Breaking a 44-Year-Old Record While Pregnant

The University of Calabar confirmed her as the first student to achieve this distinction. A statement from the institution read: “Bassey Colette Offiong emerged as the only first-class student from Linguistics and Nigerian Languages in the 2018/2019 session and the first ever in the history of the department dated back to 1977.”

A Support System Rooted in Love and Encouragement

Colette is quick to attribute her success to God and her unwavering support system, especially her husband. On social media, she expressed her gratitude, saying: “After God, my gratitude goes to my husband who pushed me hard and gave me great support. I have a great support system, the rest of my family included.”

She also emphasized the importance of faith and determination in her journey, inspiring others with her words: “It’s never too late to achieve excellence; you just have to start. Take the step, whatever it is.” Her story serves as a reminder that even when life throws curveballs, success is achievable with perseverance, focus, and the right support.

Inspiring Others to Pursue Their Dreams

In an exclusive interview, Colette reflected on the difficulties of balancing her academic ambitions with the demands of pregnancy. What kept her going, she explained, was her intense desire to succeed: “Interest, hunger! What kept me going was how bad I wanted to succeed. My millinery business had to suffer, some friendships strained, but my desire to succeed gave me a greater reason to keep pushing.”

Colette’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience. She encouraged others, particularly pregnant and nursing mothers who are students, to stay focused on their goals. “If it’s worth doing, do it well! When you want to quit, think of the success story you won’t get to tell your 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren and others in your sphere of influence.” She also advised them not to be afraid to ask for help in order to balance their responsibilities and pursue their dreams.

Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues

Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Excellence

Colette’s historic achievement at the University of Calabar has not only set a new standard but also serves as an encouragement to others. She has proven that excellence is possible, no matter the circumstances. Her journey is a powerful example of how resilience, determination, and support can lead to success, even when the odds seem insurmountable. As Colette herself aptly puts it: “The journey to greatness goes on.”