15/07/2026
Twenty-one years ago, at the prestigious University of Nigeria, I made a decision that many people could not understand.
I walked away from my dream of studying Medicine.
That's after 3 years of wanting and fighting to get admitted, I got the opportunity and dumped it.
Not because I lost the vision or the passion, but because I had begun to question the kind of learner I wanted to become.
I wanted to understand, not simply memorise.
At the time, many people thought the decision was strange.
Some thought it was a mistake.
But last month, after presenting my research, "The AI Divide: Trust, Inclusion and Unequal AI Adoption in Society," at the University of Hertfordshire Postgraduate Research Symposium, I received news that left me deeply emotional.
I had been nominated for the Postgraduate Student Excellence Award - Most Intellectual Student (MRes & Pathways).
What touched me most wasn't the title.
It was the reason for the nomination:
"...he consistently demonstrates strong academic understanding, critical thinking, and a genuine passion for learning. He actively contributes thoughtful ideas in class, supports others academically, and applies knowledge beyond memorisation."
Those final words stopped me in my tracks.
"Applies knowledge beyond memorisation."
They reminded me of a decision I made 21 years ago and reassured me that, although the journey has been unconventional, it has been true to who I am.
I receive this recognition with gratitude - not as a destination, but as an encouragement to keep asking questions, keep learning, keep researching and keep sharing knowledge that makes a difference.
My sincere thanks to Kelechukwu Evelyn Olowa, for the nomination, and to the lecturers and colleagues at the University of Hertfordshire Business School for creating an environment where curiosity, critical thinking and meaningful learning are celebrated.
The journey continues.
✍️
Digi-Priest