Prospective Super Eagles playmaker, Paulinus Okon graduates from Federal University of Uyo with first class honours, npflupdates.com reports.
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The Akwa United attacking midfielder is the first student to finish with 4.50 CGPA from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
In an exclusive interview with the club’s official website www.akwaunitedfc.com, Okon revealed that the journey to his academic achievement wasn’t as easy.
According to youngster, it was a rough and tough journey; but his determination for success was the driving force behind his achievements.
What Super Eagles Eligible, Paulinus Said About His Education Journey
“The desire to play professional football has always been there but I didn’t know it would be that challenging combining higher education with football. The pressure wasn’t that much when I was in secondary school; but when I got admission into university I realized that it was a different thing entirely. Having to attend football training sometimes twice a day and also attending lectures in school was very stressful,” he said.
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The Super Eagles eligible, narrated how he had an accident in one of those days while he was trying to meet up with lectures.
*I have been involved in an accident at least three times because of rushing to meet up with lectures. I have slept in class many times and my colleagues usually make jest of me, even some of my lecturers told me that I was embarking on a suicide mission by trying to play football while also going to school,” he continued.
“I still remember in my first year in school when I asked about the possibility of graduating with a First Class Honours, I was told that the department has never produced a First Class graduate since it was established. And even if someone will make First Class that I shouldn’t dream of being that student because of combining education and football, but I have always believed in myself and I was determined to succeed.
It’s a thing of joy that Okon is now a graduate, and he used the opportunity to appreciate God the outcome.
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“I’m very happy and I thank God that all the hard work has paid off and today I have graduated with First Class Honours and my football career is also improving especially since I joined Akwa United and I know that my time will soon come and I’m confident that I will make significant impact as a professional player,” he concluded.
