Valeen Oseh graduated with a First Class, with a cumulative grade point average, CGPA, of 4.60 from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Delta State University, Abraka, in October 2014.

In this interview, she shares how the American series, 24, inspired her to study Computer Science, the challenges she encountered during her studies and how she overcame them to emerge as the best graduating student in her department. Excerpts:

How was your growing up?

I grew up in a small town called Umutu, in the Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Both of my parents were teachers, my dad was a secondary school accountant and my mum is now a retired teacher. Growing up in a teacher’s household came with high expectations. I didn’t have the kind of carefree childhood many of my peers enjoyed. From a very early age, I had to commute long distances daily to school in Abraka, which was nearly two hours away. That routine shaped my childhood: waking up early, heading to school, coming back late, and spending whatever time I had left studying. My upbringing was very academic-focused.

Excellence was expected, not celebrated. Even when I came home with the first position, my dad would carefully review every grade and ask why I didn’t get an A in every subject. An A- wasn’t enough, he would analyse if it was 90, 95, or 100. That kind of environment made me very disciplined, detail-oriented, and determined to succeed, not out of fear, but out of a desire to make my parents proud.

Did you ever think of studying mathematics and computer science?

Initially, no. My entire focus was on becoming a medical doctor. I was in the science class, taking all the necessary subjects with that goal in mind. But everything changed when I watched the American series 24. I was completely fascinated by the character Chloe O’Brian, who could fight cyber threats and solve crimes from behind her computer. Watching someone solve real-world crimes and protect people using just a computer was mind-blowing.

Did your parents have their own course preferences for you?

Yes. My dad really wanted me to become a doctor. He used to call me “Dr. Valeen” even before I got into university. My mum also leaned toward medicine, but she was more flexible.

Having a first class may not have come easily. Did you take any decision regarding your academics when you gained admission?

Absolutely. From the very beginning, I was intentional. When I resumed my Diploma programme, a month to the first semester exam, I only did so because I was tired of staying at home. But after writing my first semester exams and scoring a CGPA of 4.86, I realised, again, I had something special. I committed myself fully and graduated as the best student in my department with a Distinction. From then on, I set a clear goal: to graduate with a First Class in my BSc. And I achieved it. It was never accidental, it was a deliberate decision backed by hard work and focus.

How would you describe your performance in your previous schools?
Consistently excellent. From nursery to primary to secondary school, I was always top of my class. I graduated from primary school with Distinction, aced my junior and senior WAEC exams. I had initially applied to the University of Ibadan but missed my interview due to a delay in the notification. Eventually, I returned to DELSU for my Diploma and then Direct Entry into Computer Science, both of which I completed with First Class honours and was the Best Graduating Student of the Department.

When did you start having a First Class?

From the very first semester of my 200 level as a Direct Entry student, I had a CGPA of 4.84. That moment told me that graduating with a First Class was not only possible, it was within reach. From then on, I stayed above the First Class benchmark throughout my degree. But it didn’t come easy. As a Direct Entry student, I had to take on a far heavier workload than most of my peers. While other students were taking courses strictly for their level, I was combining 100 and 200-level courses in 200 level, and again, combining 200 and 300-level courses in 300 level. The only time I had a standard course load like everyone else was in 400 level. So, not only was I starting from behind, I was working double. Twice the lectures. Twice the assignments. Twice the pressure. But I had already made a decision: I was going to graduate with a First Class. That mindset shaped every decision I made, how I studied, how I spent my time, and who I surrounded myself with. My first class CGPA wasn’t just a number. It was confirmation that my hard work, resilience, and strategic thinking were already producing results. And from that point on, I never let go of the goal.

Were you told it was difficult to graduate with First Class?

Yes, and those stories were terrifying. I heard lecturers say things like ‘A is for me and the host of heaven’, and there were even rumours that my department didn’t award First Class degrees at all. At one point, my CGPA dropped to 4.45, not because I couldn’t do better, but because I began to question if it was worth the effort anymore. But being who I am, that margin nearly broke me. I calculated that I would miss graduating with First Class by just 0.05. I felt like all my sleepless nights and sacrifices would be in vain. Thankfully, I spoke to my course adviser, and he encouraged me. He said, “If you truly merit it, no one can deny you.”That conversation reignited my determination. I remembered why I started, my dreams, my sacrifices and I pushed through. Looking back now, I’m so glad I didn’t give up. I ended up graduating with a higher end First Class CGPA.

Were there things you did differently from others that helped you eventually?

