Stanley-Ubani Joy, a first-class graduate of Nursing Science from Afe Babalola University, speaks with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about her academic journey, the challenges of nursing education, the four professional qualifications she earned and her plans for a career in healthcare
What informed your decision to study Nursing Science?
It was based on my desire to pursue a profession that combines scientific knowledge, critical thinking and meaningful human impact. What particularly attracted me to nursing was its holistic approach to patient care. Nurses do not simply treat illnesses; they advocate for patients, provide emotional support, educate individuals and families, and play a critical role in the recovery process. I wanted a profession that would allow me to make a tangible difference in people’s lives while continually challenging me intellectually and professionally. My training has since reinforced that decision and deepened my appreciation for the profession.
Why did you choose Afe Babalola University for your university education?
I chose the university because of its reputation for academic excellence, structured learning environment and emphasis on producing graduates who can compete nationally and internationally. I wanted an institution that would challenge me academically while providing opportunities for professional and personal development. Given the balance of theoretical knowledge and practical competence required in nursing, the university’s learning environment and clinical training opportunities were important considerations. I gained admission in 2021, and looking back, my experience at ABUAD provided an important foundation for my development, not just as a nurse but also as an individual.
What was your CGPA at the end of your first year?
It was 4.72. I fell below the first class range in my second year but worked hard to regain it in my fourth year and maintained it until graduation.
What was your biggest challenge as an undergraduate?
It was balancing academic workload with my involvement in extracurricular activities. Both required considerable time, commitment and dedication. Nursing is already a demanding five-year programme involving lectures, clinical postings, practical assessments and examinations. Being actively involved in activities outside the classroom required an additional level of discipline and organisation.
I had to become intentional about prioritising my responsibilities and managing my time effectively. Ultimately, the experience taught me that excellence is not just about performing well in one area but also about managing competing responsibilities without compromising standards. It also strengthened my organisational, leadership and interpersonal skills.
How would you describe your experience as a Nursing Science student at Afe Babalola University?
My experience was transformative, challenging and rewarding. The programme provided a strong foundation in nursing sciences while exposing me to different dimensions of healthcare delivery. Clinical postings helped me appreciate the realities of patient care and the responsibilities that come with being a healthcare professional. Exposure to areas such as community health, mental health, maternal health and emergency nursing broadened my understanding of the profession. Beyond academics, it was a period of significant personal growth during which I developed discipline, resilience and adaptability, alongside a deeper appreciation of the responsibility that comes with caring for human lives.
Was there a course you found particularly challenging during your studies?
I struggled with Biochemistry in my second year, and my performance fell below my expectations. I remained motivated, worked on my weaknesses and received significant encouragement from my elder sister.
Did you set out to graduate with a first class from the beginning of your programme?
Yes, I did. From the beginning, graduating with a first class was something I genuinely aspired to achieve. A significant part of my motivation came from wanting to prove to myself that I was capable of achieving something at that level. I wanted to challenge myself and push beyond my perceived limits through consistency, discipline and hard work. My elder sister, who also graduated with a first class in Law, was a great source of inspiration. Above all, I am grateful to God for His grace and to my parents and sister for their constant encouragement, sacrifices and support. Achieving this goal was not just a personal accomplishment but also a way of making them proud.
What sacrifices did your parents and elder sister make to support your education?
My parents consistently supported me, even when doing so inconvenienced them. My elder sister, a first class Law graduate, helped me improve my reading style and strengthen my relationship with God.
What was your approach to studying, particularly when preparing for examinations?
My approach centred on understanding rather than memorising. Nursing knowledge must be applied to real-life clinical situations, so I made a conscious effort to understand the rationale behind concepts rather than simply memorising information for examinations. I broke large topics into manageable sections, identified areas that required more attention and revised consistently. I also found it useful to connect theoretical knowledge with clinical experiences, as this made concepts easier to understand and retain. Ultimately, I believe effective preparation is not necessarily about the number of hours spent studying but about how deliberately and effectively that time is used.
Was there a point during your studies when you considered giving up?
READ ALSO:
- 256 bag first class as FUTA graduates 3,039
- Denmark thrash Portugal 4-1 in first game after Ronaldo’s retirement
- South Sudan postpones first national elections to February 2027
There were moments when the demands of the programme felt overwhelming, and I questioned whether I was doing enough to meet the expectations I had set for myself. However, I would not say I genuinely wanted to abandon nursing. There is a difference between feeling exhausted by a demanding process and losing sight of why you started. Whenever things became difficult, I reminded myself of the bigger picture and my reasons for choosing the profession. I learned that perseverance does not mean never experiencing difficult moments; it means finding the strength to keep moving despite them.
What does graduating with a first class degree mean to you?
