Meet Benue-born Monica Ene Apochi, the first medical student to graduate with four distinctions from BSUTH

What comes easy won’t last. What lasts won’t come easy; this popular quote vividly captures the story of Dr. Monica Ene Apochi. She might have been celebrated statewide but her achievement would surely outlive her.

Ene hailed from Ehaje Owukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Dr. Apochi etched her name in the medical golden book of history after she became the first student to graduate with four distinctions from the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH.

Although she achieved this record-setting academic feat in March 2020 before the COVID-19 lockdown but many Nigerians are wondering why she was never honoured or celebrated by the state or the state government.

The debate broke out on social media following the elaborate reception thrown for former Big Brother Naija house, Terseer Waya, also known as Kiddwaya in the state on Friday.

IDOMA VOICE reports that Kiddwaya visited the state for the first since he left the BBNaija Lockdown house and was given a heroic welcome by the people of the state.

In fact, commercial activities in the state capital were paralysed for hours the billionaire son entered the ancient city of Makurdi from Abuja.

The billionaire son was even hosted in the Government House where the First Lady of the state, Eunice Ortom and other Benue crème de la crème sang his praises.

Following the development, many observers are wondering why the government and the people chose to celebrate mediocrity over excellence and hard work.

A medical doctor, Joshua Ikwulono, an alumni of BSUTH, who broke the news of Ene’s academic feat, said it is sad that the people chose to celebrate mediocrity rather than hard-work.

He wrote, “The first picture is that of Dr Monica Ene Apochi. She is the first medical doctor to graduate with four distinctions from BSUTH. She bagged distinction in Biochemistry, Pathology, Internal Medicine and Surgery. Some of us who graduated from BSUTH know how difficult it’s to bag just a single distinction .Guess what? With this level of hardwork, excellence and commitment, the lady wasn’t celebrated neither was she rewarded.

“The other two pictures are that of Kidwayya who participated in BBnaija show ,a show that promoted immorality (according to those who have watched it).Guess what? On Friday, the guy returned to Benue state and social media has been on fire.

“Someone even reported that he and the rest thousands of Benue people were in Agan tollgate to welcome him. Kidwayya wasn’t just welcomed by Benue people at tollgate but was also received at Benue State Government House by the First Lady of the State. May be, the next we will hear is huge amount of money given him by State government like Ogun State Governor recently did to the participant from his state.

“It’s so obvious that majority of Nigerians celebrate and reward mediocrity rather than hard-work and excellence. I repeat my earlier question again, what is the color of our problem in this country? RIP to academic excellence!”

His post drew a slew of reactions; with many other persons decrying why this generation has chose to place inanity above brilliance.

Reacting, one Jacob Tersoo Zerwua wrote:

I am aligning myself with my boss Dr. Josiah Ikwulono and many others who share in his views and at the same time, differ on some salient issues raised in his post concerning the thunderous welcome home giving to Kiddwaya, a true Benue son.

In truth, Dr. Monica Apochi (MBBS 2020) deserves to be celebrated because it is not easy to get a distinction in medical school and she got four. Please I want to call on the authorities concern such as the (Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Medical and dental council of Nigeria (MDCN), Ministries of education and Health, Alumni BSUTH, to at least honour her for attaining this feat. This way my friend Tyoh Bem Clement (600L) who is sweeping even more distinctions (Anatomy, Pharmacology, Pediatrics, and still counting)will be celebrated too.

Emmanuel Kelechi wrorte;

Josiah, my wife was best graduating student in medical school with distinction and best in many departments in the faculty, If I tell u that what she received, you will cry. I am yet to decide what to do with those papers since then. Nigeria celebrates and reward nonsense. Hardwork doesn’t pay in Nigeria.

Akor Ikwuoche wrote;

That speaks volumes of the level of VANITY that dwells with us as a people. It’s sad.

Samson Saater Awuapila wrote;

Josiah Ikwulono if anyone slows him or herself down in our state waiting for any form of acknowledgement such is doomed – it’s obvious. Just focus, get your grades and flow with the world where things are happening. Thank God Kiddwaya is being recognized today (they could have rejected him on zonal basis but thank God). For that lady, I hope she is doing well for herself. About 3 weeks back Ukan Kurugh had a first class graduate begging for job online….. Guys good night

Alexander Ben wrote;

Personality is applauded in Nigeria More than Talent and hard work to balance the status quo maintenance.

All animals are Equal but some Animals are more Equal.

No vex..na God.

Terdoo Akase wrote;

Dr Monica Apochi had distinctions in Biochemistry, Pathology(the only one in the school’s history), Medicine and surgery. Dr Eyenor Temisan and Dr Agaba Innocent both had distinctions in surgery, making my class the only one in the school’s history to produce 4 distinctions in her final MB.

In an environment that had a horrid apathy towards applauding excellence, these graduands distinguished themselves by no mere intelligence but by a quantum of hard work too vigorous for an uninspired robot.

Guess what… Not as much of a mention of it was done at the induction ceremony, talk more of an award. Neither was any of them offered automatic house job placement in the said institution. That humongous feat was completely inconsequential.

And then a massive group of people will pay attention and money to watch and support will reckless zest, a display of nothingness, a show that promotes immorality on public screens.

People filled with the Holy Spirit will vote for someone who flaunts nudity to the world in the name of a reality TV show.

What happened to our priorities? When did corruption and hooliganism become kingmakers? Who flushed our morals down the toilet? How do we recover our sanity?

…Yesterday, a generation died.

Tarpav Saasaa wrote;

See the lady on green? She graduated with me. Top of her class! With distinctions in biochemistry, pathology, medicine, surgery!!

The society (Nigerian society) didn’t even bother to offer her “ordinary” standing ovation!!!

The other lady; a “star” in our society. Took home millions.

Now sombory still wants me to spend my data/money to bring another ass***le to “fame”.

Over my dead body. Not even if you’re my twin.