tennis?? Which ibo man can handle a bat?

You always shout ‘this is not 1967’. When the python csme down, it swallowed your dilektor and his piglets. Has any of you made any noise since then? Where are your ‘gucci’ f rags’.?

Where are your rabbis? Buratai used them to make his suya and rabbit stew.

All you people should just shut up.

jamesibor:


Yes, we are not good at anything. Can you now let us go and have our Biafra?

Amarabae:
Damage control at work.
Igbos are formidable and united now.
We love each other, treat one of us badly and feel the heat and wrath.