Hello everyone, Gift here. Today we are introducing a new section called LADIES WHO RULE. This section is targeted at profiling and celebrating women who are taking giant strides and fiercely designing a life they love, be it their career, business, activism etc.
Women are ruling various sectors but sometimes the media does a poor job and bringing their stories to the limelight. This initiative is geared towards changing that narrative.
On our first feature, our staff writer, Rachael interviews a determined lady- Ayomide Akande who at just 22, is currently running her Doctorate degree.
Hey Rachael, over to you.
Ladies Who Rule | The #Ayomide Akande Story
From the day I met Ayomide Abigeal Akande at OBS (Orientation Broadcasting Service) during my NYSC days, I just knew I would love to interview her and share her success story to not only motivate but also push women to dream and aspire to do more.
22-year-old Ayomide Akande is a newly admitted PhD student whose research work will focus on environmental chemistry. She is also an avid volunteer and blogger.
In this current day and time, more women are increasingly considering pursuing their postgraduate degree and I can not help but stan all these wonderful ladies.
Brace yourself for the interview as she answers tons of questions ranging from schools to consider, GRE and even tips for a perfect picture.
So, Who Is Ayomide Akande?
I am a graduate of the University of Ibadan where I studied Chemistry. I also recently completed my National Youth Service Corps program and I am pretty excited about my next steps.
A Direct PhD, wow, I didn’t even know that was a thing. Care to share what informed your decision to pursue a direct PhD?
For me, the dream has always been to get a doctoral degree in Chemistry. I initially planned to do a Master’s first then go ahead to PhD. Eventually, I got to know that my grades could give me leverage and allowed me to do a direct PhD and so I went for it.
Do you think education is the future in Nigeria?
Is education the future in Nigeria? I do not know and I am not sure. However, what I am very sure of is the fact that without quality education, we never get to really live up to our potential as a country.
For an undergraduate who wishes to do a postgraduate degree abroad, what two pieces of advice will you give the person?
It is doable. Whatever and wherever you want to do/go is very possible. Believing this is really the first step.
Work as hard as you want it. Nothing comes easy, so you need to be prepared to work for what you want. Always have it in mind that your hard work is for a good cause
What piece of advice will you give on getting a foreign university scholarship and finding the right university?
There are so many things to consider here, starting from your grades to your intended course of study, and even location. You want to choose a university that is good at teaching your course, right. Also want to consider the weather of the location. You want to know if the school offers financial assistance or funding. You also want to know if you have all the requirements they need. Do you have to write any standardized tests? Basically, so many things go into finding the right university.
What are your plans for the future after a PhD?
Well, the goal is simple. Begin teaching and keep learning.
Seeking out a research area is pretty tasking? Any tips you can share?
I would say go for what makes you happy. A lot of people try to just go with whatever is offered to them and so get discouraged. Honestly, research can be daunting. Now imagine if you are already unhappy with what you are doing, then things can get really difficult for you. So choose a research area you see yourself being happy in.
Of course, sometimes you might be presented an opportunity to work on something you have never heard about. It is a great opportunity, true. However, before you accept that offer, do your findings. Read about that field. Does it sound like something you do not mind working on? What are the future prospects? Who would you be working with on the project? I am a fan of asking questions before beginning a task and not during the task.
What five women inspire you and why?
Maya Angelou: I like good writing. Her writings are really encouraging to me.
Ngozi Okonja-Iweala: This is one African woman that continually challenges the status quo. I know I definitely want to meet her soon.
Victoria Ibiwoye: Founder of One African Child. I love what she is doing in the educational sector and I hope to someday walk that path too
Oluwatoyin Ajilore: This lady works at the intersection of education and entrepreneurship and she does both so well. The ability to balance such roles so gracefully is what I admire the most
Olufunmilayo Akande: My Mom! She constantly teaches and shows through her lifestyle that settling is not an option. That inspires me!
On days you’re tempted to give up, what motivates you to keep going?
This is really easy. I tell myself, “It is worth it.” So every time I get tired, I remind myself that IT IS WORTH IT. My dream & goal is worth everything I am doing right now and every effort I am giving.
I know you love selfies and taking pictures and because of you, I take pictures more frequently than I normally would.
What’s your one tip for the perfect picture?
LOL. Top tip: Always face the light! Face the source of light so that the beam rests on your face. Your skin will glow in the picture, especially if your light source is the sun!
Best book you’ve ever read!
I cannot decide oh. I have read a lot of good books
Hardest life lesson you’ve had to learn.
Nobody owes you anything. I learnt that the hard way.
Have you ever been subjected to any stereotype in your career field just because you’re female?
No. I cannot think of any.
One life advice for younger girls!?
Life is in phases and seasons. This phase will pass. The goal is to get the best out of every season you are in. Live, don’t just exist!
3 items you always have in your purse
My ID card.
ATM cards
Then my phone I guess.
I’m not exactly a purse person
Tell us your favourite social media platform and why
Twitter!
I think twitter is a world of its own and everyone finds their niche/community there. And it is so much fun to
One language you wish you could speak
Spanish!
My second choice would be French though
Check out Ayomide Akande’s blog at https://hayorakande.wordpress.com and follow her on Twitter @Hayorakande.
We have more interviews coming up with amazing women, stay tuned!
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Rachael Ebuh otherwise known as #pinchofchel is a Food and Lifestyle blogger. Passionate about food, spirituality, wild life conservation and human connection.
What an amazing female!