I lived very intentionally. I never missed a lecture throughout university. I listened actively in class, asked questions, and went home to create my own simplified, research-backed notes. These personal notes weren’t just for me, I used them to teach others too. Teaching reinforced my learning and became part of my routine. I also prayed before every study session, asking God for clarity and understanding, and, I believe He gave me that. Another thing I did was build relationships with students ahead of me. I sought out their class notes and past questions, not just to skim, but to solve every single one before exams. I treated them like practice tests and used them to understand both the subject matter and my lecturers’ question patterns. One unique thing I did was research my lecturers. I didn’t just study the course, I studied them: their preferences, style, and grading patterns. I used that insight strategically in how I prepared and answered questions.

Is your course two-in-one or that is the way it is?

At DELSU, the department is officially called Mathematics and Computer Science, but it operates as two separate units. I was in the Computer Science unit, which meant most of my focus was on Computer Science courses. However, we were still required to take core Mathematics courses alongside Computer Science up until 300 level. It wasn’t until 400 level that my coursework became fully concentrated on Computer Science, without any additional Mathematics modules. So while it’s not a combined course, both disciplines are strongly connected, especially in the early stages.

Which of your courses did you enjoy the most and why?

Software Engineering. It exposed me to the end-to-end process of building software, from requirements gathering to testing and deployment. The lecturer made the course enjoyable and practical, which deepened my interest.

How would you describe your social life in school? Did you attend social gatherings?
I had virtually no social life in school. I didn’t attend any parties or social gatherings, the only exception was the Final Year Students’ Awards Dinner, which technically happened after exams. My life in university followed a consistent triangle: lecture hall, hostel, and church. Parties just weren’t my idea of fun. People often assumed I was a boring person or just a bookworm because I didn’t show up at parties or social hangouts. But when people got closer, they realised I had depth, humour, and drive, I just channelled it differently. I’m a sapiosexual, so I’m drawn to deep thinkers and intellectually stimulating conversations. This lifestyle wasn’t solely shaped by my studies; it was also how I was raised. I wasn’t used to visiting people or casually socialising, so it didn’t feel natural to do so in Uni. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t experiencing connection or joy. Through my Girl Child Initiative and passion projects, I found meaningful social interactions, leading impactful projects, hosting events, mentoring younger girls, organising outreach, all of which empowered me and gave me purpose. So, while I may not have had a typical social life, I built one that was deeply fulfilling in its own way. That, to me, was a far more rewarding kind of social experience.

How many hours did you invest in studying per day?
I didn’t track it strictly, but I averaged at least 12 hours a day, especially during exam periods. I could read all day and night, sometimes with little or no sleep. My friends and neighbours often joked that I’d develop brain tumours from over studying, but honestly, my study pattern became infectious. When others saw how focused I was, they were motivated to push themselves too.

How many hours did you sleep daily?

At the start of the semester, I’d sleep for five to six hours. But during exams, I sometimes slept just 1 to 3 hours, and occasionally, not at all. I needed to be fully prepared, not just to cover all my topics but to test myself by creating and answering personal mock questions, that’s how intense it got.

Were you involved in other school activities?

Yes, I was very active. I served as the Vice President of my department, sat on the Constitution Review Committee, and was a Senior Advocate of Nigerian Students, SANS, in the Dele Giwa Law Chamber. I also served as Editor-in-Chief of our FYB Committee and was involved in my church. Beyond academics, I’m a creative person; a compère, actor, speaker, model and Beauty Queen with over 7 crowns to my name. In 2010, I founded the Nwada Ndokwa Foundation in 2012, a non-profit initiative focused on girl child empowerment through education, cultural celebration, leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology. These experiences taught me invaluable lessons, from leadership and public speaking to event planning, fundraising, proposal writing, team building and community development. I didn’t have to shrink any part of myself to succeed. You can be many things at once. Being multifaceted taught me how to wear many hats without losing focus.

How often did you use the library?

Only once and I regretted it! The silence was deafening, and the structure too rigid for my style. I’m not the kind of student who reads silently. I interact with my materials like I’m on stage, I talk, I question, I explain out loud. The library didn’t suit me at all.

Instead, my room became my sanctuary and study studio. I’d sit in front of my wardrobe or pace back and forth talking to my kitchen utensils, my shoes, or even my bed, anything I could imagine as an interviewer or student. Sometimes, I would form panels in my head and pretend I was defending a thesis or teaching a class. It helped me understand and retain better. Even awoko wasn’t my thing. I tried it once and never went back. I was too expressive for those environments. I preferred to study in ways that were engaging, dramatic, and sometimes even theatrical. That’s what worked for me.

What were the challenges you faced in school?

Quite a number. I didn’t have a laptop early on, which made things really tough for a Computer Science student. Internet access was limited, expensive, and unreliable, sometimes I had to rely on multiple textbooks just to understand one topic. Our computer lab was often under-resourced or completely non-functional, so most of my practical learning had to happen outside the classroom. Balancing academics with my passion projects was another major challenge. Financial constraints made things even harder. I had to sacrifice a lot just to meet basic needs. I’m grateful to my parents and family, who deeply valued education and supported my education. These challenges didn’t stop me, they taught me grit, resilience, and the power of determination.