Graduating with a first class represents five years of consistency, sacrifice, discipline and personal growth. It is particularly meaningful because I understand the demands of completing a professional programme as challenging as Nursing Science. Beyond academic recognition, it represents the standard of excellence I challenged myself to maintain.
However, I recognise that a first class degree is not the ultimate measure of my competence as a nurse. Rather, it is both a foundation and a responsibility. I believe academic excellence must translate into clinical competence, sound judgment, compassion and lifelong learning. Ultimately, the real value of this achievement will be reflected in the quality of care I provide and the impact I make.
Discovering that I got a 5.0 GPA in my final semester was exhilarating, and I was incredibly proud of myself.
What was the most demanding aspect of your clinical training?
It was translating theoretical knowledge into safe, timely and appropriate patient care. In the classroom, you learn the principles and rationale behind nursing interventions, but the clinical environment presents you with patients who have different needs, conditions and responses to treatment. You must think critically, prioritise interventions, communicate effectively and remain attentive to details, sometimes under pressure. The emotional demands were also significant, as caring for vulnerable patients requires compassion and professionalism. The experience taught me that nursing competence involves knowing what to do, why it should be done, when to do it and how to do it safely.
How did you find the transition from classroom learning to practical patient care?
The transition was both exciting and challenging. While the classroom provides the theoretical foundation, clinical practice gives that knowledge context and meaning. It is one thing to understand a disease process in theory and another to recognise its presentation in a patient, assess their needs and determine the appropriate nursing response. Clinical exposure strengthened my appreciation of observation, communication, clinical judgment and individualised care. It also taught me the importance of continuous learning, accepting constructive feedback and recognising the limits of one’s competence.
What informed your decision to pursue additional professional certifications alongside your degree?
I pursued additional professional qualifications because I wanted my development to extend beyond obtaining an academic degree. Nursing is a dynamic profession that requires continuous learning and the acquisition of relevant skills. Obtaining my registrations as a Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife and Registered Public Health Nurse, alongside Basic Life Support certification, reflects my commitment to developing a broader understanding of healthcare delivery. I see these qualifications not simply as additional credentials but as part of my commitment to becoming a well-rounded healthcare professional who can contribute meaningfully across different areas of practice.
How did you balance your professional certification examinations with your academic work?
Balancing four professional qualifications with my academic work, especially in my fourth and fifth years, was challenging. I relied on prioritisation and time management, while also ensuring that I balanced my extracurricular activities with my academic responsibilities.
What does being a registered nurse mean to you beyond the qualification itself?
It means accepting a responsibility that extends far beyond holding a professional licence. It means being accountable for the care you provide, advocating for patients, protecting their dignity and prioritising their safety. Patients often encounter nurses during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, and the way we respond can significantly influence their healthcare experience. To me, nursing is both a privilege and a responsibility. It involves combining knowledge, clinical skills, empathy and integrity to provide care that recognises the patient as a whole person.
What is your assessment of nursing education and practice in Nigeria?
I believe nursing education and practice in Nigeria have considerable potential, with important strides being made in academic development, professional regulation and the expansion of nursing roles. However, there are still gaps between the standards we aspire to achieve and the realities of practice in many healthcare institutions. Challenges such as inadequate staffing, limited resources, difficult working conditions, inconsistent access to continuing professional development and the migration of experienced nurses affect healthcare delivery. Strengthening nursing education must therefore go hand in hand with improving clinical environments. We need institutions that invest in nurses, promote evidence-based practice, support professional development and recognise nurses as essential contributors to healthcare policy and decision-making.
What do you consider the biggest challenge facing young nurses entering the Nigerian healthcare sector?
I believe one of the biggest challenges is the gap between the expectations created during professional training and the realities of entering the healthcare workforce. Young nurses are expected to demonstrate competence and sound clinical judgment, but they do not always have access to adequate mentorship, structured orientation or sufficient resources.
They must also navigate demanding workloads, staffing shortages and, in some institutions, limited remuneration. I believe greater investment in structured internship programmes, clinical supervision, mentorship and continuous professional development is necessary. Newly qualified nurses should have opportunities to develop their skills safely, receive constructive guidance and build sustainable careers within the Nigerian healthcare system.
What are your career plans after graduation?
I graduated on October 21 and my immediate plan is to undertake a structured nursing internship that will provide extensive clinical exposure, strengthen my practical competence and help me transition confidently into professional practice. I am particularly interested in gaining experience across different specialties and developing the clinical judgment required to provide safe, evidence-based and patient-centred care. In the long term, I hope to specialise in cardiovascular and critical care nursing, particularly in the intensive care environment. I also intend to pursue postgraduate education and continue developing through relevant certifications, research and lifelong learning. Beyond the bedside, I hope to contribute to nursing education, healthcare advocacy and improvements in healthcare delivery. Ultimately, I want my impact to extend beyond the bedside without ever losing sight of the patient at the bedside.
