From Hospital Bed to First-Class Honors: Kanu’s Inspiring Journey

Amblest Kanu, a determined graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from Lead City University, has shared his remarkable journey of overcoming significant health challenges to achieve academic excellence. Despite battling sickle cell anaemia, Kanu graduated with a stellar CGPA of 4.94 in 2024.

Kanu described his graduation as a testament to the power of perseverance, stating that it proved “nothing is impossible.” He admitted that while he aimed for a first-class degree, he never anticipated achieving such a high CGPA due to the inherent difficulties posed by his health condition. However, his results consistently improved each semester, fueling his determination to excel.

He recounted facing stigma and skepticism from some individuals who doubted his capabilities due to his sickle cell anaemia. Kanu, however, used these doubts as motivation, taking on multiple leadership roles, including student union president and academic director, to prove his detractors wrong. He explained, “I am a very competitive person. So, whenever I heard or saw such comments, my response was not to shy away from them. I kept doing more to prove them wrong.”

Kanu’s academic journey was punctuated by severe health crises. He recalled a particularly challenging period during his second year when he was hospitalized during exams, revealing his previously concealed genotype to his friends. His health worsened in his third year, culminating in a 25-hour crisis that required an emergency transfer to the University College Hospital and subsequently to the Federal Medical Centre in Lagos, where he spent two months.

His most severe health ordeal occurred before his fifth year when he underwent hip replacement surgery. Despite the major surgery, he resumed school just two weeks later, determined to fulfill his duties as student president.

Kanu attributed his academic success, in part, to proactive studying. Knowing his health could be unpredictable, he often read ahead, even during holidays. He explained, “Before my third year, during my second-year holiday, I read everything I knew would be covered in my third-year courses. So, when I resumed, it felt like a breeze because I had already covered the material.” He also highlighted the support he received from lecturers, classmates, and roommates, who helped him catch up on missed classes and practicals.

His personal experiences with sickle cell anaemia directly influenced his decision to study Medical Laboratory Science. He recalled discovering his genotype in primary school and becoming fascinated by hematology. This fascination drove his passion for the field.

Kanu acknowledged the practical component of his course, particularly in his third year, as a significant academic challenge due to his frequent absences. He stressed that managing a chronic condition while excelling academically required immense resilience. His strategy was to view his health, leadership roles, and studies as challenges to overcome, aiming to demonstrate that sickle cell anaemia did not equate to disadvantage.

He also described his unique reading strategies, which included early morning and late-night study sessions, coupled with a genuine love for his course material.

One particularly harrowing experience he shared was a crisis during his second year, which led to suicidal thoughts. He explained, “I didn’t actually attempt suicide, but I kept shouting and searching for a way to make the pain stop. I didn’t want to end my life, but I just wanted to pass out. It was really a lot to deal with.”

Kanu expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support he received from his parents, lecturers, and friends. He noted that their understanding and assistance were crucial to his success. “My parents were incredibly helpful…My lecturers and family understood the type of person I am and my health struggles…My friends were a big help, too,” he stated.