Did you face any challenge of peer pressure?
Never. I’ve always been self-driven and strong-willed. I was the one influencing others positively, not the other way around. My friends knew I wouldn’t compromise, and many respected me for that.

Were you disturbed by male colleagues or lecturers?

Yes, but I made my boundaries clear. I have high standards. Most men couldn’t meet them. I challenged them to grow and focus on their goals, many ended up becoming better students because of that. I turned many advances into long-term friendships. Some lecturers made advances, which was tough to deal with since they also graded us. But I stayed focused and leaned on my academic performance for protection, no one could claim I didn’t deserve my grades.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
During a test, a new lecturer suddenly asked me to leave the hall because he thought I was going to cheat. I was mortified, over 100 students were present, and I had never been so humiliated in my academic life. The misunderstanding stemmed from the commotion that occurred as students scrambled to sit near me. In the chaos, the lecturer assumed I was the cause and had me escorted out before I could explain. That test was worth 30 marks, so being removed meant I lost those marks completely. I now had only the final exam, worth 70 marks to make an A. To score an A, I needed a perfect score from just the exam. It was a terrifying thought, but I poured everything I had into preparation and aced the exam. When the lecturer reviewed the results and saw my performance, he called me in and asked why I hadn’t taken the test. I explained everything, and he was visibly stunned and impressed. He later apologised and even became one of my mentors. That experience, as painful as it was, proved to me that excellence speaks louder than circumstance.

What was your happiest moment?

My happiest moment was the day I was named the Best Graduating Student of the 2013–2014 academic session. It was a surreal experience, hearing my name announced in front of the department, knowing that all my sleepless nights, sacrifices, and relentless hard work had finally paid off. Another unforgettable moment was being among the top three of the 13 first-class graduates out of over 4,000 graduates DELSU produced at my convocation.That moment validated every challenge I had overcome, and it remains one of the most defining and joyful memories of my academic journey.

Did your parents give you any reward?

No material gifts, but my mum’s joy was the greatest reward of all. She was over the moon, calling everyone she knew to share the news. That moment of pride and happiness meant more to me than anything money could buy. She also promised to get me my first sewing machine because she knew how much I loved fashion. Sadly, my dad passed away in 2010, so he wasn’t there to witness it, but I know he would have been incredibly proud. I like to believe he’s smiling down from heaven.

What has university education taught you?

University taught me adaptability, resourcefulness, collaboration, and confidence. I learned to believe in myself despite obstacles, manage people from diverse backgrounds, and find creative solutions when resources were scarce. It showed me how to navigate ambiguity, whether from coursework, peers, or the system, and how to persevere through it all. Beyond academics, the university environment gave me room to grow as a leader. Through my NGO and extracurricular activities, I learned to lead and serve, manage volunteers, raise funds, write proposals, and organise large-scale impact projects, all while maintaining academic excellence. It taught me that hard work truly pays off, and that with focus, faith, and discipline, I could achieve anything I set my mind to.

Was there anything you wanted to do but couldn’t?

Yes, I really wanted to run for SUG (Student Union Government) President in 400 level. But after carefully weighing the demands of the position against the intense academic workload of final year, I chose to prioritise graduating with a First Class. I knew what was at stake and didn’t want anything to jeopardise my long-term goals. Looking back now, I believe I made the right decision, that sacrifice paid off.

What have you been doing since graduation?
While waiting for NYSC, I’ve been honing my creative skills in fashion and design, conducting research for academic articles I intend to publish, volunteering at schools and continuing work with my NGO. I’m keeping myself productive and purpose-driven.

What are your aspirations?

I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity abroad. I’ve always dreamed of studying overseas, not just to gain advanced knowledge, but also to experience diverse perspectives that will sharpen my global thinking. I hope to work with international organisations like the United Nations, UNESCO, or UNICEF, organisations that are committed to education, inclusion and social justice, all values I hold dear. I also aspire to work with multinationals or within academia, where I can merge technical expertise with impact-driven leadership. Long term, I dream of building my own tech company that leverages innovation to solve real-world problems. Through my NGO and other passion projects, I want to continue mentoring young people, especially girls, and create opportunities for them to thrive. One day, I hope to establish an orphanage and a home for elderly women.

What is your advice to students, especially those struggling or discouraged?

Don’t give up. Know your ‘why’. Remind yourself why you started, and let that fuel you when things get tough. Set clear goals and be intentional with your time, your friends, and your energy. Be disciplined. Believe in yourself, even when it feels like no one else does. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, those who challenge you to grow and remind you of your potential. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re not alone, even when it feels that way. You can do this. I’ll be rooting for you every step of the way.