Interview 3

“From Inconclusive Graduate to Pharmacy Inductee”; Fun Chit-Chat with erstwhile QIP Editor-In-Chief

By Taofeekat Adigun

Spending 5 years +(Strike/COVID 19) for a Pharmacy degree is no easy feat.

Queen Idia Press had a fun chit-chat with the recent graduate from pharmacy, AMINAT AWOGUN, who was also the erstwhile Editor-In-Chief for Queen Idia Press (insert thunderous applause). She talked about her best moments, worst moments, big wins, feminism, women’s representation and lots more. Enjoy!!!

QIP: The tag, “Inconclusive Graduate”, officially became “Graduate” not too long ago. How does it feel to finally be a graduate?

Aminat: Mehnnnnn. I feel so free. It’s not like I was chained by my academics, but you know there are some things you really can’t do as a student. I know I’m just getting started, but I’m ready and well- equipped to take on the challenges that come with life after school.

QIP: Interesting! So are you one of the “I will miss School” or “Miss School Keh” Gang after how many years?

Aminat: I will definitely miss school. Especially my Faculty, classmates and other extracurricular activities I did while in school. In fact, I am already missing school. Sniffs.

QIP: Lol, eyah. What was your best moment in school?

Aminat: I don’t really have a best moment per se. I had lots of interesting moments.

QIP: Tell us about one then

Aminat: Lol. I will tell you three interesting moments.

The first one was when my team and I, members of the PharmaLead club, organised a leadership conference and it was successful. That was like the biggest project I pulled off in UI. As the head of the committee, it felt like a dream come true.

The second moment was when I saw my 200L result. Lol. I was excited to my spine.

The third one was when I won the J6 outstanding female campus journalist award in my final year. Shines teeth.

QIP: Interesting stuff!

So, do you have any worst moments as well?

Aminat: When I had a resit in my final year.

QIP: Haa! The devil is a liar

Aminat: Heavens! It felt like all my efforts were thrown into voicemail. But Alhamdulilah, it’s over now. So we move.

QIP: “What God cannot do, does not exist”. With what you know now, what are the things you’d have done differently in School?

Aminat: Build more connections and engage in self-learning.

QIP: How was your experience being Idia Hall Editor-In-Chief?

Aminat: Boy! One of the best decisions I made as an undergraduate was joining Queen Idia Press. I became the editor-in-chief in my final year. Simply put, It was like a stepping stone for me to greater things. I met a lot of people and built connections with them. The position also helped me to get a writing gig where I was paid in dollars. It also honed my writing, editing and leadership skills. In fact, I’m considering a career in medical communications, thanks to my background in journalism.

QIP: True, being a presswoman will change your life 100%. Would you call yourself a Feminist?

Aminat: I do not identify as a feminist, but I believe women should not be sidelined from opportunities just because of their gender. Imagine telling a girl she can’t be an Engineer because she’s a girl. Or women should not dream big. It’s a sick mentality.

QIP: Agreed! Do you think women are truly oppressed? Also, how’s women’s representation in Pharmacy like?

Aminat: I’m glad the narration is changing now. Women are speaking up for themselves. We no longer leave our matters to be decided by men. We are now taking the bull by the horn, as it should be.

In pharmacy, women are underrepresented in managerial positions. Women do the more underpaid job. The technical aspect of the profession is where you would find more women but not in the administrative. But like I said, we are changing the stories.

QIP: As a Hijabi. What is the top 3 misconception about Hijabis you hear and will like to correct?

Aminat: So these are the top 3 misconceptions I hear all the time

People: Hijabis aren’t brilliant

Me: No dear, the best graduating student in my class is a hijabi

People: You are covering your hair because of your husband.

Me: No dear, I’m not even married. I do it for God.

People: You wear hijab, you won’t be allowed to study or work. You are only made to serve your husband.

Me: I am allowed to seek knowledge as far as China. Also, I’m allowed to do any permissible work by God.

QIP: Do you have any regrets while in school?

Aminat: My deepest regret. Errrr… Associating with the wrong folks in my first year. My advice for anyone who is in their first year is; “As much as you don’t want to be a loner as a fresher, you should also be selective in the kind of friends you keep.” Keep companies with people that share the same goals as you.

QIP: No truer words have been spoken. What was your biggest achievement in school?

Aminat: Bagging the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. Nothing bigger.

QIP: It’s big biko… OPP and KPK join. Congratulations!

Aminat: Smiles. Thank you. There’s more to come and I’m ready for it.

QIP: On the subject of more to come. What’s next for you?

Aminat: Get married to a rich Alhaji all the way from Dubai

QIP: Loadinggg “Hajia Aminat” dingg Loadinggg.

Aminat: Lol. Kidding. I have to undergo a year Internship in my areas of interest (Medical Communications and Hospital Pharmacy), NYSC, Masters. In that order.

QIP: One last question. What would you advise the “still in school” gang?

Aminat: Build a strong academic foundation in your first and second years. Engage in self-learning as much as you can. Learn the stuff they won’t teach you in the classroom, that’s why an extracurricular activity is as important as your academics. The University is a learning ground, you know? And pleeeeasssse, build beneficial connections.

Queen Idia press wishes you well in your future endeavours. And surely we know it’s of the best quality from the first and the best University. So go ye into the world and conquer!!! We’re rooting for you!!!